[A case with α-thalassemia caused by novel start codon variant in conjunct with right deletion variant of α2-globin gene].

OBJECTIVE

The explore the genetic basis for a patient with microcytic hypochromic anemia and iron deficiency anemia.

METHODS

Common deletions and variants of the globin genes were detected by Gap-PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Gap-PCR and NGS showed that the proband has carried a αα/-α deletion and a heterozygous c.2T>A (p.Met1Lys) mutation in the initiation codon of the HBA2 gene. The patient and her father both carried α HBA2 c.2T>A(p.Met1Lys) α/-α , while her mother and other family members were -α/-α and αα/-α , respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with α HBA2 c.2T>A(p.Met1Lys) α/-α genotype have typical features of thalassemia and abnormal hematologic indices compared with those with αα/-α genotype, suggesting that the HBA2 c.2T>A (p.Met1Lys) is a pathogenic variant. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of α-thalassemia mutations and enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.