Three novel mutations of the APC gene in Korean patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Germline mutations within the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), an autosomal dominant disease predisposing individuals to colorectal cancer. Identification of APC mutations has important implications for genetic counseling and management of FAP patients. We examined the APC mutation status of 10 Korean FAP patients by polymerase chain reaction–direct sequencing method and found six APC mutations, including three novel mutations. Testing for MUTYH mutation was done for FAP patients in whom no mutation in the APC gene was identified. Three novel mutations (c.1654_1663delTCTTGGCGAG, c.3709C>T, and c.6092_6094delinsTT) and three previously reported mutations (c.3631_3632delAT, c.4438C>T, and c.4612_4613delGA) were detected. The MUTYH mutation was not detected in any of the four FAP patients without an APC mutation. This finding of three novel mutations in a group of Korean FAP patients broadens the spectrum of APC mutations.