Abstract

Purpose Ectodermal dysplasias are characterized by developmental abnormalities in ectodermal structures. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasias (HED) are the most common subtype. They are most commonly inherited via X-linked recessive routes. We report on a novel ectodysplasin-A (EDA) mutation that is expected to be involved in pathogenesis of HED. Methods Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia genes, including EDA, EDAR and EDARADD, were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The detected mutation on the EDA gene was confirmed in the patient and his mother using Sanger sequencing. Results The patient presented with adontia, absence of gum development, hyperthermia and hypohidrosis. Our genetic analysis of the patient revealed a novel frameshift hemizygous mutation (c.898₉₂₄ + 8del35ins4CTTA) on the EDA gene. The patient's mother showed a mild HED phenotype. Direct sequencing of the EDA gene in the region where her son had the mutation showed the same mutation in a heterozygous state. Conclusion We identified a novel frameshift mutation in the EDA gene in an Iranian patient affected by X-linked HED. The difference between our patient's symptoms and those recorded for some previous subjects may be due to the differences in the mutations involved.