Functional and clinical studies reveal pathophysiological complexity of CLCN4-related neurodevelopmental condition.

Missense and truncating variants in the X-chromosome-linked CLCN4 gene, resulting in reduced or complete loss-of-function (LOF) of the encoded chloride/proton exchanger ClC-4, were recently demonstrated to cause a neurocognitive phenotype in both males and females. Through international clinical matchmaking and interrogation of public variant databases we assembled a database of 90 rare CLCN4 missense variants in 90 families: 41 unique and 18 recurrent variants in 49 families. For 43 families, including 22 males and 33 females, we collated detailed clinical and segregation data. To confirm causality of variants and to obtain insight into disease mechanisms, we investigated the effect on electrophysiological properties of 59 of the variants in Xenopus oocytes using extended voltage and pH ranges. Detailed analyses revealed new pathophysiological mechanisms: 25% (15/59) of variants demonstrated LOF, characterized by a "shift" of the voltage-dependent activation to more positive voltages, and nine variants resulted in a toxic gain-of-function, associated with a disrupted gate allowing inward transport at negative voltages. Functional results were not always in line with in silico pathogenicity scores, highlighting the complexity of pathogenicity assessment for accurate genetic counselling. The complex neurocognitive and psychiatric manifestations of this condition, and hitherto under-recognized impacts on growth, gastrointestinal function, and motor control are discussed. Including published cases, we summarize features in 122 individuals from 67 families with CLCN4-related neurodevelopmental condition and suggest future research directions with the aim of improving the integrated care for individuals with this diagnosis.

Expanding the phenotype of Bruck syndrome: Severe limb deformity, arthrogryposis, congenital cardiac disease and pulmonary hemorrhage.

Bruck syndrome is a rare collagen disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by pathogenic variants in either FKBP10 or PLOD2 genes. It is characterized by bone fragility and fractures similar in severity and variability to osteogenesis-imperfecta as well as congenital joint contractures. This article describes an infant with a homozygous (partial) gene deletion of PLOD2 that includes the start codon and would be expected to lead to nonfunctional protein product. The infant had a severe phenotype of Bruck syndrome and is the only reported case of Bruck syndrome with congenital cardiac disease (triscuspid valve dysplasia with severe regurgitation, mitral valve prolapses with moderate regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension) and pulmonary hemorrhage. We hypothesize that the additional feature of congenital cardiac disease in this case was due to the underlying defect in type I collagen, and that the pulmonary hemorrhage was multifactorial, with underlying vessel fragility, rib fractures, and high pulmonary pressures likely to be major contributing factors. Management was largely supportive with the use of bisphosphonates to assist in pain management. Care was complicated by comorbid cardiopulmonary compromise, limited evidence-base guiding care, and difficulties in discussing end-of-life care.

A natural history study of autosomal dominant GUCY2D-associated cone-rod dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To describe the natural history of autosomal dominant (AD) GUCY2D-associated cone-rod dystrophies (CRDs), and evaluate associated structural and functional biomarkers. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients with AD GUCY2D-CRDs across two sites. Assessments included central macular thickness (CMT) and length of disruption to the ellipsoid zone (EZ) via optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG) parameters, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and fundus autofluorescence (FAF). RESULTS: At first visit, with a mean age of 30 years (range 5-70 years), 12 patients had a BCVA below Australian driving standard (LogMAR ≥ 0.3 bilaterally), and 1 patient was legally blind (LogMAR ≥ 1). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a deterioration of LogMAR by - 0.019 per year (p < 0.001). This accompanied a reduction in CMT of - 1.4 µm per year (p < 0.0001), lengthened EZ disruption by 42 µm per year (p = < 0.0001) and increased area of FAF by 0.05 mm2 per year (p = 0.027). Similarly, cone function decreased with increasing age, as demonstrated by decreasing b-wave amplitude of the light-adapted 30 Hz flicker and fused flicker (p = 0.005 and p = 0.018, respectively). Reduction in CMT and increased EZ disruption on OCT were associated with functional changes including poorer BCVA and decreased cone function on ERG. CONCLUSION: We have described the natural long-term decline in vision and cone function associated with mutations in GUCY2D and identified a set of functional and structural biomarkers that may be useful as outcome parameters for future therapeutic clinical trials.

