Abstract: Objective To determine XPAC gene mutation in a Chinese pedigree with xeroderma pigmentosum group A.Methods All exons of XPAC gene were analyzed by PCR-DNA sequencing in the pedigree.The mutations were confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP).Results By PCR-DNA sequencing,a nonsense mutation of C631T was identified which caused R211X substitution in exon 5 of XPAC gene.The mutated gene encoded a defective XPA protein truncated by63 amino acids in C-terminus.The parents were all heterozygotes.The results were confirmed by RFLP.Conclusions A nonsense mutation is found in XPAC gene of a pedigree of xeroderma pigmentosum group A.This mutation may impair XPA protein function of DNA repair,and as a consequence,cause skin aging and carcinogenesis.

Key words: Xeroderma pigmentosum, Genes, Mutation