Identification and in silico characterization of p.G380R substitution in FGFR3, associated with achondroplasia in a non-consanguineous Pakistani family

BACKGROUND The dimerization efficiency of FGFR3 transmembrane domain plays a critical role in the formation of a normal skeleton through the negative regulation of bone development. Recently, gain-of-function mutations in the transmembrane domain of FGFR3 has been described associated with an aberrant negative regulation, leading to the development of achondroplasia-group disorders, including achondroplasia (ACH), hypochondroplasia (HCH) and thanatophoric dysplasia (TD). Here, we describe a non-consanguineous Pakistani family with achondroplasia to explain hereditary basis of the disease. METHODS PCR-based linkage analysis using microsatellite markers was employed to localize the disease gene. Gene specific intronic primers were used to amplify the genomic DNA from all affected as well as phenotypically healthy individuals. Amplified PCR products were then subjected to Sanger sequencing and RFLP analysis to identify a potentially pathogenic mutation. The impact of identified mutation on FGFR3 protein's structure and stability was highlighted through different bioinformatics tools. RESULTS Genetic screening of the family revealed a previously reported heterozygous c.1138 G > A (p.G380R) mutation in the coding exon 8 of FGFR3 gene. Identified genetic variation was confirmed in all affected individuals while healthy individuals and controls were found genotypically normal. The results were further validated by RFLP analysis as c.1138 G > A substitution generates a unique recognition site for SfcI endonuclease. Following SfcI digestion, the electrophoretic pattern of three bands/DNA fragments for each patient is indicative of heterozygous status of the disease allele. In silico studies of the mutant FGFR3 protein predicted to adversely affect the stability of FGFR3 protein. CONCLUSIONS Mutation in the transmembrane domain may adversely affect the dimerization efficiency and overall stability of the FGFR3, leading to a constitutively active protein. As a result, an uncontrolled intracellular signaling or negative bone growth regulation leads to achondroplasia. Our findings support the fact that p.G380R is a common mutation among diverse population of the world and like other countries, can be used as a molecular diagnosis marker for achondroplasia in Pakistan.