高分辨熔解曲线检测苯丙氨酸羟化酶基因突变的临床价值

目的 研究用HRM分析技术检测经典型PKU患者PAH基因突变的临床应用价值。方法采用HRM分析技术对17例经典型PKU患者PAH基因的13个外显子及外显子-内含子交界区域进行检测,并采用DNA测序验证HRM检测结果。同时评价HRM诊断PKU的敏感度和特异度。另外,对其中2个家系的风险胎儿进行产前诊断。结果采用HRM分析技术从17例经典型PKU患者中检出有2个致病突变的患者16例,检出有3个致病突变患者l例。同时检出194V(c.280A＞G)、IVS4nt-1G＞A(c.442-1G＞A)、R158Q(c.473G＞ A)、Q160X(c.478C＞ T)、W187X(c.561G＞ A)、E6nt-96A＞ G(c.611A＞ G)、G239D(c.716G＞ A)、R241C(c.721C＞ T)、R243Q(c.728G＞ A)、G247R (c.739C-＞ C)、G247V(c.740G＞ T)、R261X(c.781C ＞T)、R261Q(c.782G＞ A)、H264R(c.791A ＞G)、F302 fsX39(c.904delT)、E305K(c.913G＞ A)、G312V(c.935G＞ T)、Y356X(c.1068C＞A)、V399V (c.1197A ＞T)、R408Q(c.1223G＞ A)、T418P(c.1252A ＞C)、A434D(c.1301C＞ A) 22种致病突变;Q232Q(c.696G＞A)、V245V(c.735G＞ A)、L385L(c.1155C＞G)3种沉默突变;1种单核苷酸多态点rs2280615(c.402A＞ C)。其中194V(c.280A＞ G)、Q160X(c.478C＞ T)、H264R(c.791A ＞G)、G312V (c.935G＞T)和E305K(c.913G＞ A)为PAH基因新发现的突变。2例风险胎儿经产前诊断,1例未发现致病突变,1例诊断为携带者。HRM突变筛查经典型PKU的敏感度和特异度均为100％,其检测结果与DNA测序结果完全一致。结论HRM分析技术是一种简单、准确、快速、高通量、低成本的遗传学分析方法,可用于经典型PKU的PAH基因突变筛查,并可用于已知父母突变的经典型PKU家系快速产前诊断。     

应用变性高效液相色谱检测马凡综合征原纤维蛋白1突变

目的 应用变性高效液相色谱(DHPLC)结合DMA测序法检测分析马凡综合征(MFS)原纤维蛋白1(fibrillin-1)基因(FBNI)突变状况.方法 提取22例MFS患者全血DMA,PCR增扩FBNI的65个外显子,用DHPLC筛查DNA突变,对DHPLC图形异常的PCR产物用DNA测序分析突变分布.结果 在9例MFS患者FBNI中发现10种突变.其中有4种错义突变[5015G>C(C1672S)、5309G>A(C1770Y)、7241G>A(A2414c)与7769G>A(C2590Y)],4种无义突变[3295G>T(E1099X)、4307in8TCGT(G1441X),4621C>T(R1541x)与8080C>T(A2694x)],2种剪切位点突变(IVS29+4A>T与IVS50+1G>A).结论 DHPLC结合DNA测序法是一种快速有效的FBNI突变检测法,可用于MIFS的基因诊断.     

Mutational heterogeneity in low-density lipoprotein receptor gene related to familial hypercholesterolemia in Morocco

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes. Until now, molecular data concerning FH in Morocco is still limited. To gain more information in this field and to assess the contribution of these three genes in the cause of FH determinism, we analyzed six unrelated Moroccan probands and twenty-five of their family's members. METHODS: After LDLR and APOB genotype analysis, we screened the LDLR gene for mutations using southern blot and PCR-sequencing analysis. We also screened the APOB gene for the two common mutations R3500Q and R3531C by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis. The PCSK9 gene was analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: We identified three novel mutations (C25X, IVS3+5G>T, D558A) and two mutations previously described (D151N, A480E) in the LDLR gene. The R3500Q and R3531C mutations are absent in our probands and for 1 proband, the implication of LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes was excluded, supporting the implication of a fourth gene in the determination of FH. CONCLUSION: These data are in agreement with our previous study that suggests a heterogeneous mutational spectrum of FH in Morocco.     

