Identification of two novel mutations in the ATP7B gene that cause Wilson’s disease

Background:Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by liver disease and/or neurologic deficits due to copper accumulation and is caused by pathogenic mutations in the ATP7B gene.Methods:Two unrelated Chinese patients born to nonconsanguineous parents who were diagnosed with earlyonset Wiison's disease.DNA sequencing and bioinformation analysis were conducted.Results:We have identified four mutations in two family trios,of which two were novel,namely,c.3028A＞G(p.K1010E) and c3992T＞G (p.Y1331X),in each patient.Conclusions:Gene testing is playing an important role in diagnosis of Wilson's disease.The early-onset of Wilson's disease is apparently not associated with P-ATPase domain in the ATP7B protein.Our findings further widen the spectrum of mutations involving the ATP7B gene.