The diverse pleiotropic effects of spliceosomal protein PUF60: A case series of Verheij syndrome.

Verheij syndrome (VRJS) is a rare craniofacial spliceosomopathy presenting with craniofacial dysmorphism, multiple congenital anomalies and variable neurodevelopmental delay. It is caused by single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in PUF60 or interstitial deletions of the 8q24.3 region. PUF60 encodes a splicing factor which forms part of the spliceosome. To date, 36 patients with a sole diagnosis of VRJS due to disease-causing PUF60 SNVs have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. Although the depth of their phenotyping has varied greatly, they exhibit marked phenotypic heterogeneity. We report 10 additional unrelated patients, including the first described patients of Khmer, Indian, and Vietnamese ethnicities, and the eldest patient to date, with 10 heterozygous PUF60 variants identified through exome sequencing, 8 previously unreported. All patients underwent deep phenotyping identifying variable dysmorphism, growth delay, neurodevelopmental delay, and multiple congenital anomalies, including several unique features. The eldest patient is the only reported individual with a germline variant and neither neurodevelopmental delay nor intellectual disability. In combining these detailed phenotypic data with that of previously reported patients (n = 46), we further refine the known frequencies of features associated with VRJS. These include neurodevelopmental delay/intellectual disability (98%), axial skeletal anomalies (74%), appendicular skeletal anomalies (73%), oral anomalies (68%), short stature (66%), cardiac anomalies (63%), brain malformations (48%), hearing loss (46%), microcephaly (41%), colobomata (38%), and other ocular anomalies (65%). This case series, incorporating three patients from previously unreported ethnic backgrounds, further delineates the broad pleiotropy and mutational spectrum of PUF60 pathogenic variants.

Integrated in silico and experimental assessment of disease relevance of PCDH19 missense variants.

PCDH19 is a nonclustered protocadherin molecule involved in axon bundling, synapse function, and transcriptional coregulation. Pathogenic variants in PCDH19 cause infantile-onset epilepsy known as PCDH19-clustering epilepsy or PCDH19-CE. Recent advances in DNA-sequencing technologies have led to a significant increase in the number of reported PCDH19-CE variants, many of uncertain significance. We aimed to determine the best approaches for assessing the disease relevance of missense variants in PCDH19. The application of the American College of Medical Genetics and Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG-AMP) guidelines was only 50% accurate. Using a training set of 322 known benign or pathogenic missense variants, we identified MutPred2, MutationAssessor, and GPP as the best performing in silico tools. We generated a protein structural model of the extracellular domain and assessed 24 missense variants. We also assessed 24 variants using an in vitro reporter assay. A combination of these tools was 93% accurate in assessing known pathogenic and benign PCDH19 variants. We increased the accuracy of the ACMG-AMP classification of 45 PCDH19 variants from 50% to 94%, using these tools. In summary, we have developed a robust toolbox for the assessment of PCDH19 variant pathogenicity to improve the accuracy of PCDH19-CE variant classification.

Kufs disease due to mutation of CLN6: clinical, pathological and molecular genetic features.

