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Genetic landscape and ocular biometric correlations in microspherophakia: insights from a comprehensive patient cohort
Human Genomics volume 19, Article number: 22 (2025)
Abstract
Aims
The aim of this study is to elucidate the genetic landscape of microspherophakia (MSP) and describe the genotype-phenotype correlation of MSP. Additionally, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of MSP through the discovery of novel loci.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with MSP at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, were included in the study and all underwent panel-based next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations were conducted for each participant.
Results
Our analysis encompassed 118 eyes from 59 patients with MSP, revealing 13 gene variations linked to the condition. Notably, FBN1 mutations were identified in 31 patients (52.5%), highlighting its higher prevalence. Among the genetic variations discovered, 28 represented novel mutations. Statistical analysis unveiled significant associations between specific gene mutations and ocular biometric parameters: axial length (AL, p = 0.011), Z-score axial length (Z-AL, p < 0.001), white-to-white (WTW, p = 0.009), Z-score white-to-white (p = 0.012), mean keratometry (p < 0.001), astigmatism (AST, p = 0.021), anterior chamber depth (ACD, p = 0.003), lens thickness (LT, p = 0.012) and central endothelial cell count/mm2 (p = 0.005). Patients with FBN1 mutations had the longest AL, while those with CBS mutations showed significantly wilder WTW measurements. Patients with ADAMTS17 mutations presented with increased LT and decreased WTW, ADAMTSL4 mutations were linked to the greater Km and AST. Patients with LTBP mutations exhibited the largest WTW, and ASPH mutations was associated with the shortest AL but thick LT. Additionally, there was a relationship among gene mutations, diagnostic age and ocular biometric parameters.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that MSP is associated with a diverse range of genetic mutations, with FBN1 being the most common. Novel mutations were identified, and significant correlations were found between specific genetic variations and ocular biometric parameters. These results provide new insights into the genetic underpinnings of MSP and its clinical characteristics, advancing our understanding of the condition’s pathogenic mechanisms.
Introduction
Microspherophakia (MSP) is a rare congenital ocular disorder that significantly alters lens shape, characterized by an increased anteroposterior distance and a reduced equatorial diameter [1]. It has been reported that the incidence of MSP exceeds 1 per 100,000 individuals, with a study conducted in India reporting a prevalence rate as high as 1.5% among children [2]. MSP frequently presents with a range of ocular complications, including high lenticular myopia, premature loss of accommodative ability, and secondary glaucoma [1, 3]. The incidence of MSP in ectopia lentis (EL) was 10.4% [4]. Moreover, the incidence of angle-closure glaucoma in MSP patients has been documented to range from 44.4–51% [1, 5].
MSP is commonly observed as a phenotype in various genetic syndromes, such as Marfan syndrome (MFS), Weil-Marchesani syndrome (WMS), Homocysteinuria, and Axenfield-Rieger syndrome, among others [6]. Consequently, MSP encompasses a broad spectrum of pathogenic genes. Currently reported pathogenic genes for MSP include LTBP2, FBN1, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4 and others [7,8,9]. Different mutations affect the growth and function of ciliary zonular through different pathways, resulting in varied clinical features and complications of MSP. For instance, mutations in LTBP2 can lead to MSP and typical inferior or anterior dislocation. Conversely, most EL occur in an upward direction with mutations in FBN1 [10, 11]. Pupillary block glaucoma leading to angle closure is believed to be common in the mutations of LTBP2 and CBS [12, 13].
In summary, the genetic diversity underlying MSP presents significant challenges in diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of detailed morphological assessments and genetic analyses to achieve accurate identification and understanding of this condition. Currently, there is a lack of a comprehensive and extensive research on MSP, most of which are limited to small case reports. Particularly, studies of phenotypic differences among various gene mutations are limited.
Thus, we conducted a study involving 59 MSP probands, the largest known cohort to our knowledge. The aim of this study was to summarize the pathogenic genes of MSP and construct a comprehensive landscape of its genetic underpinnings. Furthermore, we intended to analyze the relationship between specific genotypes and phenotypes, hoping that this study would provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of MSP and bridge the gap between molecular findings and clinical manifestations.
