MEFV c.2230G>T p.(Ala744Ser) rs61732874 previously misclassified as pathogenic variant due to lack of a population specific database

Abstract

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever is a hereditary inflammatory disorder caused by variants in MEFV. c.2230G>T p.(Ala744Ser) rs61732874 is considered to be an established pathogenic variant in MEFV, but in this study we provide a complete evaluation that suggests this variant is likely benign. Methods: Using an in-house exome database from 924 individuals, we extracted all individuals harboring this variant for clinical, laboratory, and familial evaluation. Results: We identified the variant in 58 individuals from 39 families. The allele frequency of this variant in our database is 4.2%. None of the identified individuals match the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever. Using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines for variant classification, this variant is classified as likely benign and not pathogenic. Conclusion: Conflicting evidence about variants creates challenges for testing laboratories and impacts patient care. Sharing information drawn mainly from underrepresented populations and clinical phenotyping are important tools for precise curation of genetic variants.