Novel PTCH1 Mutation Causes Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the aetiology and pathogenesis of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GS; also known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome [NBCCS] or basal cell nevus syndrome [BCNS]) in a Chinese family.

METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on genomic DNA samples from the subjects in a family, followed by the investigation of pathogenesis via bioinformatic approaches and conformational analysis.

RESULTS: A novel heterozygous non-frameshift deletion patched 1 (PTCH1) [NM_000264: c.3512_3526del (p.1171_1176del)] was identified by WES and further validated by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic and conformational analysis showed that the mutation caused altered PTCH1 protein structure, which may be related to functional abnormalities.

CONCLUSION: This study expands the mutation spectrum of PTCH1 in GS and facilitates the early diagnosis and screening of GS. PTCH1 [c.3512_3526del (p.1171_1176del)] may cause structural abnormalities and functional disabilities, leading to GS in families.