An analysis of GNAS and THRA gene mutations in children with congenital hypothyroidism

Abstract:

Objective To preliminarily investigate the relationship between stimulatory G protein α subunit (GNAS) and thyroid hormone receptor α (THRA) gene mutations and clinical phenotypes in children with congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods A total of 70 children with CH diagnosed by neonatal screening were enrolled. Their peripheral blood samples were collected to extract genomic DNA. GNAS and THRA genes were screened for mutations using next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the pathogenicity of gene mutations. Results Of the 70 children with CH, nine missense mutations (three known mutations and six novel mutations) in the GNAS gene were detected in three patients (4%), and one gene polymorphism, c.508A > G(p.I170V), in the THRA gene was detected in four patients. The analysis results of bioinformatics software and ACMG/AMP guidelines showed that the two GNAS gene mutations[c.301C > T(p.R101C) and c.334G > A(p.E112K)] were more likely to be pathogenic. Three children with GNAS gene mutations showed different degrees of hypothyroidism. Conclusions GNAS gene mutations are related to the development of CH, and children with CH have different clinical manifestations. THRA gene mutations may not be associated with CH.