Exome sequencing revealed a novel loss-of-function variant in the GLI3 transcriptional activator 2 domain underlies nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly.

backgroundPolydactyly is a common genetic limb deformity characterized by the presence of extra fingers or toes. This anomaly may occur in isolation (nonsyndromic) or as part of a syndrome. The disease is broadly divided into preaxial polydactyly (PPD; duplication of thumb), mesoaxial polydactyly (complex polydactyly), and postaxial polydactyly (PAP: duplication of the fifth finger). The extra digits may be present in one or both the limbs. Heterozygous variants in the GLI3, ZRS/SHH, and PITX1 have been associated with autosomal dominant polydactyly, while homozygous variants in the ZNF141, IQCE, GLI1, and FAM92A have been associated with autosomal recessive polydactyly. Pathogenic mutations in the GLI3 gene (glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 3) have been associated with both nonsyndromic and syndromic polydactyly.

methodsHere, we report an extended five generation kindred having 12 affected individuals exhibiting nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly type A condition. Whole-exome sequencing followed by variant prioritization, bioinformatic studies, Sanger validation, and segregation analysis was performed.

resultsUsing exome sequencing in the three affected individuals, we identified a novel heterozygous frameshift variant (c.3567_3568insG; p.Ala1190Glyfs*57) in the transcriptional activator (TA2) domain of the GLI3 encoding gene.

conclusionTo the best of our knowledge, the present study reports on the first familial case of nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly due to the GLI3 variant in Pakistani population. Our study also demonstrated the important role of GLI3 in causing nonsyndromic postaxial polydactyly.