RESUMO
The genetic causes of global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disability (ID) are diverse and include variants in numerous ion channels and transporters. Loss-of-function variants in all five endosomal/lysosomal members of the CLC family of Cl- channels and Cl-/H+ exchangers lead to pathology in mice, humans, or both. We have identified nine variants in CLCN3, the gene encoding CIC-3, in 11 individuals with GDD/ID and neurodevelopmental disorders of varying severity. In addition to a homozygous frameshift variant in two siblings, we identified eight different heterozygous de novo missense variants. All have GDD/ID, mood or behavioral disorders, and dysmorphic features; 9/11 have structural brain abnormalities; and 6/11 have seizures. The homozygous variants are predicted to cause loss of ClC-3 function, resulting in severe neurological disease similar to the phenotype observed in Clcn3-/- mice. Their MRIs show possible neurodegeneration with thin corpora callosa and decreased white matter volumes. Individuals with heterozygous variants had a range of neurodevelopmental anomalies including agenesis of the corpus callosum, pons hypoplasia, and increased gyral folding. To characterize the altered function of the exchanger, electrophysiological analyses were performed in Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cells. Two variants, p.Ile607Thr and p.Thr570Ile, had increased currents at negative cytoplasmic voltages and loss of inhibition by luminal acidic pH. In contrast, two other variants showed no significant difference in the current properties. Overall, our work establishes a role for CLCN3 in human neurodevelopment and shows that both homozygous loss of ClC-3 and heterozygous variants can lead to GDD/ID and neuroanatomical abnormalities.
Assuntos
Canais de Cloreto/genética , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Canais Iônicos/fisiologia , Mutação , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/patologia , Fenótipo , Adolescente , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Homozigoto , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/etiologia , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/metabolismoRESUMO
Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by severe intellectual disability (ID), distinctive facial features and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, caused by TCF4 haploinsufficiency. We clinically diagnosed with PTHS a 14 6/12 -year-old female, who had a normal status of TCF4. The pathogenic c.667del (p.Asp223MetfsTer45) variant in SOX11 was identified through whole exome sequencing (WES). SOX11 variants were initially reported to cause Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS), characterised by growth restriction, moderate ID, coarse face, hypertrichosis and hypoplastic nails. However, recent studies have provided evidence that they give rise to a distinct neurodevelopmental disorder. To date, SOX11 variants are associated with a variable phenotype, which has been described to resemble CSS in some cases, but never PTHS. By reviewing both clinically and genetically 32 out of 82 subjects reported in the literature with SOX11 variants, for whom detailed information are provided, we found that 7/32 (22%) had a clinical presentation overlapping PTHS. Furthermore, we made a confirmation that overall SOX11 abnormalities feature a distinctive disorder characterised by severe ID, high incidence of microcephaly and low frequency of congenital malformations. Purpose of the present report is to enhance the role of clinical genetics in assessing the individual diagnosis after WES results.
Assuntos
Deficiência Intelectual , Feminino , Humanos , Criança , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/patologia , Fácies , Hiperventilação/diagnóstico , Hiperventilação/genética , Fenótipo , Fator de Transcrição 4/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOXC/genéticaRESUMO
Medical professionals frequently underestimate stress level of parents/caregivers of patients with rare disorders as RASopathies, the latter might experience elevated stress levels, with their own health frequently overlooked despite significant responsibilities and hurdles encountered. The aim of this study is to assess the stress experienced by parents of individuals with Noonan syndrome and related conditions. Forty-eight parents (20 fathers; 28 mothers), among the 31 recruited families, completed the Italian version of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. Our study shows abnormally elevated scores (≥ 85° percentile) in 35.4% of parents. Data retrieved from subscales reveal a perception of a difficult child in 25% of cases, a dysfunctional parental-child interaction in 20.8%, a general parental distress in 10.4% of cases, and an elevated overall stress in 18.8% of parents. Questionnaires as the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form are valuable tools to evaluate stress in parents/caregivers of children with RASopathies. Evaluation by professionals is fundamental to support parents and caregivers in managing stressors and to enhance their quality of life and relationships. To prevent stress escalation and parents' burnout, an early assessment to tailor a timely treatment should be introduced as soon as possible as good clinical practice.
