A novel frameshift mutation in the XPC gene in a Moroccan patient: a case report

BACKGROUND: Xeroderma pigmentosum is an autosomal recessive inherited disease. The diagnosis is essentially based on clinical findings and the family history. This genodermatosis is genetically heterogeneous; to date, nine genes have been associated to this disorder. Based on the result of many studies, xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C is the most common form of xeroderma pigmentosum. A founder mutation in the XPC gene was reported in the Maghreb region of northern Africa. According to these findings, the Department of Medical Genetics in Rabat offers molecular diagnosis by screening for the recurrent mutation c.1643_1644delTG which represents 74% of all the probands with xeroderma pigmentosum. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 21-year-old Moroccan son of consanguineous parents diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum on the basis of sun-exposed skin abnormalities and bilateral ocular involvement. A molecular study led to the identification of a new frameshift insertion of four nucleotides in exon 9. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this mutation has not been described. The sequencing of the ninth exon should be proposed as first line molecular analysis for all Moroccan patients with xeroderma pigmentosum.