Methods
Patient eligibility
A total of 59 probands diagnosed with MSP were included in this study, spanning the period from January 2016 to December 2023. These patients were identified during their visits to the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the institutional review board, which recognized it as an extension of our previously registered randomized controlled trial (ChiCTR2000039132), conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, including consent for the protection of their personal data. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) a confirmed diagnosis of MSP; (2) availability of comprehensive clinical data and family histories. MSP diagnosis was based on a combination of characteristic morphological features and genetic analysis. Diagnostic criteria included: bilateral involvement; lenticular myopia; visibility of the equatorial edge of the lens under slit-lamp or operating microscope after mydriasis; sparse and lax zonular fibers observed via ultrasound biomicroscopy; and lens dislocation detectable in the supine position [14]. MSP is typically a genetic disorder and can occur in association with conditions such as Weill-Marchesani syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Alport syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome [1]. Patients with the following features were excluded: (1) coexistence of pathogenic mutations of other ocular diseases; (2) history of trauma in either of the eyes; (3) comorbidities including endophthalmitis, end-stage glaucoma, and atrophy of eyeball. To minimize potential selection bias stemming from familial clustering, only probands from pedigrees were enrolled. The age at which clinical features were first observed was documented for each participant.
Ophthalmic examinations
Comprehensive ophthalmic assessments were conducted for all participants conducted by board-certified ophthalmologists. The examinations comprised slit-lamp biomicroscopy, corneal pachymetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and topography analyses using the Pentacam HR system (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). The diagnosis of MSP was established via slit-lamp examination performed with complete pupillary dilation, revealing increased lens thickness and reduced equatorial diameter. Axial length (AL) measurements were obtained using the IOLMaster 700 (Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany), which utilizes a rotating Scheimpflug camera. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed with a non-contact tonometer (CT-80, Topcon, Oakland, USA). Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was utilized to visualize the anterior chamber angle and anterior segment structures. The severity of EL was graded according to the classification method established by Chen et al. [4].
Genetic screening
Genetic screening was performed utilizing a panel-based Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methodology, in accordance with established protocols outlined in our previous publications [15]. Genomic DNA extraction from peripheral blood samples was carried out using the CWE2100 Blood DNA Kit (Auto Plate, CWBIO, #CW2526). The pathogenicity of the identified variants was assessed using several bioinformatics tools [15]. The novelty of the variants was assessed using the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). The potential impacts of newly discovered missense mutations on protein function were predicted using MutationTaster (http://mutationtaster.org), SIFT (http://sift.jcvi.org), and PolyPhen-2 (http://genetics.bwh.harvard.edu/pph2/). The novel variants were classified according to the ACMG criteria as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain clinical significance (VUS). Protein predict model (Swiss model, AlphaFold2) was employed to display the protein structures of newly identified missense mutations. By predicting potential structural changes, these models illustrate how the mutations may impact the protein’s structure and function, aiding in the understanding of their pathogenicity and role in the disease mechanism.
Statistical analyses
All data analyses were executed with SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We calculated the Z-scores of AL and WTW (white-to-white) using the following formula: Z-score = (measured parameter– normative parameter) / normative standard deviation, which allows for age adjustment [16]. Continuous variables are presented as means ± standard deviation (SD). The normality of continuous data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Two-group comparisons were performed using the t-test for normally distributed data or the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data. Multigroup comparisons were conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for normally distributed data or the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed data. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and comparisons were made using the χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 for all analyses.
Results
Cohort characteristics
Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics and ocular biometric parameters of the patients comprising this cohort. The cohort comprised 59 individuals diagnosed with MSP, including 30 females and 29 males. Average patient age was 16.08 ± 16.09 years. In the analysis of 118 eyes examined, 96 (81.36%) exhibited EL, categorized as mild in 45 eyes, moderate in 6 eyes, and severe in 35 eyes. Six individuals were diagnosed with glaucoma, with an average IOP of 15.43 ± 5.42 mmHg. 16.8% of the patients exhibited cataracts earlier than expected. Additionally, nearly all (94.9%) of the patients were diagnosed with bilateral myopia, with 15.3% of patients even developing amblyopia. After adjusting for age, the Z-score for AL (Z-AL) was 1.85 ± 3.23 mm, and for WTW (Z-WTW) was 0.39 ± 1.60 mm. Notably, the mean lens thickness (LT) in MSP patients was 4.63 ± 0.91 mm.
