Genetic Analysis of Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

The goal of this study was to identify a potential driver of epidermal inclusion cysts, or epidermoid cysts, (EICs) in human skin. Individuals were recruited at EIC excision appointments made a priori, with no exclusion criteria. Fresh biopsies and saliva were taken from consented patients, and DNA harvested immediately. Whole exome sequencing was performed (150-bp paired end reads) to 200X in tissue and 80X in saliva via Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. Identification of somatic mutations was performed using GATK best practices. Somatic variants in the NEK9 gene were found in 12/14 cases sequenced, with clustering of variants within the RCC1 and kinase domains of the protein.]]>