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Free oligosaccharides (fOSs) are soluble oligosaccharide species generated during N-glycosylation of proteins. Although little is known about fOS metabolism, the recent identification of NGLY1 deficiency, a congenital disorder of deglycosylation (CDDG) caused by loss of function of an enzyme involved in fOS metabolism, has elicited increased interest in fOS processing. The catabolism of fOSs has been linked to the activity of a specific cytosolic mannosidase, MAN2C1, which cleaves α1,2-, α1,3-, and α1,6-mannose residues. In this study, we report the clinical, biochemical, and molecular features of six individuals, including two fetuses, with bi-allelic pathogenic variants in MAN2C1; the individuals are from four different families. These individuals exhibit dysmorphic facial features, congenital anomalies such as tongue hamartoma, variable degrees of intellectual disability, and brain anomalies including polymicrogyria, interhemispheric cysts, hypothalamic hamartoma, callosal anomalies, and hypoplasia of brainstem and cerebellar vermis. Complementation experiments with isogenic MAN2C1-KO HAP1 cells confirm the pathogenicity of three of the identified MAN2C1 variants. We further demonstrate that MAN2C1 variants lead to accumulation and delay in the processing of fOSs in proband-derived cells. These results emphasize the involvement of MAN2C1 in human neurodevelopmental disease and the importance of fOS catabolism.
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Cistos do Sistema Nervoso Central/genética , Defeitos Congênitos da Glicosilação/genética , Hamartoma/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Oligossacarídeos/metabolismo , Peptídeo-N4-(N-acetil-beta-glucosaminil) Asparagina Amidase/deficiência , Polimicrogiria/genética , alfa-Manosidase/genética , Adolescente , Alelos , Tronco Encefálico/metabolismo , Tronco Encefálico/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Cistos do Sistema Nervoso Central/metabolismo , Cistos do Sistema Nervoso Central/patologia , Vermis Cerebelar/metabolismo , Vermis Cerebelar/patologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Defeitos Congênitos da Glicosilação/metabolismo , Defeitos Congênitos da Glicosilação/patologia , Feminino , Feto , Glicosilação , Hamartoma/metabolismo , Hamartoma/patologia , Humanos , Hipotálamo/metabolismo , Hipotálamo/patologia , Deficiência Intelectual/metabolismo , Deficiência Intelectual/patologia , Leucócitos/metabolismo , Leucócitos/patologia , Masculino , Manose/metabolismo , Peptídeo-N4-(N-acetil-beta-glucosaminil) Asparagina Amidase/genética , Peptídeo-N4-(N-acetil-beta-glucosaminil) Asparagina Amidase/metabolismo , Polimicrogiria/metabolismo , Polimicrogiria/patologia , Língua/metabolismo , Língua/patologia , alfa-Manosidase/deficiênciaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Tonne-Kalscheuer syndrome (TOKAS) is a recessive X-linked multiple congenital anomaly disorder caused by RLIM variations. Of the 41 patients reported, only 7 antenatal cases were described. METHOD: After the antenatal diagnosis of TOKAS by exome analysis in a family followed for over 35 years because of multiple congenital anomalies in five male fetuses, a call for collaboration was made, resulting in a cohort of 11 previously unpublished cases. RESULTS: We present a TOKAS antenatal cohort, describing 11 new cases in 6 French families. We report a high frequency of diaphragmatic hernia (9 of 11), differences in sex development (10 of 11) and various visceral malformations. We report some recurrent dysmorphic features, but also pontocerebellar hypoplasia, pre-auricular skin tags and olfactory bulb abnormalities previously unreported in the literature. Although no clear genotype-phenotype correlation has yet emerged, we show that a recurrent p.(Arg611Cys) variant accounts for 66% of fetal TOKAS cases. We also report two new likely pathogenic variants in RLIM, outside of the two previously known mutational hotspots. CONCLUSION: Overall, we present the first fetal cohort of TOKAS, describe the clinical features that made it a recognisable syndrome at fetopathological examination, and extend the phenotypical spectrum and the known genotype of this rare disorder.
