Identification and characterization of a novel homozygous deletion in the α-N-acetylglucosaminidase gene in a patient with Sanfilippo type B syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB)

Sanfilippo syndrome type B (mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB) is an autosomal recessive disease that is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU). Over 100 different mutations in the NAGLU gene have been identified in Sanfilippo syndrome type B patients; however, no large deletions have been reported. Here we present the first case of a large homozygous intragenic NAGLU gene deletion identified in an affected child of consanguineous parents. Long range and multiplex PCR methods were used to characterize this deletion which encompasses exons 3 and 4 and is 1146 base pairs long. We propose that Alu element-mediated unequal homologous recombination between an Alu-Y in intron 2 and an Alu-Sx in intron 4 is the likely mechanism for this deletion, thereby contributing further insight into the molecular etiology of this disorder and providing additional evidence of its allelic heterogeneity.