Novel Compound Heterozygous BBS2 and Homozygous MKKS Variants Detected in Chinese Families with Bardet–Biedl Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare multisystem developmental disorder. In this study, we report the genetic causes and clinical manifestations in two Chinese families with BBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two families were recruited in this study. Family A was a four-generation family with four affected and 15 unaffected members participating in the study, and family B was a consanguineous family with one affected and three unaffected members participating. Whole exome sequencing was performed in the two families, followed by a multistep bioinformatics analysis. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the variants and to perform a segregation analysis. Comprehensive ocular and systemic examinations were also conducted. RESULTS: Novel compound heterozygous variants c.235T > G (p.T79P) and c.534 + 1G > T were detected in the BBS2 gene in family A, and known homozygous variant c.748G > A (p.G250R) was detected in the MKKS gene in family B. Both families presented with retinitis pigmentosa; however, except for polydactyly, all other systemic manifestations were different. All of the affected family members in family A were overweight with a high body mass index (range from 26.5 to 41.9) and high blood pressure. Family A also presented with a delay in the onset of secondary sex characteristics and genital anomalies, while other systemic abnormalities were absent in family B. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents one family with two novel BBS2 variants, expanding the variant spectrum of BBS, and one family with a known homozygous MKKS variant. The different phenotypes seen between the families with BBS2 and MKKS variants will contribute to the literature and our overall understanding of BBS.