Large de novo deletion in chromosome 12 affecting the PAH, IGF1, ASCL1, and TRA1 genes

Phenylketonuria is one of the most common genetic diseases in humans, affecting 1 in 10,000 whites. Deletions are generally uncommon in genes in which no long highly homologous segments are present, and in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency they represent only 5% of cases. We present the case of a girl affected by classical phenylketonuria who has been screened for mutations in the PAH gene. During the molecular study a large de novo deletion has detected in 12qter, including PAH, and the genes for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), human achaete-scute homolog 1 (ASCL1), and tumor rejection antigen (TRA1). The patient showed phenylketonuria, short stature, and pathological electro-oculography results in both eyes, with high affectation of the relative electrogenesis of the photoreceptor-pigment epithelium complex. She had previously been misdiagnosed as homozygous for the IVS8nt-7A-G mutation, instead of heterozygous for a mutation and a de novo deletion. As a result incorrect genetic counseling had been given. The deletion of the PAH, IGF1, and ASCL1 genes could explain the patient's phenotype corresponding to a contiguous gene syndrome. We stress the relevance of polymorphic marker haplotype analysis and the importance of family study in genetic recessive diseases, such as phenylketonuria, to avoid incorrect diagnosis and genetic counseling.