Kufs disease is the major adult form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, but is rare and difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis was traditionally dependent on the demonstration of characteristic storage material, but distinction from normal age-related accumulation of lipofuscin can be challenging. Mutation of CLN6 has emerged as the most important cause of recessive Kufs disease but, remarkably, is also responsible for variant late infantile ceroid lipofuscinosis. Here we provide a detailed description of Kufs disease due to CLN6 pathogenic variants. We studied 20 cases of Kufs disease with CLN6 pathogenic variants from 13 unrelated families. Mean age of onset was 28 years (range 12-51) with bimodal peaks in teenage and early adult life. The typical presentation was of progressive myoclonus epilepsy with debilitating myoclonic seizures and relatively infrequent tonic-clonic seizures. Patients became wheelchair-bound with a mean 12 years post-onset. Ataxia was the most prominent motor feature. Dementia appeared to be an invariable accompaniment, although it could take a number of years to manifest and occasionally cognitive impairment preceded myoclonic seizures. Patients were usually highly photosensitive on EEG. MRI showed progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. The median survival time was 26 years from disease onset. Ultrastructural examination of the pathology revealed fingerprint profiles as the characteristic inclusions, but they were not reliably seen in tissues other than brain. Curvilinear profiles, which are seen in the late infantile form, were not a feature. Of the 13 unrelated families we observed homozygous CLN6 pathogenic variants in four and compound heterozygous variants in nine. Compared to the variant late infantile form, there was a lower proportion of variants that predicted protein truncation. Certain heterozygous missense variants in the same amino acid position were found in both variant late infantile and Kufs disease. There was a predominance of cases from Italy and surrounding regions; this was partially explained by the discovery of three founder pathogenic variants. Clinical distinction of type A (progressive myoclonus epilepsy) and type B (dementia with motor disturbance) Kufs disease was supported by molecular diagnoses. Type A is usually caused by recessive pathogenic variants in CLN6 or dominant variants in DNAJC5. Type B Kufs is usually associated with recessive CTSF pathogenic variants. The diagnosis of Kufs remains challenging but, with the availability of genetic diagnosis, this will largely supersede the use of diagnostic biopsies, particularly as biopsies of peripheral tissues has unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity.

Beyond the panel: preconception screening in consanguineous couples using the TruSight One "clinical exome".

PURPOSE: To provide proof of concept by broadening preconception screening beyond targeted testing to inform reproductive risk in consanguineous couples. METHODS: Consanguineous couples were screened for autosomal recessive and X-linked disorders using the TruSight One panel of 4,813 genes associated with human disease. RESULTS: We recruited 22 couples, of whom 15 elected to have sequencing. We found four couples to be at risk of autosomal recessive disorders, including one with a child affected by Poretti-Boltshauser syndrome (a diagnosis not made prior to the study) and another previously known to carry a ß-globin variant. Two couples were found to carry variants unrelated to known family history. These variants were in the genes C5orf42 (associated with Joubert syndrome and orofaciodigital syndrome) and GYS2 (associated with glycogen synthase deficiency). One known variant was not detected-a single exon deletion in FAM20C. We would not expect to identify this variant with the methodology employed. Of the four variants identified, only the ß-globin variant would have been found using available commercial preconception screening panels. CONCLUSION: Preconception screening of consanguineous couples for recessive and X-linked disorders using genomic sequencing is practicable, and is likely to detect many more at-risk couples than any targeted panel could achieve. A couples-based approach greatly reduces the associated analysis and counselling burden.

User Acceptability of Whole Exome Reproductive Carrier Testing for Consanguineous Couples in Australia.

