OCTN2 mutation (R254X) found in Saudi Arabian kindred: recurrent mutation or ancient founder mutation?

The truncating R254X mutation in the OCTN2 gene results in defective high-affinity carnitine transport and has been previously described as a founder mutation in the Chinese population. We now report a Saudi Arabian kindred with this same mutation, suggesting that it may be a recurrent mutation or a very ancient founder mutation. Western blot analysis of skin fibroblast lysates from the proband with our specific anti-murine OCTN2 antibody revealed the absence of the OCTN2 protein.