RB1 gene mutations in Iranian patients with retinoblastoma: report of four novel mutations.

Mutations in the RB1 gene lead to retinoblastoma, which is the most common intraocular tumor in children under the age of 6. In the present survey, the mutations of 18 unrelated Iranian retinoblastoma patients were characterized. Mutation analysis of the RB1 gene was performed in patients by sequencing all coding regions and by multiplex ligation probe-dependent amplification analysis. Clinical signs and symptoms of the retinoblastoma patients were similar to those of previously described patients with retinoblastoma. Eight known mutations and four novel mutations (c.832_833insT, c.1943delC, c.1206C>T, and c.2029delG) were determined. In silico analysis of the c.1206C>T variant showed that exon 12 contained an SC-35 consensus sequence, and this variation disrupted the splicing enhancer element and caused skipping of exon 12. Molecular genetic testing of retinoblastoma patients greatly affects the genetic counseling of the families involved, as well as the management of the disease in patients and at-risk relatives.