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INTRODUCTION: Acute fetal leukemia is rare and characterized by a very poor prognosis. The aims of this study were to identify cases of acute fetal leukemia and to describe ultrasound and fetopathological findings that should lead to a suspicion of this diagnosis, as well as the investigations required to confirm it. METHODS: A national retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data, prenatal ultrasounds and postmortem findings of fetal acute leukemia cases were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: We collected seven cases: four in utero fetal deaths, two neonatal deaths and one termination of pregnancy. Prenatal ultrasounds showed fetal hydrops (42.9%) associated with hepatosplenomegaly (100%). In addition, post-mortem examination (n = 6) suggested a Down syndrome in one case and showed other organomegaly (83.3%) due to blastic infiltration, mainly in the liver, along with extrahepatic multivisceral hematopoiesis. Immunostainings allowed to specify the type of leukemia (71.4%). In one case, diagnosis was made on blood smear and flow cytometry was performed on fresh blood samples. All cases corresponded to acute myeloid leukemia. Karyotype was abnormal in 4 cases (66.7%), including one free trisomy 21, two mosaic trisomy 21 and one chromosome 15 deletion. GATA1 gene mutations were identified in two cases: one mosaic trisomy 21 and one with normal karyotype. CONCLUSION: Any hepatosplenomegaly associated with fetal hydrops and a negative immune, infectious, and metabolic work-up, should suggest acute fetal leukemia and prompt additional investigations.
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PURPOSE: Molecular diagnosis based on singleton exome sequencing (sES) is particularly challenging in fetuses with multiple congenital abnormalities (MCA). Indeed, some studies reveal a diagnostic yield of about 20%, far lower than in live birth individuals showing developmental abnormalities (30%), suggesting that standard analyses, based on the correlation between clinical hallmarks described in postnatal syndromic presentations and genotype, may underestimate the impact of the genetic variants identified in fetal analyses. METHODS: We performed sES in 95 fetuses with MCA. Blind to phenotype, we applied a genotype-first approach consisting of combined analyses based on variants annotation and bioinformatics predictions followed by reverse phenotyping. Initially applied to OMIM-morbid genes, analyses were then extended to all genes. We complemented our approach by using reverse phenotyping, variant segregation analysis, bibliographic search and data sharing in order to establish the clinical significance of the prioritised variants. RESULTS: sES rapidly identified causal variant in 24/95 fetuses (25%), variants of unknown significance in OMIM genes in 8/95 fetuses (8%) and six novel candidate genes in 6/95 fetuses (6%). CONCLUSIONS: This method, based on a genotype-first approach followed by reverse phenotyping, shed light on unexpected fetal phenotype-genotype correlations, emphasising the relevance of prenatal studies to reveal extreme clinical presentations associated with well-known Mendelian disorders.
Assuntos
Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Anormalidades Congênitas/genética , Exoma , Feto/anormalidades , Estudos de Associação Genética , Estudos de Coortes , Exoma/genética , Genótipo , Humanos , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
Fetal mosaicism for chromosomal rearrangements remains a challenge to diagnose, even in the era of whole-genome sequencing. We present here a case of fetal mosaicism for a chromosomal rearrangement explored in amniocytes and fetal muscle, consisting of a major cell population (95%) with partial monosomy 4q and a minor population (5%) with additional material replacing the 4qter deleted segment. Molecular techniques (MLPA, array-CGH) failed to assess the origin of this material. Only multicolor-FISH identified the additional segment on chromosome 4 as derived from chromosome 17. Due to the poor prognosis, the couple chose to terminate the pregnancy. Because of low-level mosaicism, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), now considered as first-tier prenatal genetic analysis, did not allow the identification of the minor cell line. In case of large CNVs (>5 Mb) detected by CMA, karyotyping may be considered to elucidate the mechanism of the underlying rearrangement and eliminate mosaicism.