The study aimed to explore with consanguineous couples in Australia the acceptability and perceived utility of whole exome reproductive carrier screening for autosomal recessive and X-linked recessive conditions. Semi-structured interviews with 21 consanguineous couples were conducted prior to the offer of screening. Interviews were coded, and thematic analysis was informed by an inductive approach. Three major themes were identified: experiences and attitudes of Australian consanguineous couples, childhood genetic conditions and beliefs, and the perceived utility of genomic screening. All but one couple had previously sought genetic advice, and a large majority of couples were aware of childhood conditions within their family or community. Thirteen couples perceived consanguinity as increasing the risk of having affected children. Nine spoke of premarital screening programs routinely conducted in their countries of origin. All supported the concept and availability of genomic reproductive carrier screening. Hypothetically, if found to be carriers of a severe childhood disorder, 13 couples reported they would test a pregnancy, and 12 of whom would consider termination of pregnancy or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Four couples would not test a pregnancy and two were unsure. A majority of couples would communicate potential at-risk status to family members, although there were some caveats. Fourteen couples chose to have exome screening and reported that they would utilize the results with the goal of preventing childhood conditions. Of these couples, nine (64%) had an affected child but were aware that testing may reveal they were at risk for a child with a different condition and five (71%) without an affected child. While from diverse ethnic and backgrounds, all couples practiced a religion and all but one couple were recruited from the same clinical genetics unit, with a likely higher genetic literacy and bias towards accepting genetic testing. However, the choice made by all couples was reportedly made with consideration of their personal values, their current family situation, and exome testing issues, including fear of incidental findings and concerns about test reliability.

Mutations of GPR126 are responsible for severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is defined by the presence of contractures across two or more major joints and results from reduced or absent fetal movement. Here, we present three consanguineous families affected by lethal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. By whole-exome or targeted exome sequencing, it was shown that the probands each harbored a different homozygous mutation (one missense, one nonsense, and one frameshift mutation) in GPR126. GPR126 encodes G-protein-coupled receptor 126, which has been shown to be essential for myelination of axons in the peripheral nervous system in fish and mice. A previous study reported that Gpr126(-/-) mice have a lethal arthrogryposis phenotype. We have shown that the peripheral nerves in affected individuals from one family lack myelin basic protein, suggesting that this disease in affected individuals is due to defective myelination of the peripheral axons during fetal development. Previous work has suggested that autoproteolytic cleavage is important for activating GPR126 signaling, and our biochemical assays indicated that the missense substitution (p.Val769Glu [c.2306T>A]) impairs autoproteolytic cleavage of GPR126. Our data indicate that GPR126 is critical for myelination of peripheral nerves in humans. This study adds to the literature implicating defective axoglial function as a key cause of severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and suggests that GPR126 mutations should be investigated in individuals affected by this disorder.

A craniosynostosis massively parallel sequencing panel study in 309 Australian and New Zealand patients: findings and recommendations.

PURPOSE: The craniosynostoses are characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures. The relative contribution of previously reported genes to craniosynostosis in large cohorts is unclear. Here we report on the use of a massively parallel sequencing panel in individuals with craniosynostosis without a prior molecular diagnosis. METHODS: A 20-gene panel was designed based on the genes' association with craniosynostosis, and clinically validated through retrospective testing of an Australian and New Zealand cohort of 233 individuals with craniosynostosis in whom previous testing had not identified a causative variant within FGFR1-3 hot-spot regions or the TWIST1 gene. An additional 76 individuals were tested prospectively. RESULTS: Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in non-FGFR genes were identified in 43 individuals, with diagnostic yields of 14% and 15% in retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. Variants were identified most frequently in TCF12 (N = 22) and EFNB1 (N = 8), typically in individuals with nonsyndromic coronal craniosynostosis or TWIST1-negative clinically suspected Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. Clinically significant variants were also identified in ALX4, EFNA4, ERF, and FGF10. CONCLUSION: These findings support the clinical utility of a massively parallel sequencing panel for craniosynostosis. TCF12 and EFNB1 should be included in genetic testing for nonsyndromic coronal craniosynostosis or clinically suspected Saethre-Chotzen syndrome.

KBG syndrome: An Australian experience.

