Case Report: Deep intronic PHEX variant causing aberrant splicing identified by whole genome and targeted RNA sequencing in X-linked hypophosphatemia - Summary - MDSpire

Case Report: Deep intronic PHEX variant causing aberrant splicing identified by whole genome and targeted RNA sequencing in X-linked hypophosphatemia

  • By

  • Susanne Spranger

  • Helene Faust

  • Patricia Duffek

  • Susanna Schubert

  • Heyko Skladny

  • Peter Kovacs

  • Anke Tönjes

  • Denny Popp

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To identify a previously undetected genetic cause of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in a patient with a clear clinical phenotype but negative genetic testing results.

Approach:
  • Genetic Testing: Conducted short-read whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by short-read whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify genetic variants.
  • RNA Analysis: Extracted RNA from peripheral blood, amplified via RT-PCR, and analyzed using Nanopore long-read sequencing to confirm splice effects.
Key Findings:
  • Identified a novel deep intronic variant in the PHEX gene (c.2070 + 601C>T) confirmed as de novo.
  • The variant caused two aberrant transcripts with pseudoexon inclusions, leading to premature stop codons.
Interpretation:

The findings highlight the diagnostic value of comprehensive genomic analysis and RNA sequencing for identifying deep intronic variants in XLH.

Limitations:
  • The study focuses on a single case, limiting generalizability.
  • Long-term effects of Burosumab therapy were not assessed in this report.
Conclusion:

This case expands the known PHEX mutation spectrum.

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