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Coloração Cromossômica/métodos , Citogenética/métodos , Feto/metabolismo , Mosaicismo , Diagnóstico Pré-Natal/métodos , Translocação Genética/genética , Adulto , Cromossomos Humanos Par 17/genética , Cromossomos Humanos Par 4/genética , Hibridização Genômica Comparativa , Feminino , Humanos , Cariotipagem , Idade Materna , GravidezRESUMO
ACTB encodes ß-actin, an abundant cytoskeletal housekeeping protein. In humans, postulated gain-of-function missense mutations cause Baraitser-Winter syndrome (BRWS), characterized by intellectual disability, cortical malformations, coloboma, sensorineural deafness, and typical facial features. To date, the consequences of loss-of-function ACTB mutations have not been proven conclusively. We describe heterozygous ACTB deletions and nonsense and frameshift mutations in 33 individuals with developmental delay, apparent intellectual disability, increased frequency of internal organ malformations (including those of the heart and the renal tract), growth retardation, and a recognizable facial gestalt (interrupted wavy eyebrows, dense eyelashes, wide nose, wide mouth, and a prominent chin) that is distinct from characteristics of individuals with BRWS. Strikingly, this spectrum overlaps with that of several chromatin-remodeling developmental disorders. In wild-type mouse embryos, ß-actin expression was prominent in the kidney, heart, and brain. ACTB mRNA expression levels in lymphoblastic lines and fibroblasts derived from affected individuals were decreased in comparison to those in control cells. Fibroblasts derived from an affected individual and ACTB siRNA knockdown in wild-type fibroblasts showed altered cell shape and migration, consistent with known roles of cytoplasmic ß-actin. We also demonstrate that ACTB haploinsufficiency leads to reduced cell proliferation, altered expression of cell-cycle genes, and decreased amounts of nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, ß-actin. In conclusion, we show that heterozygous loss-of-function ACTB mutations cause a distinct pleiotropic malformation syndrome with intellectual disability. Our biological studies suggest that a critically reduced amount of this protein alters cell shape, migration, proliferation, and gene expression to the detriment of brain, heart, and kidney development.
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Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Actinas/genética , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Haploinsuficiência/genética , Actinas/biossíntese , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Ciclo Celular/genética , Proliferação de Células/genética , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Códon sem Sentido/genética , Coloboma/genética , Fácies , Feminino , Mutação da Fase de Leitura/genética , Deleção de Genes , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Masculino , Malformações do Desenvolvimento Cortical/genética , Camundongos , Interferência de RNA , RNA Interferente Pequeno/genética , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an emblematic ciliopathy associated with retinal dystrophy, obesity, postaxial polydactyly, learning disabilities, hypogonadism and renal dysfunction. Before birth, enlarged/cystic kidneys as well as polydactyly are the hallmark signs of BBS to consider in absence of familial history. However, these findings are not specific to BBS, raising the problem of differential diagnoses and prognosis. Molecular diagnosis during pregnancies remains a timely challenge for this heterogeneous disease (22 known genes). We report here the largest cohort of BBS fetuses to better characterize the antenatal presentation. Prenatal ultrasound (US) and/or autopsy data from 74 fetuses with putative BBS diagnosis were collected out of which molecular diagnosis was established in 51 cases, mainly in BBS genes (45 cases) following the classical gene distribution, but also in other ciliopathy genes (6 cases). Based on this, an updated diagnostic decision tree is proposed. No genotype/phenotype correlation could be established but postaxial polydactyly (82%) and renal cysts (78%) were the most prevalent symptoms. However, autopsy revealed polydactyly that was missed by prenatal US in 55% of the cases. Polydactyly must be carefully looked for in pregnancies with apparently isolated renal anomalies in fetuses.
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Síndrome de Bardet-Biedl/diagnóstico , Estudos de Associação Genética , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Fenótipo , Alelos , Substituição de Aminoácidos , Autopsia , Síndrome de Bardet-Biedl/genética , Biópsia , Genótipo , Humanos , Mutação , Diagnóstico Pré-Natal , Sequenciamento do ExomaRESUMO
Ciliopathies comprise a group of clinically heterogeneous and overlapping disorders with a wide spectrum of phenotypes ranging from prenatal lethality to adult-onset disorders. Pathogenic variants in more than 100 ciliary protein-encoding genes have been described, most notably those involved in intraflagellar transport (IFT) which comprises two protein complexes, responsible for retrograde (IFT-A) and anterograde transport (IFT-B). Here we describe a fetus with an unclassified severe ciliopathy phenotype including short ribs, polydactyly, bilateral renal agenesis, and imperforate anus, with compound heterozygosity for c.118_125del, p.(Thr40Glyfs*11) and a c.352 +1G > T in IFT27, which encodes a small GTPase component of the IFT-B complex. We conclude that bilateral renal agenesis is a rare feature of this severe ciliopathy and this report highlights the phenotypic overlap of Pallister-Hall syndrome and ciliopathies. The phenotype in patients with IFT27 gene variants is wide ranging from Bardet-Biedl syndrome to a lethal phenotype.