In 2011, heterozygous mutations in the ANKRD11 gene were identified in patients with KBG syndrome. Since then, 100 cases have been described with the expansion of the clinical phenotype. Here we present 18 KBG affected individuals from 13 unrelated families, 16 with pathogenic mutations in the ANKRD11 gene. Consistent features included intellectual disability, macrodontia, and the characteristic broad forehead with hypertelorism, and a prominent nasal bridge. Common features included hand anomalies, cryptorchidism, and a large number of palate abnormalities. Distinctive findings in this series included malrotation of the abdominal viscera, bilateral inguinal herniae in two patients, basal ganglia calcification and the finding of osteopenia in three patients. Nine novel heterozygous variants were found and the genotype-phenotype correlation was explored. This report highlights the need for thorough examination and investigation of the dental and skeletal systems. The results confirm the specificity of ANKRD11 mutations in KBG and further evidence for this transcription repressor in neural, cardiac, and skeletal development. The description of further cases of KBG syndrome is needed to further delineate this condition, in particular the specific neurological and behavioral phenotype.

Fryns Syndrome Associated with Recessive Mutations in PIGN in two Separate Families.

Fryns syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), dysmorphic facial features, distal digital hypoplasia, and other associated malformations, and is the most common syndromic form of CDH. No gene has been associated with this condition. Whole-exome sequence data from two siblings and three unrelated individuals with Fryns syndrome were filtered for rare, good quality, coding mutations fitting a recessive inheritance model. Compound heterozygous mutations in PIGN were identified in the siblings, with appropriate parental segregation: a novel STOP mutation (c.1966C>T: p.Glu656X) and a rare (minor allele frequency <0.001) donor splice site mutation (c.1674+1G>C) causing skipping of exon 18 and utilization of a cryptic acceptor site in exon 19. A further novel homozygous STOP mutation in PIGN (c.694A>T: p.Lys232X) was detected in one unrelated case. All three variants affected highly conserved bases. The two remaining cases were negative for PIGN mutations. Mutations in PIGN have been reported in cases with multiple congenital anomalies, including one case with syndromic CDH. Fryns syndrome can be caused by recessive mutations in PIGN. Whether PIGN affects other syndromic and non-syndromic forms of CDH warrants investigation.

Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Brugada Syndrome.

Brugada Syndrome (BrS) is an autosomal dominant channelopathy with variable penetrance affecting the sodium channel. It reduces the transport of sodium ions essential for proper generation of the cardiac action potential. The resulting inhomogeneous repolarisation in areas of the RV epicardium causes malignant ventricular arrhythmias. BrS is diagnosed by typical cove shaped ST elevation of > 2mm in ≥1 RV precordial lead V1, V2 occurring spontaneously or after provocative drug test with IV administration of Class 1 antiarrhythmic drug such as flecainide or ajmaline. The incidence of BrS is variable being higher in South East Asians and is generally quoted as 1:2000. It is responsible for up to 20% of sudden arrhythmic deaths in those without structural heart disease. Typical presentation is syncope or resuscitated sudden death and symptoms usually occur at night or at rest especially after a large meal. Fever is a common trigger, particularly in children. Genetic testing for BrS is a Class 2A indication and the yield has increased recently to nearly 40%. Genetic testing assists with family screening.

Kufs disease, the major adult form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, caused by mutations in CLN6.

The molecular basis of Kufs disease is unknown, whereas a series of genes accounting for most of the childhood-onset forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) have been identified. Diagnosis of Kufs disease is difficult because the characteristic lipopigment is largely confined to neurons and can require a brain biopsy or autopsy for final diagnosis. We mapped four families with Kufs disease for whom there was good evidence of autosomal-recessive inheritance and found two peaks on chromosome 15. Three of the families were affected by Kufs type A disease and presented with progressive myoclonus epilepsy, and one was affected by type B (presenting with dementia and motor system dysfunction). Sequencing of a candidate gene in one peak shared by all four families identified no mutations, but sequencing of CLN6, found in the second peak and shared by only the three families affected by Kufs type A disease, revealed pathogenic mutations in all three families. We subsequently sequenced CLN6 in eight other families, three of which were affected by recessive Kufs type A disease. Mutations in both CLN6 alleles were found in the three type A cases and in one family affected by unclassified Kufs disease. Mutations in CLN6 are the major cause of recessive Kufs type A disease. The phenotypic differences between variant late-infantile NCL, previously found to be caused by CLN6, and Kufs type A disease are striking; there is a much later age at onset and lack of visual involvement in the latter. Sequencing of CLN6 will provide a simple diagnostic strategy in this disorder, in which definitive identification usually requires invasive biopsy.

