[Molecular genetic mutation analysis of the PTPN11 gene in the multiple lentigines (LEOPARD) syndrome].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: LEOPARD syndrome (MIM #151100) is a rare autosomal dominant condition with characteristic skin anomalies, facial dysmorphism, hypertelorism, cardiac anomalies, and occasional conductive hearing loss. Mutations in the PTPN11 gene are described as the causal gene defect for the clinical features of Noonan syndrome (MIM #163950), but also for LEOPARD syndrome. For confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of multiple lentigines syndrome, the molecular genetic mutation analysis in the PTPN11 gene could be helpful.

PATIENTS/METHODS: We report on a family with LEOPARD syndrome in which the mutation analysis in the father and his daughter in the PTPN11 gene was carried out us:ng PCR, DHPLC, and automated sequencing.

RESULTS: We could identify both father and daughter as carriers of the mutation Y279C in the PTPN11 gene, which is known as a disease-related mutation.

CONCLUSIONS: The allelic affinity to Noonan syndrome could thus be further supported.