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Ciliopatias/patologia , Anormalidades Congênitas/patologia , Doenças Fetais/patologia , Nefropatias/congênito , Rim/anormalidades , Mutação , Proteínas rab de Ligação ao GTP/genética , Ciliopatias/genética , Anormalidades Congênitas/genética , Evolução Fatal , Feminino , Doenças Fetais/genética , Humanos , Rim/patologia , Nefropatias/genética , Nefropatias/patologia , Masculino , LinhagemRESUMO
We report a multiplex family with a GATA1 gene mutation responsible for a massive fetal cerebral hemorrhage occurring at 36 weeks. Two other stillbirth cousins presented with fetal hydrops and congenital hemochromatosis' phenotype at 37 and 12 weeks of gestation. Molecular screening revealed the presence of a c.613G>A pathogenic allelic variation in exon 4 of GATA1 gene in the 3 male siblings and their carrier mothers. The diagnosis of a GATA1 gene mutation may be suspected in cases of male fetuses with intracerebral bleeding, particularly if a history of prior fetal loss(es) and mild maternal thrombocytopenia are also present.
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Hemorragia Cerebral/genética , Doenças Fetais/genética , Fator de Transcrição GATA1/genética , Adulto , Feminino , Genes Ligados ao Cromossomo X , Humanos , Mutação , GravidezRESUMO
Oral-facial-digital syndromes (OFDS) gather rare genetic disorders characterised by facial, oral and digital abnormalities associated with a wide range of additional features (polycystic kidney disease, cerebral malformations and several others) to delineate a growing list of OFDS subtypes. The most frequent, OFD type I, is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the OFD1 gene encoding a centrosomal protein. The wide clinical heterogeneity of OFDS suggests the involvement of other ciliary genes. For 15 years, we have aimed to identify the molecular bases of OFDS. This effort has been greatly helped by the recent development of whole-exome sequencing (WES). Here, we present all our published and unpublished results for WES in 24 cases with OFDS. We identified causal variants in five new genes (C2CD3, TMEM107, INTU, KIAA0753 and IFT57) and related the clinical spectrum of four genes in other ciliopathies (C5orf42, TMEM138, TMEM231 and WDPCP) to OFDS. Mutations were also detected in two genes previously implicated in OFDS. Functional studies revealed the involvement of centriole elongation, transition zone and intraflagellar transport defects in OFDS, thus characterising three ciliary protein modules: the complex KIAA0753-FOPNL-OFD1, a regulator of centriole elongation; the Meckel-Gruber syndrome module, a major component of the transition zone; and the CPLANE complex necessary for IFT-A assembly. OFDS now appear to be a distinct subgroup of ciliopathies with wide heterogeneity, which makes the initial classification obsolete. A clinical classification restricted to the three frequent/well-delineated subtypes could be proposed, and for patients who do not fit one of these three main subtypes, a further classification could be based on the genotype.
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Face/anormalidades , Síndromes Orofaciodigitais/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Transtornos da Motilidade Ciliar/genética , Encefalocele/genética , Feminino , Heterozigoto , Humanos , Masculino , Mutação/genética , Doenças Renais Policísticas/genética , Proteínas/genética , Retinose PigmentarRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Fraser syndrome (FS) is a rare malformation recessive disorder. Major criteria are cryptophtalmos, syndactyly, respiratory, genital and urinary tract anomalies. Few prenatal presentations have been reported. METHOD: We analyzed the prenatal and postnatal fetal phenotype in 38 cases of FS, including 25 pregnancy termination cases, 8 intra-uterine death cases and 4 cases that died after birth. RESULTS: Including both prenatal and postnatal fetal phenotypic evaluation, all cases presented dysmorphic features with nose and ear dysplasia. Renal anomalies and syndactyly were present in 37/38 cases, cryptophtalmos in 36/38, airways anomalies in 30/37 and genital anomalies in 30/35 cases. Anomalies of the abdominal wall such as low set umbilicus and omphalocele were found in 31 cases. Among the 26 cases for which ultrasound data were available, detectable anomalies included oligohydramnios (22), ascites/hydrops (9), renal anomalies (20), evidence for high airways obstruction (11), ophthalmologic anomalies (4), ear dysplasia (2) and syndactyly (2). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the postnatal phenotype of FS is very specific, whereas oligohydramnios hampers the prenatal recognition of the cardinal FS diagnosis criteria. Association of oligohydramnios, kidney agenesis and CHAOS should lead to consider this diagnosis. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Anormalidades Múltiplas/diagnóstico , Anormalidades Múltiplas/embriologia , Síndrome de Fraser/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Fraser/embriologia , Diagnóstico Pré-Natal/métodos , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/diagnóstico por imagem , Obstrução das Vias Respiratórias/embriologia , Anormalidades Congênitas/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades Congênitas/embriologia , Anormalidades Craniofaciais/diagnóstico , Anormalidades Craniofaciais/embriologia , Orelha/anormalidades , Orelha/diagnóstico por imagem , Orelha/embriologia , Anormalidades do Olho/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades do Olho/embriologia , Feminino , Síndrome de Fraser/diagnóstico por imagem , Idade Gestacional , Humanos , Hidropisia Fetal/diagnóstico por imagem , Recém-Nascido , Rim/anormalidades , Rim/diagnóstico por imagem , Rim/embriologia , Oligo-Hidrâmnio/diagnóstico por imagem , Fenótipo , Gravidez , Sindactilia/diagnóstico por imagem , Ultrassonografia Pré-Natal , Anormalidades Urogenitais/diagnósticoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To describe macroscopic and microscopic anomalies present in fetuses carrying hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 ß mutation, their frequency, and genotype/phenotype correlations. METHODS: Clinical data, ultrasound findings, genetic studies, and autopsy reports of 20 fetal autopsies were analyzed. Histology was reviewed by two pathologists. RESULTS: Macroscopic findings were typically unilateral or bilateral renal enlargement and cortical cysts. Renal lesions were associated with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract in 25% of cases. Microscopic renal anomalies were dominated by glomerulocystic kidney and renal dysplasia. Extra-renal manifestations such as pancreatic hypoplasia (75%) and genital anomalies (68%) were only detected at autopsy. In 40% of cases, there was heterozygous deletion of the whole gene. There were de novo mutations in 40%. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the importance of considering hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 ß mutations in fetuses with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, especially when associated with pancreatic hypoplasia. No correlation between phenotype and genotype was found, highlighting high intra-familial variability in cases with inherited mutations. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Fator 1-beta Nuclear de Hepatócito/genética , Rim/anormalidades , Pâncreas/anormalidades , Pancreatopatias/congênito , Anormalidades Urogenitais/genética , Autopsia , Anormalidades Congênitas/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades Congênitas/genética , Anormalidades Congênitas/patologia , Feminino , Genótipo , Humanos , Rim/diagnóstico por imagem , Rim/patologia , Masculino , Mutação , Pâncreas/diagnóstico por imagem , Pancreatopatias/diagnóstico por imagem , Pancreatopatias/genética , Fenótipo , Gravidez , Ultrassonografia Pré-Natal , Anormalidades Urogenitais/diagnóstico por imagem , Anormalidades Urogenitais/patologiaRESUMO
Cobblestone lissencephaly is a peculiar brain malformation with characteristic radiological anomalies. It is defined as cortical dysplasia that results when neuroglial overmigration into the arachnoid space forms an extracortical layer that produces agyria and/or a "cobblestone" brain surface and ventricular enlargement. Cobblestone lissencephaly is pathognomonic of a continuum of autosomal-recessive diseases characterized by cerebral, ocular, and muscular deficits. These include Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscle-eye-brain disease, and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy. Mutations in POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, LARGE, FKTN, and FKRP identified these diseases as alpha-dystroglycanopathies. Our exhaustive screening of these six genes, in a cohort of 90 fetal cases, led to the identification of a mutation in only 53% of the families, suggesting that other genes might also be involved. We therefore decided to perform a genome-wide study in two multiplex families. This allowed us to identify two additional genes: TMEM5 and ISPD. Because TMEM has a glycosyltransferase domain and ISPD has an isoprenoid synthase domain characteristic of nucleotide diP-sugar transferases, these two proteins are thought to be involved in the glycosylation of dystroglycan. Further screening of 40 families with cobblestone lissencephaly identified nonsense and frameshift mutations in another four unrelated cases for each gene, increasing the mutational rate to 64% in our cohort. All these cases displayed a severe phenotype of cobblestone lissencephaly A. TMEM5 mutations were frequently associated with gonadal dysgenesis and neural tube defects, and ISPD mutations were frequently associated with brain vascular anomalies.
