A non-coding mutation in the 5' untranslated region of patched homologue 1 predisposes to basal cell carcinoma

Mutations in the human homolog of the Drosophila patched gene, patched homologue 1 (PTCH-1), are responsible for most hereditary and sporadic basal cell carcinomas. Here, we present a father and daughter with a high propensity for the development of basal cell carcinoma who were heterozygous for a non-coding germline mutation in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of PTCH-1 (insertion of a surplus CGG triplet at the site of a seven times CGG repeat). We analysed the impact of this mutation on PTCH translation using a luciferase-based reporter vector. Insertion of an eighth CGG in the 5′ UTR repressed protein translation dramatically when compared to the wild-type sequence. Our results suggest that this non-coding variant in the 5′ UTR represents a mutation predisposing to basal cell carcinoma.