Abstract
Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the predominant type of inherited kidney disorder, which occurs due to PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations. ADPKD diagnosis is made primarily by kidney imaging; however, molecular genetic analysis needs to be implicated to confirm the diagnosis. It is critical to perform a molecular genetic analysis when the diagnosis is uncertain, particularly in simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family), in people with remarkably mild symptoms, or in individuals with atypical presentations. The main aim of this study is to determine the likelihood of PKD1 gene mutations in Iranian patients with ADPKD diagnosis. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples from 26 ADPKD patients, who were referred to the Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. By using suitable primers, 16 end exons of PKD1 gene that are regional hotspots, were replicated with PCR. Then, PCR products were subjected to DNA directional Sanger sequencing.Results: The results of DNA sequencing in the patients showed that exons 35, 36 and 37 were non- polymorphic, while most mutations had occurred in exons 44 and 45. Only in two patients, exon-intron boundary mutation had occurred in intron 44. Most of the variants were missense and non-synonymous types. Conclusion: In this study, we present nine novel mutations/polymorphisms in PKD1. These data will contribute to an improved diagnostic and genetic counseling in clinical settings. Keywords: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease; PKD1; mutational analysis; Iranian