The burden of splice-disrupting variants in inherited heart disease and unexplained sudden cardiac death.

There is an incomplete understanding of the burden of splice-disrupting variants in definitively associated inherited heart disease genes and whether these genes can amplify from blood RNA to support functional confirmation of splicing outcomes. We performed burden testing of rare splice-disrupting variants in people with inherited heart disease and sudden unexplained death compared to 125,748 population controls. ClinGen definitively disease-associated inherited heart disease genes were amplified using RNA extracted from fresh blood, derived cardiomyocytes, and myectomy tissue. Variants were functionally assessed and classified for pathogenicity. We found 88 in silico-predicted splice-disrupting variants in 128 out of 1242 (10.3%) unrelated participants. There was an excess burden of splice-disrupting variants in PKP2 (5.9%), FLNC (2.7%), TTN (2.8%), MYBPC3 (8.2%) and MYH7 (1.3%), in distinct cardiomyopathy subtypes, and KCNQ1 (3.6%) in long QT syndrome. Blood RNA supported the amplification of 21 out of 31 definitive disease-associated inherited heart disease genes. Our functional studies confirmed altered splicing in six variants. Eleven variants of uncertain significance were reclassified as likely pathogenic based on functional studies and six were used for cascade genetic testing in 12 family members. Our study highlights that splice-disrupting variants are a significant cause of inherited heart disease, and that analysis of blood RNA confirms splicing outcomes and supports variant pathogenicity classification.

Whole exome and genome sequencing in mendelian disorders: a diagnostic and health economic analysis.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) improves Mendelian disorder diagnosis over whole exome sequencing (WES); however, additional diagnostic yields and costs remain undefined. We investigated differences between diagnostic and cost outcomes of WGS and WES in a cohort with suspected Mendelian disorders. WGS was performed in 38 WES-negative families derived from a 64 family Mendelian cohort that previously underwent WES. For new WGS diagnoses, contemporary WES reanalysis determined whether variants were diagnosable by original WES or unique to WGS. Diagnostic rates were estimated for WES and WGS to simulate outcomes if both had been applied to the 64 families. Diagnostic costs were calculated for various genomic testing scenarios. WGS diagnosed 34% (13/38) of WES-negative families. However, contemporary WES reanalysis on average 2 years later would have diagnosed 18% (7/38 families) resulting in a WGS-specific diagnostic yield of 19% (6/31 remaining families). In WES-negative families, the incremental cost per additional diagnosis using WGS following WES reanalysis was AU$36,710 (£19,407;US$23,727) and WGS alone was AU$41,916 (£22,159;US$27,093) compared to WES-reanalysis. When we simulated the use of WGS alone as an initial genomic test, the incremental cost for each additional diagnosis was AU$29,708 (£15,705;US$19,201) whereas contemporary WES followed by WGS was AU$36,710 (£19,407;US$23,727) compared to contemporary WES. Our findings confirm that WGS is the optimal genomic test choice for maximal diagnosis in Mendelian disorders. However, accepting a small reduction in diagnostic yield, WES with subsequent reanalysis confers the lowest costs. Whether WES or WGS is utilised will depend on clinical scenario and local resourcing and availability.

X-linked VACTERL with hydrocephalus syndrome: further delineation of the phenotype caused by FANCB mutations.