RESUMO
POU3F3 variants cause developmental delay, behavioral problems, hypotonia and dysmorphic features. We investigated the phenotypic and genetic landscape, and genotype-phenotype correlations in individuals with POU3F3-related disorders. We recruited unpublished individuals with POU3F3 variants through international collaborations and obtained updated clinical data on previously published individuals. Trio exome sequencing or single exome sequencing followed by segregation analysis were performed in the novel cohort. Functional effects of missense variants were investigated with 3D protein modeling. We included 28 individuals (5 previously published) from 26 families carrying POU3F3 variants; 23 de novo and one inherited from an affected parent. Median age at study inclusion was 7.4 years. All had developmental delay mainly affecting speech, behavioral difficulties, psychiatric comorbidities and dysmorphisms. Additional features included gastrointestinal comorbidities, hearing loss, ophthalmological anomalies, epilepsy, sleep disturbances and joint hypermobility. Autism, hearing and eye comorbidities, dysmorphisms were more common in individuals with truncating variants, whereas epilepsy was only associated with missense variants. In silico structural modeling predicted that all (likely) pathogenic variants destabilize the DNA-binding region of POU3F3. Our study refined the phenotypic and genetic landscape of POU3F3-related disorders, it reports the functional properties of the identified pathogenic variants, and delineates some genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Transtorno Autístico , Epilepsia , Deficiência Intelectual , Humanos , Criança , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Transtorno Autístico/genética , Fenótipo , Epilepsia/genética , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto/genética , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Fatores do Domínio POU/genéticaRESUMO
Noonan syndrome (NS) is a clinical variable multisystem disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. NS is characterized by a distinctive facies, short stature, and congenital heart defects. Psychomotor delay, learning difficulties, and social deficits are also common. Furthermore, behavioral and attention problems can be reckoned as a key symptom in NS, with functioning resembling the patterns observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The complex behavioral phenotype has great impact on the quality of life and raises demanding management issues also for patients' families. Parent management training (PMT) is recommended as first-line treatment for ADHD; however, no study has been performed to test the efficacy of PMT in NS, thus far. The aim of this pilot study is the implementation and evaluation of a PMT dedicated to NS families. Parents of seven children with NS were recruited and underwent to a 10-session PMT. Three different questionnaires were administered to both parents: Conners Parent Rating Scales, Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ). Our findings on this first small cohort of families indicate that positive perception and satisfaction about the child and the interaction with him increased in mothers after the intervention, as measured respectively by PSI-SF difficult child (DC) and PSI-SF parent-child dysfunctional interaction (PCDI), while mothers' level of stress decreased after the PMT, as indicated by PSI-SF total scores. Furthermore, APQ positive parenting, which measures behaviors of positive relationship with the child, increased in mothers after the intervention. Statistical analysis on fathers' questionnaires did not show significant differences after the PMT sessions. This pilot study suggests that PMT is a promising intervention for parents of NS children with behavioral and ADHD symptoms. Changes in mothers' attitudes and distress indicate that behaviorally oriented programs may help parents to manage with NS phenotype.
