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Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B 1998 Vol.-1 No.-1 P.

http://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B2500747


Integrative analytical and statistical framework for optimization of multiplex qPCR detection of TGFBI mutations in refractive surgery candidates


Author(s):  Yunfeng GU1, Liping MAO1, Xiaoling LI2, Kangxuan SUN3, Qiuruo JIANG1, Wenhui WU2, Yangyang SHEN1, Shihao CHEN1, Meiqin ZHENG1, Yi XU1

Affiliation(s):  1. 1National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China 2Institute of PSI Genomics, Wenzhou Global Eye & Vision Innovation Center, Wenzhou, 325024, China 3Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China

Corresponding email(s):   Yi XU, xy@eye.ac.cn Meiqin ZHENG, zmq@eye.ac.cn Shihao CHEN, chenle@rocketmail.com

Key Words:  Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Analytical and statistical validation, Preoperative transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI) mutation screening


Yunfeng GU1, Liping MAO1, Xiaoling LI2, Kangxuan SUN3, Qiuruo JIANG1, Wenhui WU2, Yangyang SHEN1, Shihao CHEN1, Meiqin ZHENG1, Yi XU1. Integrative analytical and statistical framework for optimization of multiplex qPCR detection of TGFBI mutations in refractive surgery candidates[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 1998, -1(-1): .

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author="Yunfeng GU1, Liping MAO1, Xiaoling LI2, Kangxuan SUN3, Qiuruo JIANG1, Wenhui WU2, Yangyang SHEN1, Shihao CHEN1, Meiqin ZHENG1, Yi XU1",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science B",
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publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
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%A Yunfeng GU1
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%A Xiaoling LI2
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%A Wenhui WU2
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A1 - Yunfeng GU1
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A1 - Qiuruo JIANG1
A1 - Wenhui WU2
A1 - Yangyang SHEN1
A1 - Shihao CHEN1
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DOI - 10.1631/jzus.B2500747


Abstract: 
Refractive surgery can unmask or accelerate transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI)-related corneal dystrophies that are undetectable by routine slit-lamp examination, creating a clear need for a rapid, standardized, preoperative genetic screening. We developed a multiplex, allele-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) panel targeting five high-frequency TGFBI hotspots (R124C/L/H, R555W/Q) and built a statistics-driven analytical framework to optimize assay decisions. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis defined locus-specific cycle threshold (Ct) cutoffs that were harmonized to a single decision threshold (Ct=36) to simplify deployment. Analytical sensitivity was established by Probit modeling of serial two-fold dilutions, and confirmed by ≥20 replicates per level. In a 158-sample validation set (38 mutation-positive; 120 negative), qPCR agreed perfectly with Sanger sequencing (Cohen's Kappa coefficient (Κ)=1.0). Probit analysis yielded locus-specific limit-of-detection (LoD) values ranging from 0.035-0.20 ng µL-1; at 0.20 ng µL-1 the detection rate was over 95%. Repeatability and intermediate precision were high (Ct coefficient of variation (CV) 0.34-1.21%). No cross-reactivity was observed against non-target TGFBI variants or other ophthalmic genes, and interference from blood, oral flora/rinse, or toothpaste produced small, bounded shifts (≈?7.8% to +2.8%). Calibration with serial dilutions demonstrated linear Ct-log(copy) relationships suitable for routine quality control. Prospective screening of 10,055 refractive surgery candidates identified six TGFBI carriers (0.06%) harboring R124H (including one homozygote), R124L, R124C, or R555W mutations, all confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This study established a clinically applicable, statistically optimized multiplex qPCR platform that integrates ROC-derived cutoffs and Probit-defined LoD with rigorous evaluations of precision, specificity and robustness, enabling large-scale population implementation. Positive screening results guide clinical decision-making through a standardized post-screening workflow, and the targeted hotspot screening strategy serves as a cost-effective first-tier high-throughput approach for preoperative risk assessment. The framework provides a transparent, reproducible path to standardize preoperative TGFBI screening and reduce iatrogenic risk in refractive surgery candidates.

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