Novel ATF6 homozygous variant in a Chinese patient with achromatopsia

Background:ATF6-associated Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by reduction of visual acuity, photophobia, nystagmus, and poor color vision. Methods:Detailed ophthalmological examinations were performed in a Chinese patient with ACHM. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the disease-causing gene in the patient. Results:A 6-year-old girl presented photophobia, low vision and reduced color discrimination. Small yellow lesion in the macula of both eyes was observed. FAF demonstrated hypofluorescence in the macular fovea. OCT images revealed interruption of ellipsoid and interdigitation zone in the foveal area and a loss of the foveal pit. ERG showed relatively normal rod responses and unrecordable cone responses. Sequencing result identified a novel splicing variant c.354 + 6T>C in the ATF6 gene (NM_007348.4). Conclusions:We reported detailed clinical features and genetic analysis of a new Chinese ATF6-associated patient with ACHM.