Assuntos
Transtorno do Deficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade , Síndrome de Noonan , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Projetos Piloto , Síndrome de Noonan/genética , Síndrome de Noonan/terapia , Qualidade de Vida , Mães/psicologia , Poder Familiar/psicologia , Transtorno do Deficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade/genética , Transtorno do Deficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade/terapia , Pais/psicologiaRESUMO
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are known to occur in 9%-25% of patients with KBG syndrome. In this study we analyzed the prevalence and anatomic types of CHDs in 46 personal patients with KBG syndrome, carrying pathogenetic variants in ANKRD11 or 16q24.3 deletion, and reviewed CHDs in patients with molecular diagnosis of KBG syndrome from the literature. CHD was diagnosed in 15/40 (38%) patients with ANKRD11 variant, and in one patient with 16q24.3 deletion. Left ventricular outflow tract obstructions have been diagnosed in 9/15 (60%), subaortic or muscular ventricular septal defect in 5/15 (33%), dextrocardia in 1/15 (8%). The single patient with 16q24.3 deletion and CHD had complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) with aortic coarctation. Review of KBG patients from the literature and present series showed that septal defects have been diagnosed in 44% (27/61) of the cases, left ventricular tract obstructions in 31% (19/61), AVSD in 18% (11/61). Septal defects have been diagnosed in 78% of total patients with 16q24.3 deletion. Valvar anomalies are frequently diagnosed, prevalently involving the left side of the heart. A distinctive association with AVSD is identifiable and could represent a marker to suggest the diagnosis in younger patients. In conclusion, after precise molecular diagnosis and systematic cardiological screening the prevalence of CHD in KBG syndrome seems to be higher than previously reported in clinical articles. In addition to septal defects, left-sided anomalies and AVSD should be considered. Clinical management of KBG syndrome should include accurate and detailed echocardiogram at time of diagnosis.
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Anormalidades Múltiplas , Doenças do Desenvolvimento Ósseo , Cardiopatias Congênitas , Deficiência Intelectual , Anormalidades Dentárias , Anormalidades Múltiplas/diagnóstico , Anormalidades Múltiplas/epidemiologia , Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Doenças do Desenvolvimento Ósseo/genética , Deleção Cromossômica , Fácies , Cardiopatias Congênitas/diagnóstico , Cardiopatias Congênitas/genética , Defeitos dos Septos Cardíacos , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Anormalidades Dentárias/genética , Fatores de TranscriçãoRESUMO
Dominant mutations in ATP1A1, encoding the alpha-1 isoform of the Na+ /K+ -ATPase, have been recently reported to cause an axonal to intermediate type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (ie, CMT2DD) and a syndrome with hypomagnesemia, intractable seizures and severe intellectual disability. Here, we describe the first case of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by a novel de novo (p.L337P) variant in ATP1A1. We provide evidence for the causative role of this variant with functional and homology modeling studies. This finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of the ATP1A1-related disorders, adds a piece to the larger genetic puzzle of HSP, and increases knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited axonopathies (ie, CMT and HSP).
Assuntos
Doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth/genética , Polineuropatias/genética , ATPase Trocadora de Sódio-Potássio/genética , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/genética , Doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth/patologia , Pré-Escolar , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Mutação em Linhagem Germinativa/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Linhagem , Fenótipo , Polineuropatias/complicações , Polineuropatias/patologia , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/complicações , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/patologiaRESUMO
Tubulinopathies are rare neurological disorders caused by alterations in tubulin structure and function, giving rise to a wide range of brain abnormalities involving neuronal proliferation, migration, differentiation and axon guidance. TUBB is one of the ten ß-tubulin encoding genes present in the human genome and is broadly expressed in the developing central nervous system and the skin. Mutations in TUBB are responsible for two distinct pathological conditions: the first is characterized by microcephaly and complex structural brain malformations and the second, also known as "circumferential skin creases Kunze type" (CSC-KT), is associated to neurological features, excess skin folding and growth retardation. We used a combination of immunocytochemical and cellular approaches to explore, on patients' derived fibroblasts, the functional consequences of two TUBB variants: the novel mutation (p.N52S), associated with basal ganglia and cerebellar dysgenesis, and the previously reported variant (p.M73T), linked to microcephaly, corpus callosum agenesis and CSC-KT skin phenotype. Our results demonstrate that these variants impair microtubule (MT) function and dynamics. Most importantly, our studies show an altered epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transferrin (Tf) intracellular vesicle trafficking in both patients' fibroblasts, suggesting a specific role of TUBB in MT-dependent vesicular transport.
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Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Mutação/genética , Vesículas Transportadoras/metabolismo , Tubulina (Proteína)/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Criança , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Fator de Crescimento Epidérmico/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Modelos Moleculares , Nocodazol/farmacologia , Fenótipo , Transporte Proteico , Transferrina/metabolismo , Tubulina (Proteína)/químicaRESUMO
Heterozygous missense variants in the SPTBN2 gene, encoding the non-erythrocytic beta spectrin 2 subunit (beta-III spectrin), have been identified in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a rare adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, whereas homozygous loss of function variants in SPTBN2 have been associated with early onset cerebellar ataxia and global developmental delay (SCAR14). Recently, heterozygous SPTBN2 missense variants have been identified in a few patients with an early-onset ataxic phenotype. We report five patients with non-progressive congenital ataxia and psychomotor delay, 4/5 harboring novel heterozygous missense variants in SPTBN2 and one patient with compound heterozygous SPTBN2 variants. With an overall prevalence of 5% in our cohort of unrelated patients screened by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for congenital or early-onset cerebellar ataxia, this study indicates that both dominant and recessive mutations of SPTBN2 together with CACNA1A and ITPR1, are a frequent cause of early-onset/congenital non-progressive ataxia and that their screening should be implemented in this subgroup of disorders.
Assuntos
Ataxia Cerebelar/diagnóstico , Ataxia Cerebelar/genética , Estudos de Associação Genética , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Heterozigoto , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto , Espectrina/genética , Adolescente , Alelos , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Biologia Computacional/métodos , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Humanos , Lactente , Modelos Moleculares , Linhagem , Fenótipo , Espectrina/químicaRESUMO
New skills may be learned by active experience (experiential learning or learning by doing) or by observation of others' experience (learning by observation). In general, learning by observation reduces the time and the attempts needed to learn complex actions and behaviors. The present research aimed to compare learning by observation and learning by doing in two clinical populations with different etiology of intellectual disability (ID), as individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), with the hypothesis that specific profiles of learning may be found in each syndrome. To this end, we used a mixture of new and existing data to compare the performances of 24 individuals with DS, 24 individuals with WS and 24 typically developing children on computerized tasks of learning by observation or learning by doing. The main result was that the two groups with ID exhibited distinct patterns of learning by observation. Thus, individuals with DS were impaired in reproducing the previously observed visuo-motor sequence, while they were as efficient as TD children in the experiential learning task. On the other hand, individuals with WS benefited from the observational training while they were severely impaired in detecting the visuo-motor sequence in the experiential learning task (when presented first). The present findings reinforce the syndrome-specific hypothesis and the view of ID as a variety of conditions in which some cognitive functions are more disrupted than others because of the differences in genetic profile and brain morphology and functionality. These findings have important implications for clinicians, who should take into account the genetic etiology of ID in developing learning programs for treatment and education.
Assuntos
Cognição/fisiologia , Síndrome de Down/psicologia , Educação de Pessoa com Deficiência Intelectual/métodos , Aprendizagem/fisiologia , Síndrome de Williams/psicologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare disorder characterized by multiple congenital anomalies and variable intellectual disability caused by mutations in KMT2D/MLL2 and KDM6A/UTX, two interacting chromatin modifier responsible respectively for 56-75% and 5-8% of the cases. To date, three KS patients with mosaic KMT2D deletions in blood lymphocytes have been described. We report on three additional subjects displaying KMT2D gene mosaics including one in which a single nucleotide change results in a new frameshift mutation (p.L1199HfsX7), and two with already-known nonsense mutations (p.R4484X and p.R5021X). Consistent with previously published cases, mosaic KMT2D mutations may result in mild KS facial dysmorphisms and clinical and neurobehavioral features, suggesting that these characteristics could represent the handles for genetic testing of individuals with slight KS-like traits.
