Retinitis pigmentosa associated with a dominant mutation in codon 46 of the peripherin/RDS gene (arginine-46-stop)

PURPOSE: We identified genetic mutations and characterized their associated phenotypes in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: Patients with retinitis pigmentosa were prospectively examined and screened for genetic mutations. RESULTS: A 46-year-old man with retinitis pigmentosa was found to have a heterozygous mutation in the peripherin/RDS gene (arginine-46-stop). He had late onset of symptoms and demarcated peripheral retinal atrophy. All five first-degree relatives including his parents had no detectable mutations or retinitis pigmentosa. Genotypic data were consistent with reported family structure. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that new dominant mutations are a rare cause of isolated, or simplex, cases of retinitis pigmentosa. Identification of these mutations is helpful for genetic counseling.