Genetic Testing in Primary Congenital Glaucoma Patients

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) is usually present in the neonatal or infantile period and is accompanied by corneal opacity and edema, buphthalmos, increased intraocular pressure, optic nerve cupping, and at times, ensuing severe visual impairment. The incidence of the disease varies significantly in different geographic regions and is more frequently found in certain ethnic groups, especially where consanguinity is prevalent. The incidence in Western countries has been reported to range from 1:5000 and 1:10000 births, and in populations where consanguinity is prevalent, such as among Slovakian Gypsies and Saudi Arabians, the incidence ranges from 1:1250 and 1:2500 births, respectively. PCG is believed to be an autosomal-recessive transmitted disease with incomplete penetrance. Three different loci have been mapped for it, i.e., GLC3A on chromosome 2p21, GLC3B on 1p36.2 and GLC3C on 14q24.3. The major gene that currently has been identified to be associated with PCG is the CYP1B1 gene at locus GLC3A, which encodes a member of the cytochrome P450. The frequency of mutations in the CYP1B1 gene in PCG patients varies in different geographic locations and ethnic groups. For example, mutations in the CYP1B1 gene are found in 33% of patients in Japan and Indonesia, while among Saudi Arabian and Slovakian Gypsy patients, the incidence rises to 94% and 100%, respectively. Mutations in myocilin (MYOC) have also been associated with PCG. Determining the presence of CYP1B1 mutations in PCG patients will improve our ability to counsel parents regarding cause, inheritance and the risk of it in future offspring. The aim of the present study is to characterize the phenotype and determine the role of CYP1B1 and MYOC mutations in PCG in Israeli populations