Genetic variants spectrum
In our cohort, 13 distinct gene mutations were identified, the most prevalent mutation was found in the FBN1 gene, detected in 31 (52.5%) of the probands. Subsequently, mutations were observed in ADAMTS17 (5 probands), CBS (5 probands), LTBP2 (4 probands), ADAMTSL4 (3 probands), ASPH (2 probands), COL18A1 (1 proband), COL5A2 (1 proband), COL4A5 (1 proband), SLC16A1 (1 proband), CNGB3 (1 proband), PTCH1 (1 proband), and SUOX (1 proband) (Fig. 1A). Subsequent to our genetic interrogation, 28 mutation sites were not cataloged in public gene databases, with 13 of these sites being previously documented (Table 2). Within this set, 10 novel mutation sites were identified within the FBN1 gene, with 8 of these predicted to be pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations, and 6 were intron mutations. LTBP2 mutations were found to be autosomal recessive, with four newly emerging mutation sites classified as VUS. Among the seven newly emerging CBS mutation sites, four were classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic mutations, while three were categorized as VUS. The mutation site map illustrated in Fig. 1B reveals a spatial distribution pattern, with FBN1 mutations predominantly localized in the N-terminal and middle regions, ADAMTSL4 mutations primarily clustered in the thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) region of the C-terminal, and CBS gene mutations concentrated in the N-terminal region. Detailed mutation information is provided in Supplementary Table 1.
Distribution of gene mutations associated with microspherophakia (MSP) in 118 probands, with 8 (6.78%) did not detect any mutation. (A) The contribution of MSP associated genes in this study. (B) The distribution and domain of FBN1, LTBP2, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4, CBS and ASPH mutations in our cohort. Novel mutations are highlighted in red
Analysis encompassed thirteen genes, with four patients showing no detectable mutations. Baseline characteristics of six genes with high mutation frequencies in this cohort are presented in Table 3, while information on the remaining seven genes is provided in Supplementary Table 1, as their lower mutation frequencies were insufficient for statistical analysis. Significant differences in age at diagnosis were observed among patients with mutations in FBN1, CBS, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4, LTBP2, and ASPH, with patients harboring ADAMTS17 mutations tend to be older, while those with mutations in the remaining genes were predominantly under 20 years of age. Varying degrees of EL were observed among patients with FBN1 and CBS mutations, while patients with other mutations predominantly exhibited mild EL (p < 0.001). Glaucoma was associated with mutations in both COL4A5 and COL5A2. Patients with ADAMTS17 mutations exhibited a glaucoma incidence of 20.0%, with a mean IOP of 20.70 ± 7.03 mmHg. Significant variations in IOP were observed among patients with mutations in six genes (p < 0.001). Comparatively, patients with FBN1 mutations demonstrated longer AL and deeper anterior chamber depth (ACD). Patients with ASPH mutations exhibited shorter AL, shallower ACD, and reduced corneal endothelial cell counts compared to their counterparts. The ACD of patients with COL4A5 mutations was shallow, averaging 1.50 ± 0.71 mm. Patients with ADAMTS17 mutations displayed a smaller WTW, whereas those with LTBP2 mutations had a larger WTW (p = 0.009). Patients with ADAMTS17 mutations presented with thicker lens thickness (LT) measuring 5.45 ± 0.40 mm (p = 0.012). Patients with ADAMTSL4 mutations exhibited the greatest mean keratometry (Km) values and corneal astigmatism (AST), while those with FBN1 mutations demonstrated the lowest Km and AST (Table 3).
