Identification of a Novel Intragenic Deletion of the PHKD1 Gene in a Patient with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease

Background Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene. In the present study, we describe a severe case of ARPKD carrying a point mutation and a novel four-exon deletion of PKHD1 gene. Materials and Methods The PKHD1, PKD1 and PKD2 genes were analyzed using next-generation sequencing, whereas the PKHD1 gene exon deletions/duplications were screened using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Results The c.2279G>A (p.Arg760His) mutation and a deletion encompassing exons 24-27 of PKHD1 gene were detected in compound heterozygosity in the affected neonate. The complete documentation of the genetic basis of the disease offered the possibility of a targeted prenatal diagnosis in the following pregnancy of the couple. Conclusion Given that the molecular analysis of ARPKD is mainly based on sequencing techniques, the PKHD1 gene exon deletion/duplication screening should be performed as a complementary assay in patients suspected to have ARPKD in the absence of two pathogenic mutations.