Evidence for a Founder Mutation in the Cathepsin C Gene in Three Families with Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome

Background: Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS; OMIM 245000) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. Clinically, PLS is characterized by hyperkeratosis involving the palms, soles, elbows and knees which is followed later on by periodontitis, destruction of alveolar bone and loss of primary and permanent teeth. The condition is caused by mutations in the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. Methods: We analyzed the DNA of members from 3 consanguineous families for mutations in the CTSC gene by direct sequencing analysis. We then performed haplotype analysis. Results: We identified an identical recurrent missense mutation, R272P, in all 3 families. Microsatellite marker analysis around the CTSC gene revealed the same haplotype on the mutation-carrying allele in all 3 families. Conclusion: The presence of this common mutation in families from 2 different geographical areas provides evidence for a founder effect for CTSC mutations in PLS. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel