AIM: To study mutations in the P-type ATPase (ATP7B)gene responsible for Wilson disease (WD) in the Eastern Chinese population, and the possible correlation of specific mutations with clinical characteristics.METHODS: Mutations of the ATP7B gene were sought by means of direct sequencing in 50 Eastern Chinese WD patients of Han ethnic origin.RESULTS: Two novel mutations, Asp96Gly and Asp196Glu, were first identified. We also compared the characterization of mutations in ATP7B with the clinical findings, and a significant correlation with hepatic manifestations between patients carrying the Arg778Leu mutation and those without was found.CONCLUSION: Gene sequencing analysis was shown to have a high detection rate and accuracy. It may become the first priority in screening of WD patients.