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Lissencefalia Cobblestone/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Mutação , Nucleotidiltransferases/genética , Alelos , Lissencefalia Cobblestone/diagnóstico , Consanguinidade , Éxons , Família , Feto/metabolismo , Feto/patologia , Ordem dos Genes , Genótipo , Humanos , Íntrons , PentosiltransferasesRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document the association between pancreatic agenesis or hypoplasia and multicystic renal dysplasia related to transcription factor 2 (TCF2) or hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta mutations. METHODOLOGY: We describe the phenotype of the pancreas and the kidneys from three fetuses heterozygous for a mutation of TCF2. CASES: Case 1 had bilateral hyperechogenic, multicystic kidneys, bilateral clubfoot and pancreatic agenesis. Case 2 had two enlarged polycystic kidneys, anamnios and pancreatic agenesis. Case 3 had multicystic renal dysplasia, oligohydramnios and hypoplasia of the tail of the pancreas. CONCLUSION: TCF2 mutations are frequently discovered in fetuses presenting with bilateral hyperechogenic kidneys. The association between pancreatic agenesis and a TCF2 mutation has not previously been reported. TCF2 deficiency in mice leads to pancreatic agenesis, suggesting that the gene is essential for pancreatic development. Our observations indicate the importance of visualizing the pancreas during ultrasound examinations if renal malformations are discovered.
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Fator 1-beta Nuclear de Hepatócito/genética , Rim Displásico Multicístico/genética , Mutação , Pâncreas/anormalidades , Adulto , Pé Torto Equinovaro/genética , Feminino , Idade Gestacional , Heterozigoto , Humanos , Rim Displásico Multicístico/diagnóstico por imagem , Rim Displásico Multicístico/patologia , Oligo-Hidrâmnio/genética , Pâncreas/diagnóstico por imagem , Pâncreas/patologia , Fenótipo , Gravidez , Ultrassonografia Pré-NatalRESUMO
L1 syndrome results from mutations in the L1CAM gene located at Xq28. It encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases, X-linked hydrocephalus being the most severe phenotype detected in utero, and whose pathophysiology is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to report detailed neuropathological data from patients with mutations, to delineate the neuropathological criteria required for L1CAM gene screening in foetuses by characterizing the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the cardinal signs, and to discuss the main differential diagnoses in non-mutated foetuses in order to delineate closely related conditions without L1CAM mutations. Neuropathological data from 138 cases referred to our genetic laboratory for screening of the L1CAM gene were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-seven cases had deleterious L1CAM mutations. Of these, 100 % had hydrocephalus, 88 % adducted thumbs, 98 % pyramidal tract agenesis/hypoplasia, 90 % stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius and 68 % agenesis/hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Two foetuses had L1CAM mutations of unknown significance. Seventy-nine cases had no L1CAM mutations; these were subdivided into four groups: (1) hydrocephalus sometimes associated with corpus callosum agenesis (44 %); (2) atresia/forking of the aqueduct of Sylvius/rhombencephalosynapsis spectrum (27 %); (3) syndromic hydrocephalus (9 %), and (4) phenocopies with no mutations in the L1CAM gene (20 %) and in whom family history strongly suggested an autosomal recessive mode of transmission. These data underline the existence of closely related clinical entities whose molecular bases are currently unknown. The identification of the causative genes would greatly improve our knowledge of the defective pathways involved in these cerebral malformations.
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Aqueduto do Mesencéfalo/anormalidades , Aqueduto do Mesencéfalo/patologia , Doenças Genéticas Ligadas ao Cromossomo X/patologia , Hidrocefalia/patologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/patologia , Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Mutação/genética , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/genética , Molécula L1 de Adesão de Célula Nervosa/genética , Linhagem , Fenótipo , GravidezRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the contribution of whole-body post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in sudden unexpected death in infants and children. METHODS: Forty-seven cases of sudden unexpected death in children investigated with radiographic skeletal survey, whole-body PMCT and autopsy were enrolled. For imaging interpretation, non-specific post-mortem modifications and abnormal findings related to the presumed cause of death were considered separately. All findings were correlated with autopsy findings. RESULTS: There were 31 boys and 16 girls. Of these, 44 children (93.6 %) were younger than 2 years. The cause of death was found at autopsy in 18 cases (38.3 %), with 4 confirmed as child abuse, 12 as infectious diseases, 1 as metabolic disease and 1 as bowel volvulus. PMCT results were in accordance with autopsy in all but three of these 18 cases. Death remains unexplained in 29 cases (61.7 %) and was correlated with no abnormal findings on PMCT in 27 cases. Major discrepancies between PMCT and autopsy findings concerned pulmonary analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Whole-body PMCT may detect relevant findings that can help to explain sudden unexpected death and is essential for detecting non-accidental injuries. We found broad concordance between autopsy and PMCT, except in a few cases of pneumonia. It is a non-invasive technique acceptable to relatives. KEY POINTS: ⢠Whole-body post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is an effective non-invasive method. ⢠Whole-body PMCT is essential for detecting child abuse in unexpected death. ⢠There is concordance on cause of death between PMCT and autopsy. ⢠Whole-body PMCT could improve autopsy through dissection and sampling guidance. ⢠PMCT shows findings that may be relevant when parents reject autopsy.