X-linked VACTERL-hydrocephalus syndrome (X-linked VACTERL-H) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the gene FANCB which underlies Fanconi Anemia (FA) complementation group B. Cells from affected males have increased chromosome breakage on exposure to DNA cross-linking agents. Only five FANCB mutations found in six affected males, including an affected uncle and nephew, have been reported. We have identified FANCB mutations in a further four affected families. The VACTERL-H phenotype segregates as an X-linked recessive trait in three of these. Each mutation is predicted to truncate the FANCB open reading frame and results in highly skewed X-inactivation in unaffected carrier females. Phenotypic data were available on six affected males. Comparison of the clinical findings in our patients with published clinical data (total 12 patients) shows that ventriculomegaly, bilateral absent thumbs and radii, vertebral defects, renal agenesis, and growth retardation are the major phenotypic signs in affected males. Less frequent are brain, pituitary, ear and eye malformations, gastrointestinal atresias (esophageal, duodenal and anal), tracheoesophageal fistula, lung segmentation defects, and small genitalia. Three of six of our patients survived the perinatal period. One boy lived up to 2 years 10 months but developed aplastic anemia and died of renal failure. These data show that loss-of-function FANCB mutations result in a recognizable, multiple malformation phenotype in hemizygous males for which we propose clinical criteria to aid diagnosis.

MERTK retinopathy: biomarkers assessing vision loss.

PURPOSE: Mer tyrosine kinase-retinitis pigmentosa (MERTK-RP) causes a primary defect in the retinal pigment epithelium, which subsequently affects rod and cone photoreceptors. The study aims to identify the most appropriate MERTK-RP biomarkers to measure disease progression for deciding the optimum therapeutic trial intervention time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients' data from baseline (BL) and last follow-up (LFU) were reviewed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF) patterns, kinetic perimetry (KP), and electroretinography (ERG) parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Five patients were included with the mean age of 17.7 ± 14.4 years old (6.7-42.3) at BL and mean BCVA follow-up of 8.4 ± 5.1 years. Mean BCVA at BL and LFU were 0.84 ± 0.86 LogMAR and 1.14 ± 0.86 LogMAR, respectively. The BCVA decline rate was 0.05 ± 0.03 LogMAR units/year. Ellipzoid zones (EZ) were measurable in eight eyes with mean BL length of 1293.75 ± 421.07 µm and reduction of 140.95 ± 69.28 µm/year and mean BL CMT of 174.2 ± 37.52 µm with the rate of 11.2 ± 12.77 µm declining/year. Full-field ERG (ffERG) and pattern ERG (pERG) were barely recordable. UWF-FAF showed central macular hyper-autofluorescence (hyperAF). KP (III4e and V4e) was normal in two eyes, restricted nasally in four eyes, superior wedge defect in two eyes and undetectable in two eyes. The four restricted nasally KPs became worse, while the others stayed almost unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort showed early visual loss, moderately rapid EZ reduction and macular hyperAF. EZ, CMT, and BCVA were consistently reduced. Relative rapid decline in these biomarkers reflecting visual function suggests an early and narrow timespan for intervention.

Gene selection for the Australian Reproductive Genetic Carrier Screening Project ("Mackenzie's Mission").

Reproductive genetic carrier screening aims to offer couples information about their chance of having children with certain autosomal recessive and X-linked genetic conditions. We developed a gene list for use in "Mackenzie's Mission", a research project in which 10,000 couples will undergo screening. Criteria for selecting genes were: the condition should be life-limiting or disabling, with childhood onset, such that couples would be likely to take steps to avoid having an affected child; and/or be one for which early diagnosis and intervention would substantially change outcome. Strong evidence for gene-phenotype relationship was required. Candidate genes were identified from OMIM and via review of 23 commercial and published gene lists. Genes were reviewed by 16 clinical geneticists using a standard operating procedure, in a process overseen by a multidisciplinary committee which included clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, an ethicist, a parent of a child with a genetic condition and scientists from diagnostic and research backgrounds. 1300 genes met criteria. Genes associated with non-syndromic deafness and non-syndromic differences of sex development were not included. Our experience has highlighted that gene selection for a carrier screening panel needs to be a dynamic process with ongoing review and refinement.