遗传性凝血因子Ⅶ缺陷症家系中R152Q及IVS6+1G→T突变的鉴定

目的检测1个遗传性凝血因子Ⅶ缺陷症家系中因子Ⅶ基因的突变。方法应用PCR结合直接测序的方法对先证者的因子Ⅶ基因9个外显子及其侧翼序列进行分析，鉴别其中可能存在的基因变异。应用PCR产物反向测序法或PCR限制性内切酶分析技术对突变位点进行确证。随机选取100名健康体检者作为正常对照。结果先证者FⅦ基因第6外显子和第6内含子分别存在R152Q和IVS6＋1G→T杂合突变，家系分析表明这2个突变是双重杂合子型，前者遗传自父亲，后者遗传自母亲。100名健康对照者均未发现R152Q错义突变。结论FⅦ基因第6外显子R152Q错义突变和第6内含子供体剪接位点IVS6＋1G→T突变可能是先证者因子Ⅶ先天性缺陷的原因。     

Fabry disease: twenty-two novel mutations in the alpha-galactosidase A gene and genotype/phenotype correlations in severely and mildly affected hemizygotes and heterozygotes.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease, an inborn error of glycosphingolipid catabolism, results from mutations in the X-chromosomal gene encoding the lysosomal exoglycosidase, alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A; EC 3.2.1.22). The nature of the molecular lesions in the alpha-Gal A gene in 36 unrelated families was determined in order to provide precise heterozygote detection, prenatal diagnosis, and to define genotype/phenotype correlations. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from affected males and/or carrier females from 36 unrelated families with Fabry disease. The entire alpha-Gal A coding region and flanking intronic sequences were analyzed by PCR amplification and solid-phase or cycle sequencing. Markers closely linked to the alpha-Gal A gene were analyzed to determine if probands with the same mutations were related. RESULTS: Twenty-two novel mutations were identified including 10 missense (P40L, W95S, S148N, C172R, M187V, N224S, W226R, A230T, D266H, N320Y), three nonsense (Y134X, C142X, W204X in two families), three splice-site defects (IVS2(+1), IVS3(+1), IVS4(+1)) and six small deletions or insertions (26delA in two families, 672ins37, 774delAC, 833insA, 1139delC, 1188insT). Of the remaining 12 families (33.3%), each had a previously identified mutation, eight of which occurred at CpG dinucleotides including R112C (two families), R112H, R227Q, R227X (three families), and R301Q. Haplotype analysis of the mutant alleles that occurred in two or three presumably unrelated families revealed that the families with the rare novel alleles (W204X and 26delA) were probably related, whereas those with mutations involving CpG dinucleotides (R112C and R227X) were not, the latter being consistent with their origins as independent mutational events. Genotype/phenotype correlations revealed that certain mutations previously found in mild variant patients also were found in classic patients. In addition, the genotypes and spectrum of phenotypic severity were determined in five heterozygotes with no family history. CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate the molecular heterogeneity of the lesions causing Fabry disease and emphasize the fact that CpG dinucleotides constitute important hot spots for mutation in the alpha-Gal A gene. These studies also permit precise heterozygote detection and prenatal diagnosis in these families, and delineate phenotype-genotype correlations in this disease.     

Nine novel germline gene variants in the RET proto-oncogene identified in twelve unrelated cases

We report nine novel DNA alterations in the RET proto-oncogene in 12 unrelated cases identified by DNA sequencing of exons 10 and 11 of the gene. The novel variants K666E, IVS9-11G-->A, D631V in cis with H665Q, D631E (with C634Y), E623K (in trans with C618S), 616delGAG (in trans with C609Y), Y606C, C630R, and R635-T636insELCR;T636P were detected in patients with various clinical presentations ranging from thyroid goiter, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma to classic multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A. When novel DNA alterations are found, extended family studies can be helpful in determining the clinical significance of such findings. Segregation within families suggests that K666E and T636insELCR;T636P are likely to be disease-causing mutations. However, the mechanism by which they affect the normal activity of the RET receptor is unclear. Absence of segregation with disease was observed for E623K and 616delGAG. For the remainder of the DNA alterations, family studies were not possible, and the clinical significance of these novel variants needs further assessment. Additional case reports, animal models, and/or functional studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these newly identified variants.     

