frameshift variant

Definition of frameshift variant

frameshift variant

(FRAYM-shift VAYR-ee-unt)
An insertion or deletion involving a number of base pairs that is not a multiple of three, which consequently disrupts the triplet reading frame of a DNA sequence. Such variants (or mutations) usually lead to the creation of a premature termination (stop) codon, and result in a truncated (shorter-than-normal) protein product. Also called frameshift mutation.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms