Mutations in Corneal Carbohydrate Sulfotransferase 6 Gene (CHST6) in Iranian Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD) Patients: A Report of 7 Patients from Iran

ObjectiveMacular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorderaffecting the stroma of cornea. Most cases of MCD are caused by mutations in CHST6 gene. The aim of this study was to determine mutations in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6 gene (CHST6) through genetic analysis of 7 Iranian patients with MCD.Materials & MethodsWe screened the CHST6 gene to determine the range of pathogenic mutations. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. The coding regions of the CHST6 gene were amplified using three pairs of primers, anddirectly sequenced in the final step.ResultsFour mutations were found to affect the translated protein and each of them corresponded to a particular disease haplotype that has been previously reported.