Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for a treatable disorder: Gaucher disease type 1 as a model

Background: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that enables identification of unaffected embryos prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfer in couples at risk for a Mendelian disorder. Most cases involve severe genetic diseases with neurological features and/or major malformations. We present two couples in which PGD was performed for prevention of type 1 Gaucher disease, a non-neuronopathic, non-lethal disorder. Materials and methods: We developed a multiplex fluorescent PCR protocol, simultaneously amplifying the familial mutations and eight closely spaced, highly polymorphic informative microsatellite markers surrounding the gene, to be used for PGD analysis. Results: Couple #1 mother was homozygous for the N370S mutation and the father carried the 84GG mutation; their first daughter receives specific Gaucher therapy. One PGD cycle resulted in seven embryos of which four had the paternal wild type allele; two were transferred resulting in a healthy baby boy born at term. Couple #2, each a carrier (N370S and R359Q), whose first-born child had died (age 5. years) of Gaucher disease, underwent 7 PGD cycles. Only one cycle resulted in a clinical pregnancy but a miscarriage was followed at 10. weeks. Conclusions: PGD is an effective and accurate method for preventing Gaucher disease type I in carrier couples. Since this disease is treatable, special ethical considerations and careful selection of couples should be performed.