Gene

DNASE1L3

3 variant(s) documented across Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis Syndrome

Variants

VariantTypeFrequency in diseaseSignificanceAlso found in
c.289_290delAC (frameshift)germlineFamilial cases only (autosomal recessive)First identified genetic cause of familial HUVS. Homozygous frameshift mutation causes complete loss of endonuclease activity via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Impairs clearance of extracellular chromatin from apoptotic cells.Monogenic SLE (SLE-16) (Causative); Familial SLE with ANCA positivity (Subset of cases)
c.320+4delAGTA (splice-site)germlineFamilial cases only (autosomal recessive)Second identified DNASE1L3 mutation in an unrelated HUVS family. Causes exon skipping and abolished endonuclease activity as demonstrated by plasmid nicking assay.Monogenic SLE (SLE-16) (Causative)
c.572A>G, p.Asn191SergermlineIdentified in 3 Emirati families with SLE/HUVS overlapNovel variant that does not affect enzyme production but impairs secretion. DNASE1L3 191S protein is overexpressed intracellularly but absent in supernatant, demonstrating a distinct loss-of-function mechanism.SLE with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (7 patients in 3 families)

Clinical implications

c.289_290delAC (frameshift)

Genetic testing for DNASE1L3 recommended in pediatric-onset or familial HUVS. Carriers inevitably progress to SLE.

Testing: Whole-exome sequencing, Targeted gene panel, Sanger sequencing

c.320+4delAGTA (splice-site)

Confirms DNASE1L3 as causative gene across multiple families. Supports genetic counselling for at-risk families.

Testing: Whole-exome sequencing, Targeted gene panel

c.572A>G, p.Asn191Ser

Expands the spectrum of DNASE1L3 mutations. Demonstrates that secretion defects, not just loss of production, can cause disease.

Testing: Whole-exome sequencing, Functional secretion assays

Related molecules in pathway

DNASE1L3established

Extracellular DNA clearance enzymeLost (in familial HUVS)