Figure 2 presents characteristic photographs of the anterior segment of patients along with relevant gene mutation information. In Fig. 2A, an FBN1 mutation (c.2638G > A, p.G880S) is depicted in a 22-year-old male patient. This mutation has been conclusively deemed pathogenic and is suspected to be de novo or due to germline mosaicism, as it was not detected in his parents. Notably, both lenses of the patient exhibited superior nasal subluxation. Figure 2B illustrates a female patient with an ADAMTS17 mutation (c.2292G > C, p.L764F) diagnosed at the age of 64 years. This homozygous mutation is a missense mutation. Subluxation of the inferior lenses with nuclear opacities was observed in both eyes of the patient. In Fig. 2C, a female patient with COL5A2 mutation (c.2884 C > T, p.P962T) diagnosed at the age of 30 is presented. Pathogenicity prediction for this missense mutation suggested a likely benign outcome. No dislocation of lens was observed, and UBM examination revealed MSP in both eyes, along with protrusion of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens, shallow anterior chambers, and secondary angle-closure glaucoma.The location and structural illustration of four novel missense mutations in the 3D protein structure are shown in Fig. 3.
Representative photographs of microspherophakia (MSP) patients and their pedigree chart. (A) A 22-year-old male patient carries FBN1 mutation (c.2638G > A p.G880S), with bilateral moderate lens dislocated to the quadrant above the nose. The mutation was not detected in the patient’s parents, suggesting a de novo mutation or germline mosaicism. (B) A 64-year-old female patient carries ADAMTS17 mutation (c.2292G > C p.L764F), with bilateral cataracts and mild lens dislocated to the lower quadrant. The white curves from A to B represent the boundaries of the lens, with the white dashed lines indicating links between the boundary intersections and the center. The red arrows point to the mutation sites. (C) A 30-year-old female patient’s slit lamp photo and ophthalmic UBM report. The patient carries COL5A2 mutation (c.2884C > A p.P962T), presenting with bilateral angle-closure glaucoma. The UBM reveals that the patient’s right eye has a shallow anterior chamber, iris bombe, pronounced anterior and posterior lens surfaces, and increased thickness. MSP = microspherophakia, R/L = right/left, OD = right eye, M = mutation, N = normal
Location and structural illustration of novel missense mutations in the 3D structure of the protein. (A) The CBS mutation (c.407T > C, p.L136P) and the inset provides a detailed view of the mutation site, highlighting the substitution at position 136 from the hydrophobic amino acid leucine to the hydrophilic, cyclic amino acid proline. (B) The LTBP2 mutation (c.3854G > A, p.C1285Y), with the inset depicting the side-chain transition at position 1285 from the nonpolar cysteine to the polar tyrosine. (C) The COL4A5 mutation (c.3940 C > T p.P1314S) and the inset is zoomed into the mutation site, demonstrating the exchange at position 1314 from the nonpolar amino acid proline to the polar amino acid serine. (D) The ASPH mutation (c.2075G > A p.G692D) and the inset is focused on the mutation site, showing the substitution at position 692 from the nonpolar glycine to the negatively charged, polar aspartic acid
Genotype-phenotype correlation analyses
Analysis of diagnostic age across all patients revealed that FBN1 mutations predominantly presented earlier than 30 years of age, characterized by a significant prevalence of diagnosis occurring before 10 years of age. Patients harboring CBS, ADAMTSL4, and LTBP2 mutations were also diagnosed at 30 years of age or earlier (Fig. 4A). In contrast, MSP patients with ADAMTS17 mutations were diagnosed later than 30 years of age. In particularly, a case carrying ADAMTS17 mutations was not diagnosed until the age of 64 years. Figure 4B illustrates that the mean LT among patients with six gene mutations surpassed 4 mm, with those carrying ASPH and ADAMTS17 mutations displaying the highest LT. Importantly, the difference in LT was found to be statistically significant among patients with these six mutations. MSP represent developmental genetic disorders, exhibiting distinct trends and absolute values in ocular biometric parameters with increasing age (Fig. 4C).
