A novel mutation of the VMD2 gene in a Chinese family with best vitelliform macular dystrophy

ABSTRACT

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>In this paper, we report a novel VMD2 gene mutation in a Chinese family with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>Ophthalmologic examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed in 2 members of this family. Mutational screening was performed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing of PCR-amplified DNA fragments, corresponding to the 11 exons of the gene.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sequence analysis identified a previously unreported C to G change, predicting a Phe-113-Leu substitution. Both the proband and his sister harboured this novel mutation. Each had bilateral vitelliform lesions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A novel mutation in the VMD2 gene (C427G) was found in Chinese patients with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy.</p>