Genetic homogeneity of mutational spectrum of group-A xeroderma pigmentosum in Tunisian patients.

The XPA R228X mutation is common in Tunisian population. This mutation is associated with a relatively moderate phenotype of the XPA. As all explored patients presented the recurrent mutation XPA R228X, a potential founder effect was searched and confirmed by haplotype analysis. Taking into account similar genetic background, investigation of this mutation should allow a cost effective and rapid diagnosis of XPA in north-African populations.