Relationship between gene mutations, diagnostic age, and ocular biometric parameters. (A) Distribution of diagnostic ages among patients with 13 different gene mutations (FBN1, CBS, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4, LTBP2, ASPH, CNGB3, COL18A1, COL4A5, COL5A2, PTCH1, SLC16A12, SUOX, Negative) affecting MSP. (B) Boxplot illustrating LT among patients with six specific gene mutations (FBN1, CBS, ADAMTS17, ADAMTSL4, LTBP2, ASPH). (C) Variations in AL, ACD, LT, and Km with diagnostic age for individuals with FBN1 mutations compared to non-FBN1 mutations
Discussion
MSP is defined by a distinctive spherical lens instead of the typical flat oval shape [17]. Being a crucial refractive medium within the eye, alterations in the morphology of the lens significantly impact normal visual quality. MSP, being a hereditary disorder, frequently manifests alongside various complications, encompassing ocular issues such as megalocornea, high lens myopia and angle-closure glaucoma, as well as many systemic manifestations like aortic dilatation and skeletal abnormalities [1, 17,18,19]. These complications profoundly diminish the quality of life for affected individuals.
In this study, we have included the largest number of probands with confirmed MSP to our knowledge. Our purpose was to establish a comprehensive landscape of pathogenic genes associated with MSP while describing the clinical phenotype characteristics. A total of 28 novel MSP mutations were unveiled, with 15 of these mutations being previously undocumented. This result serves to greatly broaden the spectrum of gene mutations associated with MSP, thereby enhancing our understanding of the genetic background of MSP [13].
Regarding the pathological mechanism of MSP, some scholars believe that it arises from the disruption of normal lens development [1]. These anomalies are considered secondary to nutritional deficiencies resulting from defects in the vascular membrane of the lens [1]. Such aberrations typically manifest between the fifth to sixth months of embryonic life, a period during which the lens assumes a spherical shape [20]. An alternative viewpoint suggests that MSP may arise from a deficiency in tension within the rudimentary ciliary zonule, which impede lens development and thus maintaining its spherical configuration [21]. With the increasing understanding of MSP, the latter perspective gains further support. Consistent with the findings of this study, examination of 59 probands revealed the presence of 13 pathogenic genes, all of which affect collagen fibers of the ciliary zonule.
The fibrillin-1 encoded by FBN1 gene is the main component of ciliary zonule, and its mutation is widely acknowledged as the primary cause of Marfan syndrome (MFS) [15]. Moreover, 11% of patients with FBN1 mutations also exhibit MSP [22]. The impact of FBN1 mutations on MSP was both remarkable and prevalent. In this study, MSP patients with FBN1 mutations had the longest AL, which was also longer than MFS patients in other studies, yet exhibited milder anterior segment abnormalities [4]. Our findings reveal that FBN1 mutation sites in MSP patients were predominantly occur in the middle region (exons 22–42), particularly within the neonatal region (exons 24–32), rather than the N-terminal region typically implicated in MFS [22, 23]. Putnam et al. suggested that in neonatal and severe MFS patients, mutations in the FBN1 gene tend to cluster in exons 24–32, which is therefore referred to as the neonatal region [23]. This suggests potential unique mechanisms underlying axial elongation and manifestation of MSP conferred by FBN1 mutations in this middle region. Therefore, MSP patients should be alert to the location of FBN1 mutation, particularly if it is within the neonatal region, as mutations in this region have been shown to be associated with more severe phenotypes of MFS, especially systemic complications [21, 22]. As a result, regular screenings for systemic issues, such as cardiovascular abnormalities, are recommended for patients with FBN1 mutations presenting with MSP [24, 25]. Meanwhile, given the increased severity of EL and more severe ciliary zonule lesions in this subgroup, adequate preparation before surgery is necessary.
In addition to FBN1, we have identified multiple genes associated with the onset of MSP, including ASPH, PTCH1, and ADAMTS17. These genes can impact MSP through diverse mechanisms, from the ciliary zonule’s developmental process to its assembly and precise localization within the eye. The formation of the ciliary zonule originates from NPCEC (non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells), extending and positioning on the posterior surface of the lens capsule [26]. The emergence of three distinct groups of ciliary zonule is driven by the different growth rates and developmental directions between the ciliary body and the lens. Genes interacting with any stage of this complex process could potentially lead to MSP.
