BackgroundLimb-girdle muscular dystrophy R8 (LGMD R8) is a rare autosomal recessive muscle disease caused by TRIM32 gene biallelic defects. The genotype–phenotype correlation of this disease has been reported poorly. Here, we report a Chinese family with two female LGMD R8 patients.MethodsWe performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing on the proband. Meanwhile, the function of mutant TRIM32 protein was analyzed by bioinformatics and experimental analysis. In addition, a summary of the reported TRIM32 deletions and point mutations and an investigation of genotype–phenotype correlation were performed through a combined analysis of the two patients and other cases reported in previous literature.ResultsThe two patients displayed typical symptoms of LGMD R8, which worsened during pregnancy. Genetic analysis by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing showed that the patients were compound heterozygotes of a novel deletion (chr9.hg19:g.119431290_119474250del) and a novel missense mutation (TRIM32:c.1700A > G, p.H567R). The deletion encompassed 43 kb and resulted in the removal of the entire TRIM32 gene. The missense mutation altered the structure and further affected function by interfering with the self-association of the TRIM32 protein. Females with LGMD R8 showed less severe symptoms than males, and patients carrying two mutations in NHL repeats of the TRIM32 protein had earlier disease onset and more severe symptoms than other patients.ConclusionsThis research extended the spectrum of TRIM32 mutations and firstly provided useful data on the genotype–phenotype correlation, which is valuable for the accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling of LGMD R8.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13395-023-00319-x.