Transforming growth factor β induced mutation-associated phenotype in a Chinese family exhibiting lattice corneal dystrophy.

Lattice corneal dystrophy type I (LCDI) is associated with a large number of missense mutations in the transforming growth factor β induced (TGFBI) gene. The aim of the present study was to analyze TGFBI mutation in a Chinese family with LCDI, and to describe the clinical features and phenotype-genotype correlation within this family. Three generations of this family with LCDI were enrolled in the current study. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed on all family members and mutation screenings of the coding regions of TGFBI were analyzed using a direct sequencing method. All family members underwent slit-lamp examination, and two patients and one of normal members in the family were evaluated by laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy. A single heterozygous c.370C>T (p.R124C) mutation was identified in exon 4 of the TGFBI gene in five affected individuals, but not in the other family members and 400 normal control subjects. The affected members exhibited similar clinical features of LCDI, except that patient III:5 presented with mild symptoms. Confocal microscopy in vivo examination demonstrated that the proband (II:2) and his affected niece (III:4) had disruptions in multiple corneal layers, including the basal epithelial cells, stroma cells and Bowman's membrane. Thus, the R124C mutation in the TGFBI gene was identified in a Chinese family with LCDI. These results characterized the clinical features and revealed a genotype-associated phenotype in this family, which may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of LCDI.