For example, LTBP2 acts as a bridge structure between microfibrils, vital for the stable assembly of microfibril bundles, providing mechanical strength to ciliary zonules [13, 27, 28]. ADAMTS17 encoding secreted metalloproteinases that are instrumental in the secretion of fibrillin-1 and therefore plays pivotal roles in the assembly and maturation of microfibril [29,30,31,32,33]. ASPH gene is involved in the activation of fibrillin-1, with it‘s encode aspartic acid/asparagine-β-hydroxylase responsible for post-transcriptional hydroxylation of EGF domain containing proteins, namely FBN1 and LTBP2 [34, 35]. ADAMTSL4 plays an important role in stabilizing ciliary zonule to the lens capsule. Despite its limited presence, being a minor component in the ciliary zonule, its synthesis primarily occurs during the embryonic development of the eye, with expression sharply decreasing after birth, resulting in an early onset of the disease in patients [36]. Previous studies have indicated that the direction of EL in patients with ADAMTSL4 mutations is inferior-temporal direction, as opposed to the superior dislocation commonly observed in patients with FBN1 mutations [37, 38]. PTCH1 also effects the synthesis of fibrillin-1, with its mutations inhibiting the transcription of genes encoding members of the TGF-β and Wnt signaling protein families.
Given that these genes are not only expressed in NPCEC but also in other eye cells such as the retina and cornea, attention must be paid to other ocular complications beyond MSP. For instance, mutations in ADAMTSL4 are frequently associated with glaucoma, ectopia pupil, cataract, and retinal detachment [39]. Like ADAMTS17, AMDATSL4 belongs to the larger superfamily of ADAMTS proteases and ADAMTS-like proteins [40, 41]. The presence of ADAMTS17 mutations has been shown to be associated with retinopathy in animal models. We observed that patients with LTBP2 mutations have significantly higher IOP compared to those with other gene mutations, although the exact pathogenic mechanism between LTBP2 mutations and glaucoma remains unclear [13]. Mutations in LTBP2 can potentially predict the development of glaucoma. Consistent with the previous research, our findings suggest that LTBP2 mutations are associated with increased WTW measurements, indicating the presence of megalocornea [19, 42]. ASPH mutations are relatively rare, with only 19 cases reported until 2024 [35, 43]. Patients with ASPH mutations in this cohort exhibited distinct ocular features, including shortened AL, thinner corneal thickness, and reduced ACD. Chassaing et al. have shown that heterozygous mutations in PTCH1 are deleterious, and ocular phenotypes such as microphthalmia, cataract, sclerosant cornea, anophthalmia, and anterior segment hypoplasia have been reported in patients carrying these mutations [44, 45].
We recognize that MSP often presents as a phenotype in other syndromes. Hence, these gene mutations can also cause systemic abnormalities. For example, LTBP2 and ADAMTS17 commonly identified in patients with MWS patients. In this study, patients carrying ADAMTS17 mutations were diagnosed at an older age and had a relatively longer lifespan [36]. Aside from genes associated with connective tissue, some pathogenic genes contributing to MSP are related to hereditary metabolic disorders, notably CBS and SUOX. These genes may promote the degradation of ciliary zonule by affecting disulfide bond function or increasing toxic metabolites in aqueous humor [12]. In this cohort, the severity of EL in patients with CBS mutations was second to those with FBN1 mutations. The age at diagnosis for patients with CBS mutations was significantly earlier compared to others. Mulvihill et al. have indicated that ocular phenotypes in patients with CBS mutations typically manifest around the age of 3, with onset reported as early as 1 year and as late as 8 years [12]. CBS mutations weaken zonules and cause progressive EL [46]. Studies by Marjorie F. Lou et al. has shown that CBS protein levels in the anterior segment remains elevated throughout the lifespan [47]. Therefore, CBS mutations are also involve additional anterior segment abnormalities, potentially leading to iridodonesis, acute pupillary block, and even retinal detachment, optic nerve atrophy [12]. The difference is that most mutation sites in this cohort are located in the catalytic domain of CBS, rather than the Betaman module reported in other literatures [48]. This suggests that mutations in this region point to more pronounced ocular abnormalities.