1例植物固醇血症的家系调查及致病基因突变研究

目的探讨1例植物固醇血症家系及其致病基因突变。方法对1例诊断为植物固醇血症的患者及其家系成员进行家系调查;通过PCR扩增先证者及其家系成员基因组DNA中ABCG5及ABCG8基因的所有外显子及其侧翼序列,采用Sanger测序法对PCR产物进行基因测序;采用Polyphen2及Mutation Taster生物信息学软件预测突变的致病性。结果 Sanger测序法发现先症者及家系成员中存在多个基因突变,其中ABCG5基因发现3个突变,分别为外显子1 c.64CT(p.Q22X)杂合无义突变、外显子10 c.1336CT(p.R446X)杂合无义突变、外显子13 c.1810CG(p.Q604E)杂合错义突变;ABCG8基因发现4个突变,分别为(ATG前)-19TG纯合突变、外显子2 c.161AG(p.Y54C)纯合错义突变、外显子13 c.1895TC(p.V632A)纯合错义突变、外显子4和5间的内含子g.12902TC纯合突变。Polyphen2及Mutation Taster软件预测ABCG5基因中c.64CT及c.1336CT为致病突变,其他基因突变均为非致病性的多态性位点。结论 ABCG5基因c.64CT及c.1336CT复杂杂合突变是该植物固醇血症家系的基因发病机制。     

Congenital hypothyroid goiter with deficient thyroglobulin. Identification of an endoplasmic reticulum storage disease with induction of molecular chaperones.

Recent advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of congenital hypothyroid goiter in cog/cog mice, have raised important questions concerning the maturation of thyroglobulin (the thyroid prohormone) in certain human kindreds with congenital goiter. We have now examined affected siblings from two unrelated families that synthesize an apparently normally glycosylated, > 300 kD immunoreactive thyroglobulin, yet have a reduced quantity of intraglandular thyroglobulin and that secreted into the circulation. From thyroid tissues of the four patients, light microscopic approaches demonstrated presence of intracellular thyroglobulin despite its absence in thyroid follicle lumina, while electron microscopy indicated abnormal distention of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We have confirmed biochemically that most intrathyroidal thyroglobulin fails to reach the (Golgi) compartment where complex carbohydrate modification takes place. Moreover, the disease in the affected patients is associated with massive induction of specific ER molecular chaperones including the hsp90 homolog, GRP94, and the hsp70 homolog, BiP. The data suggest that these patients synthesize a mutant thyroglobulin which is defective for folding/assembly, leading to a markedly reduced ability to export the protein from the ER. Thus, these kindreds suffer from a thyroid ER storage disease, a cell biological defect phenotypically indistinguishable from that found in cog/cog mice.     

Two novel mutations of the human delta7-sterol reductase (DHCR7) gene in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

We analyzed seven unrelated children with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) for mutations in the delta7-sterol reductase gene by using SSCP and direct sequencing. We identified two novel mutations (V330M and R363C) in the DHCR7 gene. Reported mutations found in this study were T93M (3/14 alleles), E448K (2/14), and W151X, G244R, P329L, and R446Q (each found in one allele). The so-called common IVS8-1 G --> C was found in three alleles, confirming its relative rarity among Italian SLOS families. By using a scoring system, clinical severity did not seem to correlate with 7DHC levels and type of mutation. Expanding the spectrum of mutations in SLOS, our study does not support direct genotype-phenotype correlation.     

Simultaneous amplification, detection, and analysis of common mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase gene

Classic galactosemia is an autosomal recessive inherited error of galactose metabolism. It is caused by lack of galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase, an enzyme that is required to metabolize galactose-1-phosphate to uridine diphosphate galactose. The build up of galactose-1-phosphate is toxic at high levels and can damage the liver, brain, eyes, and other vital organs. Over 200 mutations have been identified in affected individuals. We describe an assay to identify nine target mutations or variants in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase gene, namely p.Q188R, p.S135L, p.K285N, p.L195P, p.T138M, p.Y209C, IVS2-2 A>G, p.L218L, and p.N314D. A single long-range PCR is followed by a multiplexed nucleotide extension assay (single nucleotide extension) and capillary electrophoresis to detect simultaneously all nine target mutations/variants. Fifty-four previously characterized samples (47 clinical samples and seven controls) gave a 100% concordance. We also report a nontarget novel mutation, p.L192X, and its profile using single nucleotide extension. This assay can complement the enzyme activity assay and identify familial mutations for testing additional family members.     

