Whole exome sequencing identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation of nephrocystin 4 in a child with nephronophthisis—a rare case report - Report - MDSpire

Whole exome sequencing identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation of nephrocystin 4 in a child with nephronophthisis—a rare case report

  • By

  • Wang Li

  • Gao-Hui Cao

  • Nan-Nan Li

  • Jie-Yi Long

  • You-Qing Tang

  • Ji-Shi Liu

  • Liang-Liang Fan

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Identification of a Novel Compound Heterozygous Nephrocystin 4 Mutation

Background

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a significant cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in children, characterized by chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis. Genetic mutations, particularly in the NPHP4 gene, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Data Highlights

Whole exome sequencing identified two mutations in the NPHP4 gene: c.2611C > T/p.R871X (pathogenic) and c.2768G > A/p.R923H (likely pathogenic). These mutations were inherited from the patient's parents and have not been previously reported in NPHP patients.

Key Findings

  • NPHP is the most prevalent monogenic cause of ESRD, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Whole exome sequencing can effectively identify novel genetic mutations associated with NPHP.
  • The identified NPHP4 mutations were predicted to be deleterious by bioinformatic analysis.
  • Genetic testing is essential for the accurate diagnosis of nephronophthisis.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider genetic testing for patients presenting with symptoms of nephronophthisis, especially when the clinical presentation is atypical.

Conclusion

The identification of novel mutations in the NPHP4 gene highlights the need for further research into the genetic underpinnings of this disorder.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Li, The FEBS Journal, 2026 -- Nephronophthisis: Current clinical spectrum and molecular pathogenesis
  2. Nephronophthisis-Related Ciliopathies, NCBI Bookshelf, 2026 -- Genetic confirmation has become the cornerstone of diagnosis.
  3. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Identification of Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the GLB1 Gene by Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Case of Infantile GM1 Gangliosidosis: A Case Report
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Identification of Deep Intronic PHEX Variants in X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets Using an RNA-First Method
  5. Frontiers in Medicine — Case Report: Identification of a CRYGD variant in a family with congenital cataract
  6. Acta Neuropathologica — Deficiency of UGP2 in the brain results in a profound epileptic encephalopathy, highlighting that bi-allelic mutations leading to isoform-specific start-loss in critical genes can result in genetic disorders.
  7. Nephronophthisis: Current clinical spectrum and molecular pathogenesis - Li - The FEBS Journal - Wiley Online Library
  8. Nephronophthisis-Related Ciliopathies
  9. Systematic review of outcomes reported in clinical research on nephronophthisis: how do they align with SONG Kids priorities? | Pediatric Nephrology | Springer Nature Link

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