The patient who carried a heterozygous missense mutation in SUOX, theoretically non-pathogenic, but this patient presented with binocular MSP and ametropia. Its pathogenesis needs further exploration. We hypothesize that if disease severity is related to a dose effect, preventive measures against serious neurologic complications become imperative.
In previous researches, mutations in CNGB3 have been associated with functional impairment and degeneration of cone and rod cells [49, 50]. In our cohort, a novel CNGB3 mutation combined with MSP was reported for the first time, yet its pathogenicity remains unclear. The COL18A1 gene plays a major role in retinal structure and neural tube closure [51]. COL4A5 mutations are implicated in Alport syndrome, with associated ocular manifestations including dot-and-fleck retinopathy, anterior cone of lens, and anterior polar cataract [52]. The type V collagen encoded by COL5A2 regulates the growth of type I collagen fibers, and homozygous mutations in COL5A2 have been demonstrated to cause skin and eye abnormalities in animal models. SLC16A12 is expressed in both retina and lens, and mutations in this gene have been associated with juvenile cataract, microcornea and glucosuria [53]. The early onset of these ocular manifestations implies that they might precede systemic complications, such as renal glucosuria, highlighting the need for timely monitoring of systemic manifestations [54].
In this study, the genetic mutations identified in MSP patients contribute to expanding the understanding of the genetic factors associated with the condition, offering potential insights that could guide future research into the genetic landscape of MSP. These findings notably improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, especially for patients exhibiting atypical clinical manifestations, where genetic-based precise diagnostics become increasingly feasible. Further analysis of the relationship between these new mutations and MSP phenotypes allows for a more accurate prediction of disease progression and severity, thereby providing patients with more precise prognostic information. Importantly, certain specific gene mutations may be closely associated with a higher risk of complications, offering valuable guidance for the comprehensive management and monitoring strategies for MSP. Moreover, understanding how specific genetic mutations affect the clinical manifestations of MSP can aid physicians in developing more personalized treatment plans for patients.
However, we also acknowledge certain limitations within our study. Despite being one of the largest cohorts in existing MSP research, the sample size of 59 patients is still considered small within the field of genetic studies. This limits our ability to explore the association between some rare mutations and MSP. Additionally, the patient selection from specific regional medical institutions may introduce selection bias, suggesting that our findings could be limited to certain population characteristics and necessitate further validation across a broader demographic. Secondly, the high diversity between MSP phenotypes and genotypes adds complexity to the study. Different mutations within the same gene could lead to varied clinical presentations, necessitating cautious interpretation of the relationship between genetic variations and disease phenotypes. Furthermore, we did not engage in further mechanistic exploration. Future investigations will incorporate structural prediction and phenotypic validation studies to deepen our understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the genetic background of MSP is very complex, and its pathogenic mechanism is also intricate. Comprehensive genetic landscape and phenotype studies play an important role in accurate diagnosis and mechanism research in MSP.
Data availability
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
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Funding
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 82070943), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 82271068), and Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (Grant no. 22Y11910400).
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Yan Liu: concept of paper, writing paper, data analysis. Yang Sun: data analysis; writing paper, data collection. Qiuyi Huo: data analysis; writing paper, data collection. Linghao Song: data collection. Xinyue Wang: data collection. Xin Shen: data collection. Ye Zhao: data collection. Tianhui Chen: data collection, critical review of the manuscript, data analysis. Yongxiang Jiang: study design, surgeon, critical review of the manuscript.
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Liu, Y., Sun, Y., Huo, Q. et al. Genetic landscape and ocular biometric correlations in microspherophakia: insights from a comprehensive patient cohort. Hum Genomics 19, 22 (2025). https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s40246-025-00729-6
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DOI: https://doiorg.publicaciones.saludcastillayleon.es/10.1186/s40246-025-00729-6