Assuntos
Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Códon sem Sentido , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Face/anormalidades , Mutação da Fase de Leitura , Doenças Hematológicas/genética , Mosaicismo , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Doenças Vestibulares/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/diagnóstico , Anormalidades Múltiplas/metabolismo , Anormalidades Múltiplas/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Sequência de Bases , Criança , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/metabolismo , Face/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Expressão Gênica , Doenças Hematológicas/diagnóstico , Doenças Hematológicas/metabolismo , Doenças Hematológicas/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Proteínas de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Doenças Vestibulares/diagnóstico , Doenças Vestibulares/metabolismo , Doenças Vestibulares/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Joubert syndrome (JS) is a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a distinctive cerebellar and brainstem malformation recognizable on brain imaging, the so-called molar tooth sign. The full spectrum of cognitive and behavioral phenotypes typical of JS is still far from being elucidated. The aim of this multicentric study was to define the clinical phenotype and neurobehavioral features of a large cohort of subjects with a neuroradiologically confirmed diagnosis of JS. Fifty-four patients aged 10 months to 29 years were enrolled. Each patient underwent a neurological evaluation as well as psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments. Global cognitive functioning was remarkably variable with Full IQ/General Quotient ranging from 32 to 129. Communication skills appeared relatively preserved with respect to both Daily Living and Socialization abilities. The motor domain was the area of greatest vulnerability, with a negative impact on personal care, social, and academic skills. Most children did not show maladaptive behaviors consistent with a psychiatric diagnosis but approximately 40% of them presented emotional and behavioral problems. We conclude that intellectual disability remains a hallmark but cannot be considered a mandatory diagnostic criterion of JS. Despite the high variability in the phenotypic spectrum and the extent of multiorgan involvement, nearly one quarter of JS patients had a favorable long-term outcome with borderline cognitive deficit or even normal cognition. Most of JS population also showed relatively preserved communication skills and overall discrete behavioral functioning in everyday life, independently from the presence and/or level of intellectual disability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assuntos
Anormalidades Múltiplas/diagnóstico , Anormalidades Múltiplas/fisiopatologia , Cerebelo/anormalidades , Anormalidades do Olho/diagnóstico , Anormalidades do Olho/fisiopatologia , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico , Deficiência Intelectual/fisiopatologia , Doenças Renais Císticas/diagnóstico , Doenças Renais Císticas/fisiopatologia , Retina/anormalidades , Anormalidades Múltiplas/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades Múltiplas/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Encéfalo/anormalidades , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Cerebelo/diagnóstico por imagem , Cerebelo/fisiopatologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cognição/fisiologia , Emoções/fisiologia , Anormalidades do Olho/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades do Olho/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico por imagem , Deficiência Intelectual/psicologia , Doenças Renais Císticas/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Renais Císticas/psicologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Fenótipo , Retina/diagnóstico por imagem , Retina/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
RPL10 encodes ribosomal protein L10 (uL16), a highly conserved multifunctional component of the large ribosomal subunit, involved in ribosome biogenesis and function. Using X-exome resequencing, we identified a novel missense mutation (c.191C>T; p.(A64V)) in the N-terminal domain of the protein, in a family with two affected cousins presenting with X-linked intellectual disability, cerebellar hypoplasia, and spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia (SED). We assessed the impact of the mutation on the translational capacity of the cell using yeast as model system. The mutation generates a functional ribosomal protein, able to complement the translational defects of a conditional lethal mutation of yeast rpl10. However, unlike previously reported mutations, this novel RPL10 missense mutation results in an increase in the actively translating ribosome population. Our results expand the mutational and clinical spectrum of RPL10 identifying a new genetic cause of SED and highlight the emerging role of ribosomal proteins in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Cerebelo/anormalidades , Genes Ligados ao Cromossomo X , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Mutação , Malformações do Sistema Nervoso/genética , Osteocondrodisplasias/genética , Proteínas Ribossômicas/genética , Pré-Escolar , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/diagnóstico , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Feminino , Estudos de Associação Genética , Heterozigoto , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Malformações do Sistema Nervoso/diagnóstico , Neuroimagem , Osteocondrodisplasias/diagnóstico , Fenótipo , Proteína Ribossômica L10 , Proteínas Ribossômicas/metabolismo , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Inativação do Cromossomo XRESUMO
Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder caused, in the majority of cases, by germline missense HRAS mutations affecting Gly(12) promoting enhanced signaling through the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling cascades. In general, the cognitive profile in CS is characterized by intellectual disability ranging from mild to severe impairment. The first published descriptions of behavior in CS children underlined the presence of irritability and shyness at younger ages with sociable personality and good empathic skills after 4-5 years of age, however some recent studies have reported autistic traits. We report on a 7-year-old boy heterozygous for a rare duplication of codon 37 (p.E37dup) in HRAS, manifesting impaired social interaction and non-verbal communication and with circumscribed interests. These additional features improve phenotype delineation in individuals with rare HRAS mutations, facilitating the development of specific behavioral treatments which could lead to improvement in cases of autism spectrum disorder.
