GJB2 mutations are rare in probands with hearing loss in Chinese assortative mating families

Objective: GJB2 mutation is recognized as the prevalent causes of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) worldwide. However, the mutation profiles of GJB2 are rarely reported in deafness probands of the assortative mating family. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the frequencies. of GJB2 mutations in probands with hearing loss in the assortative mating family in Hubei province, Central China. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 29 probands with hearing loss. The target fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to sequencing to identify sequence variations. Results: None of 29 probands harbored homozygous mutation in GJB2, while GJB2 heterozygous mutations c.134G>A, c.139G>T, and a deletion c.235delC were identified in three probands, respectively. Conclusion: GJB2 mutations are rare in Chinese probands of assortative mating families. Screening for responsible genes other than GJB2 is necessary for NSHL in these probands. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.