Analysis of gene mutation in a family featuring autosomal dominant May-Hegglin anomaly

Objective: To analyze clinical features and mutation in MYH9 gene for a family featuring autosomal dominant May-Hegglin anomaly. Methods: Clinical and pathological features of all family members were analyzed. Blood samples were collected from the proband and other family members, and genomic DNA was extracted. Potential mutations of MYH9 gene exons 10, 25, 26, 30, 38 and 40 were screened with PCR and direct sequencing. After a mutation was identified in the proband, other affected members as well as healthy members from this family were analyzed with a pair of primers to amplify the mutant site. The PCR products were digested with Taq I enzyme and analyzed with agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: All affected members had bleeding tendency and typical features including giant platelets, thrombocytopenia and characteristic Döhle body-like leukocyte inclusions. A heterozygous missense mutation c. 5521G>A (p. Glu1841Lys) in exon 38 of the MYH9 gene was identified in all affected members from this family. Conclusion: The variant, c. 5521G>A (p. Glu1841Lys) of MYH9, has co-segregated with the phenotype in the family. The mutant site is a hot spot in Chinese population.