Deleterious Impact of a Novel CFH Splice Site Variant in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Abstract

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury (AKI). In about 50% of cases, pathogenic variants in genes involved in the innate immune response including complement factors complement factor H (CFH), CFI, CFB, C3, and membrane co-factor protein (MCP/CD46) put patients at risk for uncontrolled activation of the alternative complement pathway. As aHUS is characterized by incomplete penetrance and presence of additional triggers for disease manifestation, genetic variant interpretation is challenging and streamlined functional variant evaluation is urgently needed. Here, we report the case of a 27-year-old female without previous medical and family history who presented with confusion, petechial bleeding, and anuric AKI. Kidney biopsy revealed glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Targeted next generation sequencing identified a paternally transmitted novel heterozygous splice site variant in the CFH gene [c.3134-2A>G; p.Asp1045_Thr1053del] which resulted in a partial in-frame deletion of exon 20 transcript as determined by cDNA analysis. On the protein level, the concomitant loss of 9 amino acids in the short consensus repeat (SCR) domains 17 and 18 of CFH includes a highly conserved cysteine residue, which is assumed to be essential for proper structural folding and protein function. Treatment with steroids, plasmapheresis, and the complement inhibitor eculizumab led to complete hematological and clinical remission after several months and stable renal function up to 6 years later. In conclusion, genetic investigation for pathogenic variants and evaluation of their functional impact, in particular in the case of splice site variants, is clinically relevant and enables not only better molecular understanding but helps to guide therapy with complement inhibitors.

Familial atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome with positive p.S1191L (c.3572C>T) mutation on the CFH gene: A single-center experience

“…Gene mutations and related proteins encoded by these genes play an important role in the course of the disease. Genetic studies in these patients do not include large series [ 12 ]. Venables et al .…”

“…Gene mutations and related proteins encoded by these genes play an important role in the course of the disease. Genetic studies in these patients do not include large series [12]. Venables et al [13] previously showed, in a family with aHUS that non allelic homologous recombination results in the formation of a hybrid gene derived from exons 1-21 of CFH and exons 56 of CFHR1.…”