29例汉族马凡综合征患者的FBN1基因突变分析

目的对29例汉族马凡综合征（Marfan syndrome,MFS）患者的原纤蛋白-1（fibrillin-1,FBNI）基因进行突变筛查,探讨MFS与FBN1基因突变的关系。方法提取29例患者外周血全基因组DNA,应用PCR技术对FBN1的65个外显子进行扩增,应用变性高效液相色谱（denaturing high perfommce liquid chromatography,DHPLC）对患者FBNI的65个外显子进行突变筛查,对DHPLC检测出图形异常的PCR扩增片段用DNA测序鉴定突变位点和类型。结果在12例MFS患者中发现12种FBN1突变。其中有8种为新的突变,分别为2359A〉T（S787C）、3380G〉T（G1127V）、4151T〉C（M1384T）、4244G〉A（C1415Y）、6071G〉T（C2024F）、IVS2＋1G〉T、IVS37＋5G〉A和7970C〉G＋7971delC。另外4种为已报道突变,包括3037G〉A（G1013R）、6049T〉C（C2017R）、4429G〉T（E1477X）和4930C〉T（R1644X）。结论FBN1基因突变可能是12例MFS患者的致病因素。     

Frequencies of Q188R and N314D mutations and IVS5-24g>A intron variation in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene in the Slovenian population.

Numerous mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene have been found to impair GALT activity to different extent, causing galactosemia. This disorder exhibits considerable allelic heterogeneity in different populations and ethnic groups. The Q188R mutation accounts for 60-70% of classical galactosemia alleles in the Caucasian population. Individuals homoallelic for Q188R have a severe phenotype with complete loss of enzyme activity. Another form of GALT deficiency is Duarte galactosemia with N314D mutation associated alleles (Duarte-2). Although heterozygotes for classical galactosemia are asymptomatic at birth and Duarte galactosemia appears to be quite benign, there are some indications that these disorders can increase the risk of developing certain diseases later in life. The aim of our study was to analyze a healthy Slovenian population for the frequencies of Q188R and N314D mutations, and for the Duarte-2 indicative intronic variation IVS5-24G>A. DNA samples from 174 healthy subjects were analyzed for all three mutations by polymerase chain reaction and digestion with restriction enzymes. Allele frequencies for Q188R and N314D mutations and IVS5-24G>A intron variation were found to be 0.29%, 8.0% and 5.7%, respectively. These results correlate well with those reported for most other healthy Caucasian populations.     

Human platelet antigen allele frequencies and new mutations on platelet glycoprotein genes in the Chinese Han population

Background and Objectives: The frequencies of human platelet antigens (HPAs) vary between different populations. In this study, we determined the HPA allele frequencies in the Chinese Han population and identified situation of incompatibility possibly leading to alloimmunisation. Methods: A total of 750 volunteer blood donors of the Chinese Han population were genotyped for HPA‐1 to ‐17w systems. HPA genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing. Results: Among the 17 HPA systems, the allele frequency is different from other populations. We noted the absence of HPA‐7bw to HPA‐14bw, HPA‐16bw and HPA‐17bw alleles in the population. The estimated incompatibility probabilities regarding platelet antigens 1 to 6w and 15 systems after transfusion of random donor platelet were from 0·004 to 0·373. Thirteen glycoprotein alleles were observed in the population. In addition, we identified 16 novel mutations on the glycoprotein genes separated from HPA polymorphisms, including GP1BA (517‐525delAAC), ITGA2B (2722C>T and IVS26+85T>C), ITGA2 (1521C>T, 2474T>G and IVS20+10 G>C), ITGB3 (1476G>A, IVS10+19C>A, 1813G>A, IVS11+21G>A, IVS11+152A>G and IVS11‐104T>C), GP1BB (IVS1‐79G>A, IVS1‐27C>T and 129G>A) and CD109 (2139A>G). Five of them could lead to amino acid deletion, substitution or premature stop codon in corresponding glycoprotein. Conclusions: There was a high degree of polymorphism of the membrane glycoprotein genes related to human platelet alloantigen‐1 to ‐17w systems in the Chinese Han population. These data could have some impact on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of alloimmune thrombocytopenia.     

