Analysis of copy number variations of WNT4 gene in a Chinese population with Mullerian anomalies

Background To investigate the genetic contribution of copy number variations (CNVs) in Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 4 (WNT4), in a Chinese population with Mullerian anomalies (MA), copy number analysis of WNT4 by Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was performed on 248 female patients. Some studies have shown that heterozygous missense mutation of WNT4 can lead to MA. However, few studies on the relationship between WNT4 CNVs and MA have been performed. Results Among the 248 Chinese women affected by MA in this study, heterozygous deletion of WNT4 was detected in a single patient. Conclusions MLPA identified one heterozygous deletion in WNT4 in a single female patient among 248 Chinese women affected by MA. This study firstly reports CNVs of WNT4 in a large sample of MA patients from the Chinese population, which suggests that CNVs of WNT4 cannot be excluded in the occurrence of MA. This provides a genetic basis for precise treatment in the future.

Automated summary

Among the 248 Chinese women affected by MA, only one patient was found to have a heterozygous deletion of WNT4. This study provides evidence that CNVs of WNT4 may play a role in the development of MA, indicating a potential genetic basis for future precision treatments.