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Transtornos do Comportamento Infantil/genética , Síndrome de Costello/genética , Síndrome de Costello/psicologia , Comunicação não Verbal/psicologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/psicologia , Criança , Transtornos do Comportamento Infantil/psicologia , Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento Infantil/genética , Transtornos Globais do Desenvolvimento Infantil/psicologia , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Here, we describe neurobehavioral features in patients with RASopathies (i.e., Noonan syndrome, LEOPARD syndrome, Costello syndrome, and cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome), developmental disorders caused by mutations in genes coding transducers participating in the RAS-MAPK signaling cascade. Parents of 70 individuals with a RASopathy were asked to fill out the following questionnaires: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Social Communication Questionnaire version lifetime (SCQ-L), and Modified Checklist for Autism in toddlers (M-CHAT). Data analysis indicated high rates of internalizing (37%) and externalizing problems (31%) on CBCL. Scores over the cut-off were documented in 64% of patients with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, 44% with Costello syndrome, and 12% with Noonan syndrome on SCQ-L/M-CHAT. Our findings indicate that mutations promoting dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK cascade mark an increased psychopathological risk and highlight that autistic-like behavior could be underdiagnosed in patients with RASopathies.
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Sistema de Sinalização das MAP Quinases/genética , Transtornos Mentais/enzimologia , Transtornos Mentais/genética , Proteínas ras/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Transtorno Autístico/enzimologia , Transtorno Autístico/genética , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Síndrome de Costello/enzimologia , Síndrome de Costello/genética , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/enzimologia , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Displasia Ectodérmica/enzimologia , Displasia Ectodérmica/genética , Fácies , Insuficiência de Crescimento/enzimologia , Insuficiência de Crescimento/genética , Feminino , Cardiopatias Congênitas/enzimologia , Cardiopatias Congênitas/genética , Humanos , Síndrome LEOPARD/enzimologia , Síndrome LEOPARD/genética , Masculino , Mutação/genética , Síndrome de Noonan/enzimologia , Síndrome de Noonan/genética , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Transitioning into adulthood can be challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Work is one of the most enduring and impactful aspects of adult life, as it plays a key role in helping people find meaning. However, research on the effectiveness of pre-employment programs in improving the health and well-being of autistic adolescents and young adults remains limited. This exploratory study aims to assess the impact of a nationwide internship program, "BottegaMente", on the adaptive functioning, emotion regulation, and quality of life of autistic teens, adults, and their families. METHOD: The program involved 82 participants, aged 13-36, and required active family involvement to ensure it addressed the needs of autistic individuals from the planning stages through implementation. Quantitative data were collected before (T0) and after the internship (T1). RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that the internship effectively enhanced adaptive skills, particularly in areas like home life and work skills for autistic adolescents and adults, as reflected by standardized outcomes at T1 compared to T0. CONCLUSION: This research is one of the pioneering efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-employment internship programs for autistic adolescents and adults. Although preliminary, these findings could help to shape future studies on employment, an essential factor for overall quality of life and well-being.
