New Variants Identified by Next-Generation Sequencing in Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common inherited disease characterized by multiple cysts in kidneys and various extra renal manifestations. Molecular diagnosis plays a crucial role in confirming both the clinical diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis furthermore, selecting appropriate treatment options. This study aimed to expand the understanding of genetic mutations in patients with polycystic kidney disease and to improve the management of patients. The study included 92 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PKD based on renal ultrasound criteria. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed using a custom panel kit. Of the 92 patients included in the study, pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants of the PKD1, PKD2 genes were detected in 37 patients (40.2%), while 8 patients (8.6%) had variants with uncertain clinical significance. After the additional assessment of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, it was found that 15 of the variants in PKD1 and 2 of the variants in PKD2 have not been reported in the literature previously. Additionally, pathogenic variants, 5 of which were novel, have been identified in different genes in 8 patients. This study presented the largest patient cohort conducted in Turkey. These findings were significant in expanding our understanding of the genetic variations associated with polycystic kidney disease. The study contr & imath;buted the literature data on polycystic kidney disease by reporting important findings that could pave the way for further investigations in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the affected patients.