Phenotypic expression of a spectrum of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) mutations identified through NGS and MLPA

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations of the NF1 gene. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic causes underlying the disease, attempt possible phenotype/genotype correlations and add to the NF1 mutation spectrum. A screening protocol based on genomic DNA was established in 168 patients, encompassing sequencing of all coding exons and adjoining introns using a custom targeted next generation sequencing protocol and subsequent confirmation of findings with Sanger sequencing. MLPA was used to detect deletions/duplications and positive findings were confirmed by RNA analysis. All novel findings were evaluated according to ACMG Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants with the aid of in-silico bioinformatic tools and family segregation analysis. A germline variant was identified in 145 patients (86%). In total 49 known and 70 novel variants in coding and non-coding regions were identified. Seven patients carried whole or partial gene deletions. NF1 patients, present with high phenotypic variability even in cases where the same germline disease causing variant has been identified. Our findings will contribute to a better knowledge of the genetic causes and the phenotypic expression related to the disease.