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Morte Súbita/etiologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/métodos , Autopsia , Causas de Morte , Criança , Maus-Tratos Infantis , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Cabeça/patologia , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Interpretação de Imagem Radiográfica Assistida por Computador , Fatores de Tempo , Imagem Corporal Total/métodosRESUMO
Cobblestone lissencephaly represents a peculiar brain malformation with characteristic radiological anomalies, defined as cortical dysplasia combined with dysmyelination, dysplastic cerebellum with cysts and brainstem hypoplasia. Cortical dysplasia results from neuroglial overmigration into the arachnoid space, forming an extracortical layer, responsible for agyria and/or 'cobblestone' brain surface and ventricular enlargement. The underlying mechanism is a disruption of the glia limitans, the outermost layer of the brain. Cobblestone lissencephaly is pathognomonic of a continuum of autosomal recessive diseases with cerebral, ocular and muscular deficits, Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscle-eye-brain and Fukuyama muscular dystrophy. Mutations in POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, LARGE, FKTN and FKRP genes attributed these diseases to α-dystroglycanopathies. However, studies have not been able to identify causal mutations in the majority of patients and to establish a clear phenotype/genotype correlation. Therefore, we decided to perform a detailed neuropathological survey and molecular screenings in 65 foetal cases selected on the basis of histopathological criteria. After sequencing the six genes of α-dystroglycanopathies, a causal mutation was observed in 66% of cases. On the basis of a ratio of severity, three subtypes clearly emerged. The most severe, which we called cobblestone lissencephaly A, was linked to mutations in POMT1 (34%), POMT2 (8%) and FKRP (1.5%). The least severe, cobblestone lissencephaly C, was linked to POMGNT1 mutations (18%). An intermediary type, cobblestone lissencephaly B, was linked to LARGE mutations (4.5%) identified for the first time in foetuses. We conclude that cobblestone lissencephaly encompasses three distinct subtypes of cortical malformations with different degrees of neuroglial ectopia into the arachnoid space and cortical plate disorganization regardless of gestational age. In the cerebellum, histopathological changes support the novel hypothesis that abnormal lamination arises from a deficiency in granule cells. Our studies demonstrate the positive impact of histoneuropathology on the identification of α-dystroglycanopathies found in 66% of cases, while with neuroimaging criteria and biological values, mutations are found in 32-50% of patients. Interestingly, our morphological classification was central in the orientation of genetic screening of POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, LARGE and FKRP. Despite intensive research, one-third of our cases remained unexplained; suggesting that other genes and/or pathways may be involved. This material offers a rich resource for studies on the affected neurodevelopmental processes of cobblestone lissencephaly and on the identification of other responsible gene(s)/pathway(s).
Assuntos
Encéfalo/patologia , Lissencefalia Cobblestone/genética , Lissencefalia Cobblestone/patologia , Distroglicanas/genética , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Lissencefalia Cobblestone/metabolismo , Distroglicanas/metabolismo , Feminino , Feto , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Manosiltransferases/genética , Manosiltransferases/metabolismo , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , N-Acetilglucosaminiltransferases/genética , N-Acetilglucosaminiltransferases/metabolismo , Pentosiltransferases , Proteínas/genética , Proteínas/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Otocephaly or dysgnathia complex is characterised by mandibular hypoplasia/agenesis, ear anomalies, microstomia, and microglossia; the molecular basis of this developmental defect is largely unknown in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study reports a large family in which two cousins with micro/anophthalmia each gave birth to at least one child with otocephaly, suggesting a genetic relationship between anophthalmia and otocephaly. OTX2, a known microphthalmia locus, was screened in this family and a frameshifting mutation was found. The study subsequently identified in one unrelated otocephalic patient a sporadic OTX2 mutation. Because OTX2 mutations may not be sufficient to cause otocephaly, the study assayed the potential of otx2 to modify craniofacial phenotypes in the context of known otocephaly gene suppression in vivo. It was found that otx2 can interact genetically with pgap1, prrx1, and msx1 to exacerbate mandibular and midline defects during zebrafish development. However, sequencing of these loci in the OTX2-positive families did not unearth likely pathogenic lesions, suggesting further genetic heterogeneity and complexity. CONCLUSION: Identification of OTX2 involvement in otocephaly/dysgnathia in humans, even if loss of function mutations at this locus does not sufficiently explain the complex anatomical defects of these patients, suggests the requirement for a second genetic hit. Consistent with this notion, trans suppression of otx2 and other developmentally related genes recapitulate aspects of the otocephaly phenotype in zebrafish. This study highlights the combined utility of genetics and functional approaches to dissect both the regulatory pathways that govern craniofacial development and the genetics of this disease group.
