Abstract:

Objective To investigate the variants and clinical characteristics of BRAF gene. Methods The clinical data and types of gene variation in 8 cases of children with BRAF gene variation were retrospectively analyzed. Results Eight children had BRAF gene variations, four of which were derived from germ cells and the other four from somatic cells. The 4 patients with BRAF gene variations from germ cells all showed clinical features of cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, which is an extremely rare disease. They all have special facial features, developmental retardation, skin and hair abnormalities, and some children also have epilepsy, heart malformation and other manifestations. They were all new variations in the BRAF gene, but the variation sites were different. Of the 4 children whose BRAF gene variations originated from somatic cells, 2 presented with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and the other 2 presented with central nervous system malignant tumors. Conclusions When BRAF gene variation occurs in germ cells, children can develop severe developmental disorders that can present as clinical features of CFC syndrome. When BRAF gene variation occurs in somatic cells, it can cause tumors and LCH, etc.

Key words: BRAF gene, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, tumor