A novel missense mutation of the TYR gene in a pedigree with oculocutaneous albinism type 1 from China

Background The mutation of the tyrosinase （TYR） gene results in oculocutaneous albinism type 1 （OCA1）, an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. OCA1 is the most common type of OCA in the Chinese population. Hence, the TYR gene was tested in this study. We also delineated the genetic analysis of OCA1 in a Chinese family. Methods Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood leukocytes of a proband and his family. Mutational analysis at the TYR locus by DNA sequencing was used to screen five exons, including the intron/exon junctions. A pedigree chart was drawn and the fundus of the eyes of the proband was also examined. Results A novel missense mutation p.1151S on exon 1, and homozygous TYR mutant alleles were identified in the proband. None of the mutants was identified among the 100 normal control subjects. Genetic analysis of the proband＇s wife showed normal alleles in the TYR gene. Thus, the fetus was predicated a carrier of OCA1 with a normal appearance. Conclusion This study provided new information about a novel mutation, p.1151S, in the TYR gene in a Chinese family with OCAI. Further investigation of the proband would be helpful to determine the effects of this mutation on TYR activity.