Assuntos
Holoprosencefalia/genética , Anormalidades Maxilomandibulares/genética , Fatores de Transcrição Otx/genética , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Embrião não Mamífero/anormalidades , Embrião não Mamífero/patologia , Feminino , Holoprosencefalia/patologia , Humanos , Anormalidades Maxilomandibulares/patologia , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Linhagem , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Peixe-ZebraRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The lethal short rib polydactyly syndromes (SRP type I-IV) are characterised by notably short ribs, short limbs, polydactyly, multiple anomalies of major organs, and autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Among them, SRP type II (Majewski; MIM 263520) is characterised by short ovoid tibiae or tibial agenesis and is radiographically closely related to SRP type IV (Beemer-Langer; MIM 269860) which is distinguished by bowed radii and ulnae and relatively well tubulated tibiae. NEK1 mutations have been recently identified in SRP type II. Double heterozygosity for mutations in both NEK1 and DYNC2H1 in one SRP type II case supported possible digenic diallelic inheritance. METHODS: The aim of this study was to screen DYNC2H1 and NEK1 in 13 SRP type II cases and seven SRP type IV cases. It was not possible to screen DYNC2H1 in two patients due to insufficient amount of DNA. RESULTS: The study identified homozygous NEK1 mutations in 5/13 SRP type II and compound heterozygous DYNC2H1 mutations in 4/12 cases. Finally, NEK1 and DYNC2H1 were excluded in 3/12 SRP type II and in all SRP type IV cases. The main difference between the mutation positive SRP type II group and the mutation negative SRP type II group was the presence of holoprosencephaly and polymycrogyria in the mutation negative group. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that NEK1 is one gene causing SRP type II but also reports mutations in DYNC2H1, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of DYNC2H1 mutations. The exclusion of NEK1 and DYNC2H1 in 3/12 SRP type II and in all SRP type IV cases further support genetic heterogeneity.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Dineínas do Citoplasma/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/genética , Síndrome de Costela Curta e Polidactilia/genética , Consanguinidade , Feminino , Feto/anormalidades , Estudos de Associação Genética , Heterogeneidade Genética , Genótipo , Humanos , Masculino , Mutação , Quinase 1 Relacionada a NIMA , GravidezRESUMO
BACKGROUND: CHARGE syndrome is a rare, usually sporadic disorder of multiple congenital anomalies ascribed to a CHD7 gene mutation in 60% of cases. Although the syndrome is well characterised in children, only one series of 10 fetuses with CHARGE syndrome has been reported to date. Therefore, we performed a detailed clinicopathological survey in our series of fetuses with CHD7 mutations, now extended to 40 cases. CHARGE syndrome is increasingly diagnosed antenatally, but remains challenging in many instances. METHOD: Here we report a retrospective study of 40 cases of CHARGE syndrome with a CHD7 mutation, including 10 previously reported fetuses, in which fetal or neonatal clinical, radiological and histopathological examinations were performed. RESULTS: Conversely to postnatal studies, the proportion of males is high in our series (male to female ratio 2.6:1) suggesting a greater severity in males. Features almost constant in fetuses were external ear anomalies, arhinencephaly and semicircular canal agenesis, while intrauterine growth retardation was never observed. Finally, except for one, all other mutations identified in our antenatal series were truncating, suggesting a possible phenotype-genotype correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical analysis allowed us to refine the clinical description of CHARGE syndrome in fetuses, describe some novel features and set up diagnostic criteria in order to help the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome after termination of pregnancies following the detection of severe malformations.