A novel TIMP3 mutation associated with a retinitis pigmentosa-like phenotype

Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy is an inherited macular degeneration caused by pathogenic variants in the TIMP3 gene. In this study we describe a father and son initially diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa of unknown genetic origin. More recent genetic testing of the patients, identified a novel c.410A>G; p.Tyr137Cys variant of uncertain clinical significance in the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) gene. The atypical clinical findings led us to compare the theoretical molecular effects of this variant on the TIMP3 protein structure and interactions with other proteins using homology modeling and machine learning predictions.