GJB2 mutations in Iranian Azeri population with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL): First report of c.238 C>A mutation in Iran

J Clin Lab Anal. 2021 Nov;35(11):e24024. doi: 10.1002/jcla.24024. Epub 2021 Sep 28.

Abstract

Objective: Autosomal-recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder. Mutations in the gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) gene, encoding connexin 26, are a significant cause of ARNSHL in different ethnic groups. This study aimed to identify the frequency and type of GJB2 mutations in the Iranian Azeri population.

Methods: Fifty unrelated families presenting ARNSHL in Ardabil Province, the northwest of Iran, were studied to determine the frequency and type of GJB2 mutations leading to ARNSHL. ARMS-PCR screened all DNA samples to detect c.35delG; p. Gly12Val mutation. In addition, normal samples for c.35delG; p. Gly12Val were analyzed by direct sequencing for other GJB2 mutations.

Result: Of the fifty families, 13 (26%) showed a GJB2 gene mutation, with c.35delG; p. Gly12Val mutation was the most prevalent one that occurred in eight (61.5%) out of the 13 families. Of the families, two were homozygous for c.358-360delGAC; p. Glu120del mutation, and one was homozygous for c.290dupA; p. Tyr97Ter and c.299-300delAT; p. His100Arg mutations. Also, we detected a novel mutation, c.238C>A; p. Gln80lys, in one of the families.

Conclusion: Our findings are comparable to previous studies, indicating c.35d3lG; p. Gly12Val mutation in the GJB2 gene is the most common cause of GJB2-related hearing loss in the Iranian Azeri population. Furthermore, our study highlights the significance of ARNSHL screening programs of live births based on local population data in Iran.

Keywords: Azeri population; GJB2; Iran; gap junction protein beta 2; hearing loss; nonsyndromic hearing loss.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Connexin 26 / genetics*
  • Deafness / epidemiology*
  • Deafness / genetics*
  • Ethnicity / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Prevalence
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GJB2 protein, human
  • Connexin 26

Supplementary concepts

  • Nonsyndromic Deafness