An update of the mutation spectrum of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene in the population of Turkey

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine metabolism, mostly caused by PAH gene variants. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of PAH gene variants in Turkish population with PKU. In 433 patients with PKU, PAH gene was examined using next generation sequencing (NGS) method. IVS10- 11G>A, p.R261Q, p.A300S, p.A403V, and p.T380 variants, which are the most common variants in this study, constituted 45,9% of the variants in our study. Nine novel variants p.A34V, K73Qfs*4, R157H, R261S, p.T266I, p.S310P, T328A, p.F351I, and K363N were identified. This study determines the most common PAH variants in Turkey and shows that PKU can be screened before marriage with the screening kits. Identification of the PAH gene variant spectrum is important for early diagnosis, understanding molecular mechanisms, clinical follow-up, treatment, and genetic counseling. And the novel variants found this study are important for further studies.