Identification and characterization of new variants of three associated SNPs and a microsatellite in the TSH receptor gene which are useful for genetic studies

The purpose of the present work was to characterize g.IVS5-69C>T, g.IVS6+13C>T and c.561C>T SNPs and the [CT](n) microsatellite in the TSHR gene for genetic analysis. Exons 6 and 7 of the TSHR gene, including the flanking intronic sequences, were screened for the presence of g.IVS5-69C>T, g.IVS6+13C>T and c.561C>T SNPs by SSCP. We found genetic association between the three SNPs and a total of three different haplotypes were observed. Two were homozygous blocks, g.IVS5-69T/g.IVS6+13G/c.561C (Haplotype TGC, 3.3%) and g.IVS5-69C/g.IVS6+13A/c.561T (Haplotype CAT, 75%). Every individual who was heterozygous for g.IVS5-69C>T was equally heterozygous for g.IVS6+13A>G and c.561T>C (Haplotype CAT/TGC, 21.7%). The [CT](n) microsatellite, localized in intron 7 of the TSHR gene was amplified by PCR and the labeled products were separated in a polyacrylamide denaturing sequencing gel. Three variable numbers of CT motif were identified, two previously reported ([CT](6) and [CT](8)) and one previously unreported ([CT](9)). The construction and expression of the hybrid minigenes using pSPL3 and alpha-globin-fibronectin EDB (pTB) vectors showed that the [CT](n) microsatellite itself does not interfere with exon 8 definition and processing in vitro. In conclusion, g.IVS5-69C>T/g.IVS6+13C>T/c.561C>T haplotypes and [CT](n) microsatellite are informative polymorphic markers and can be used in linkage studies in families with germ line TSHR mutations or autoimmunity thyroid diseases.     

Type 2A (IIH) von Willebrand disease is due to mutations that affect von Willebrand factor multimerization

Summary.  Background:  Type IIH von Willebrand disease was reported 20 years ago as a novel variant characterized by the loss of the largest multimers in plasma and platelets and absence of the typical triplet structure. Objectives and methods:  The propositus and his daughter have been reinvestigated and characterized at the molecular level. The identified mutations were expressed in COS-7 cells to evaluate the mechanism of this variant. Results and Discussion:  The propositus had normal von Willebrand factor (VWF):ristocetin cofactor activity (RCo) and high VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) values, with a low VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratio (0.51). No abnormalities were found in his daughter, except for the reduced triplet structure in plasma VWF and diminished ultralarge VWF (ULVWF) multimers in platelets. Three mutations were identified in the propositus: 604C>T (R202W), 4748G>A (R1583Q), and 2546G>A (C849Y). The amounts of secreted recombinant VWF (rVWF) were apparently increased for R202W (130%), R202W-R1583Q (131%), and R202W-R1583Q/WT (121%), reduced for C849Y (72%) and C849Y/WT (83%), and normal for R1583Q (107%) and R202W-R1583Q/C849Y (102%). In cell lysates, higher values were found in association with the C849Y mutation. A normal multimeric pattern was found in R1583Q rVWF, mainly dimers in R202W rVWF, and intermediate molecular weight multimers in C849Y rVWF. Hybrid R202W-R1583Q/WT and C849Y/WT rVWFs had a nearly normal multimeric pattern, whereas in hybrid R202W-R1583Q/C849Y rVWF there was a loss of large/intermediate multimers. Conclusions:  The propositus phenotype seems to be due to mutations R202W and C849Y, both affecting the VWF multimerization process and, for C849Y rVWF, intracellular survival. The absent triplet multimeric structure in the propositus and its reduction in his daughter appears to be related to the lack of ULVWF multimers, which mainly contribute to the formation of satellite bands.     