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BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are more vulnerable to traumatic and stressful events, increasing their risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AIMS: This study aimed to investigate differences in psychopathology, post-traumatic symptoms, and adaptive functioning in a sample of Italian children and adolescents with and without ID. It also sought to determine whether the type of interpersonal trauma was associated with distinct psychopathological outcomes. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Sixty-six children and adolescents exposed to interpersonal trauma (physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, and neglect), were selected and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of ID. Assessment consisted of structured parent interviews and parent-reported questionnaires. For each scale, comparisons between subtests were performed. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children and adolescents with ID were more likely to exhibit more severe post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety issues, social problems, and poorer adaptive functioning, with the exception of the practical domain, which appeared to be equally impaired in both groups. In terms of interpersonal trauma typology, exposure to physical/sexual abuse and domestic violence led to greater post-traumatic symptoms compared to neglect. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Interpersonal trauma significantly affects children and adolescents, with or without ID, highlighting the need for tailored treatments for both groups.
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BACKGROUND: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to intellectual disability (ID) along with cognitive-behavioral difficulties. Research on psychosocial treatments in individuals FXS and ID is still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined neuropsychological and cognitive behavioral group therapy (nCBT) among young adults with FXS. METHOD: Ten young adults diagnosed with FXS took part in the second stage intervention of "Corp-osa-Mente" (CoM II), a group nCBT program previously outlined by Montanaro and colleagues in an earlier study, with the participants being the same as in the previous research. This report details the outcomes of an additional twelve-month group sections aimed at enhancing the ability to manage emotions and the socio-communicative skills of these young adults. Caregivers completed measures of adaptive functioning, emotional and behavior problems, executive function, communication skills and family quality of life at pre-treatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1). RESULTS: CoM II showed a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms from T0 to T1, along with increased socio-pragmatic and communication skills from pre-test to post-test intervention. Additionally, our analysis revealed improvements in the adapative behavior of participants and in the family quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that young adults with FXS and ID experienced positive outcomes through participation in CoM II, a group nCBT. However, it is recommended to undertake additional methodologically rigorous studies, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to substantiate these initially promising findings.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, caused by CGG-repeat expansions (> 200) in the FMR1 gene leading to lack of expression. Espansion between 55 and 200 triplets fall within the premutation range (PM) and can lead to different clinical conditions, including fragile X- primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI), fragile X-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (FXAND) and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Although there is not a current cure for FXS and for the Fragile X-PM associated conditions (FXPAC), timely diagnosis as well as the implementation of treatment strategies, psychoeducation and behavioral intervention may improve the quality of life (QoL) of people with FXS or FXPAC. With the aim to investigate the main areas of concerns and the priorities of treatment in these populations, the Italian National Fragile X Association in collaboration with Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, conducted a survey among Italian participants. METHOD: Here, we present a survey based on the previous study that Weber and colleagues conducted in 2019 and that aimed to investigate the main symptoms and challenges in American individuals with FXS. The survey has been translated into Italian language to explore FXS needs of treatment also among Italian individuals affected by FXS, family members, caretakers, and professionals. Furthermore, we added a section designated only to people with PM, to investigate the main symptoms, daily living challenges and treatment priorities. RESULTS: Anxiety, challenging behaviors, language difficulties and learning disabilities were considered the major areas of concern in FXS, while PM was reported as strongly associated to cognitive problems, social anxiety, and overthinking. Anxiety was reported as a treatment priority in both FXS and PM. CONCLUSION: FXS and PM can be associated with a range of cognitive, affective, and physical health complications. Taking a patient-first perspective may help clinicians to better characterize the cognitive-behavioral phenotype associated to these conditions, and eventually to implement tailored therapeutic approaches.
Assuntos
Proteína do X Frágil da Deficiência Intelectual , Síndrome do Cromossomo X Frágil , Síndrome do Cromossomo X Frágil/genética , Síndrome do Cromossomo X Frágil/terapia , Humanos , Proteína do X Frágil da Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Feminino , Itália , Masculino , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto , Qualidade de Vida , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ataxia/genética , Ataxia/terapia , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Tremor/genética , Tremor/terapia , CriançaRESUMO
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1327802.].