Mutations that diminish expression of Kell surface protein and lead to the Kmod RBC phenotype

BACKGROUND: Kmod is an inherited rare RBC phenotype characterized by weak but detectable expression of high-incidence Kell antigens. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The 19 exons and the intron-exon regions of the KEL gene from four unrelated Kmod individuals were sequenced and compared to wild-type KEL. To study the mechanisms by which the mutations result in depression of Kell antigens, mutant and wild-type Kell proteins were expressed in 293T cells and the amounts of protein present on the cell surface were determined. RESULTS: The following point mutations were identified: Kmod-1, homozygous 1208G>A, S363N; Kmod-2, heterozygous, 1208G>A, S363N and 2150 A>G, Y677C; Kmod-3 (previously classified as KEL:-13), heterozygous 1106T>C, L329P and 1716G>A, W532Stop; Kmod-4, heterozygous, 2227G>A, G703R and a silent 1839C>T mutation. In transfected 293T cells, fewer G703R and L329P mutant Kell proteins were transported to the cell surface compared with wild-type Kell protein, and there was no detectable Y677C mutant Kell protein. Previously, it was shown that that S363N Kell protein was not detected on the cell surface. CONCLUSION: Different point mutations, causing amino acid substitutions and presumably altering protein conformation, inhibit transport of the mutant Kell proteins to the cell surface. The different mutations leading to the Kmod phenotype explain why anti-Ku made by persons with the Kmod phenotype are not mutually compatible.     

Common large partial VWF gene deletion does not cause alloantibody formation in the Hungarian type 3 von Willebrand disease population

Summary. Background: Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder, characterized by virtually undetectable plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) and consequently reduced plasma factor VIII levels. Genetic mutations responsible for type 3 VWD are very heterogeneous, scattered throughout the VWF gene and show high variability among different populations. Methods: Twenty‐five severe VWD patients were studied by direct sequencing of the 51 coding exons of the VWF gene. The total number of VWD type 3 families in Hungary is 24, of which 23 were investigated. Results: Fifteen novel mutations were identified in 31 alleles, five being nonsense mutations (p.Q1238X, p.Q1898X, p.Q1931X, p.S2505X and p.S2568X), four small deletions and insertions resulting in frame shifts (c.1992insC, c.3622delT, c.5315insGA and c.7333delG), one a large partial deletion (delExon1‐3) of the 5′‐region, four candidate missense mutations (p.C35R, p.R81G, p.C295S, p.C623T) and one a candidate splice site mutation (c.1730–10C>A). Six previously described mutations were detected in 17 alleles, including the repeatedly found c.2435delC, p.R1659X and p.R1853X. Only one patient developed alloantibodies to VWF, carrying a homozygous c.3622delT. Conclusion: We report the genetic background of the entire Hungarian type 3 VWD population. A large novel deletion, most probably due to a founder effect, seems to be unique to Hungarian type 3 VWD patients with high allele frequency. In contrast to previous reports, none of the five patients homozygous for the large partial deletion developed inhibitors to VWF. This discrepancy raises the possibility of selection bias in some of the reports.     

Mutation analysis of phenylketonuria patients from Morocco: High prevalence of mutation G352fsdelG and detection of a novel mutation p.K85X

Objective:The knowledge of the molecular basis of the Phenylketonuria (PKU, MIM# 261600) in different countries provides relevant information for undertaking specific and rational mutation detection strategies in each population and for the implementation of adequate dietary and cofactor treatment. There are no data available in Moroccan population.Design and methods:In this work we describe the genetic analysis by mutation scanning using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and subsequent direct sequencing of 20 different PKU families from Morocco. We have also included the study of 7 Moroccan PKU patients living in Spain detected by the Spanish newborn screening program.Results:The mutational spectrum in the first sample included eight different changes, one of them, p.K85X, was novel. The most common mutation was the frame shift change p.G352fsdelG identified in 62.5% of the mutant chromosomes studied. Other changes (p.R176X, IVS10nt-11 g > a, p.W120X, p.A165T, p.R243X and p.R243Q) were identified, respectively, in 2 or 3 mutant alleles. All detected mutations were severe according to the classical phenotype of the patients. In the 7 patients living in Spain we have detected 4 severe mutations (p.G352fs, p.R176X, Y198fs and Exon3del) and also milder changes such as p.A403V, p.S196T, p.D145V and p.R408Q detected in 3 mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP) patients and a novel p.L258P found in a mild PKU patient.Conclusion:The results provide important information on the distribution of PKU mutations in this Mediterranean area gaining insight into the genetic epidemiology of the disease.