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1.
Am J Hum Genet ; 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38843839

ABSTRACT

There is mounting evidence of the value of clinical genome sequencing (cGS) in individuals with suspected rare genetic disease (RGD), but cGS performance and impact on clinical care in a diverse population drawn from both high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has not been investigated. The iHope program, a philanthropic cGS initiative, established a network of 24 clinical sites in eight countries through which it provided cGS to individuals with signs or symptoms of an RGD and constrained access to molecular testing. A total of 1,004 individuals (median age, 6.5 years; 53.5% male) with diverse ancestral backgrounds (51.8% non-majority European) were assessed from June 2016 to September 2021. The diagnostic yield of cGS was 41.4% (416/1,004), with individuals from LMIC sites 1.7 times more likely to receive a positive test result compared to HIC sites (LMIC 56.5% [195/345] vs. HIC 33.5% [221/659], OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.9-3.4, p < 0.0001). A change in diagnostic evaluation occurred in 76.9% (514/668) of individuals. Change of management, inclusive of specialty referrals, imaging and testing, therapeutic interventions, and palliative care, was reported in 41.4% (285/694) of individuals, which increased to 69.2% (480/694) when genetic counseling and avoidance of additional testing were also included. Individuals from LMIC sites were as likely as their HIC counterparts to experience a change in diagnostic evaluation (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.1-∞, p = 0.05) and change of management (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5-1.3, p = 0.49). Increased access to genomic testing may support diagnostic equity and the reduction of global health care disparities.

2.
Prenat Diagn ; 44(2): 237-246, 2024 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37632214

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent deletions involving 17q12 are associated with a variety of clinical phenotypes, including congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), maturity onset diabetes of the young, type 5, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Structural and/or functional renal disease is the most common phenotypic feature, although the prenatal renal phenotypes and the postnatal correlates have not been well characterized. METHOD: We reviewed pre- and postnatal medical records of 26 cases with prenatally or postnatally identified 17q12/HNF1B microdeletions (by chromosomal microarray or targeted gene sequencing), obtained through a multicenter collaboration. We specifically evaluated 17 of these cases (65%) with reported prenatal renal ultrasound findings. RESULTS: Heterogeneous prenatal renal phenotypes were noted, most commonly renal cysts (41%, n = 7/17) and echogenic kidneys (41%), although nonspecific dysplasia, enlarged kidneys, hydronephrosis, pelvic kidney with hydroureter, and lower urinary tract obstruction were also reported. Postnatally, most individuals developed renal cysts (73%, 11/15 live births), and there were no cases of end-stage renal disease during childhood or the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that copy number variant analysis to assess for 17q12 microdeletion should be considered for a variety of prenatally detected renal anomalies. It is important to distinguish 17q12 microdeletion from other etiologies of CAKUT as the prognosis for renal function and presence of associated findings are distinct and may influence pregnancy and postnatal management.


Subject(s)
Kidney Diseases, Cystic , Kidney Diseases , Urogenital Abnormalities , Vesico-Ureteral Reflux , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Chromosome Deletion , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Kidney/abnormalities , Kidney Diseases/congenital , Phenotype , Kidney Diseases, Cystic/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Diseases, Cystic/genetics , Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1-beta/genetics , Multicenter Studies as Topic
3.
Am J Hum Genet ; 106(1): 121-128, 2020 01 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31883643

ABSTRACT

In two independent ongoing next-generation sequencing projects for individuals with holoprosencephaly and individuals with disorders of sex development, and through international research collaboration, we identified twelve individuals with de novo loss-of-function (LoF) variants in protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 12a (PPP1R12A), an important developmental gene involved in cell migration, adhesion, and morphogenesis. This gene has not been previously reported in association with human disease, and it has intolerance to LoF as illustrated by a very low observed-to-expected ratio of LoF variants in gnomAD. Of the twelve individuals, midline brain malformations were found in five, urogenital anomalies in nine, and a combination of both phenotypes in two. Other congenital anomalies identified included omphalocele, jejunal, and ileal atresia with aberrant mesenteric blood supply, and syndactyly. Six individuals had stop gain variants, five had a deletion or duplication resulting in a frameshift, and one had a canonical splice acceptor site loss. Murine and human in situ hybridization and immunostaining revealed PPP1R12A expression in the prosencephalic neural folds and protein localization in the lower urinary tract at critical periods for forebrain division and urogenital development. Based on these clinical and molecular findings, we propose the association of PPP1R12A pathogenic variants with a congenital malformations syndrome affecting the embryogenesis of the brain and genitourinary systems and including disorders of sex development.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology , Disorders of Sex Development/pathology , Holoprosencephaly/pathology , Mutation , Myosin-Light-Chain Phosphatase/genetics , Urogenital Abnormalities/pathology , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Disorders of Sex Development/genetics , Female , Gestational Age , Holoprosencephaly/genetics , Humans , Male , Phenotype , Pregnancy , Urogenital Abnormalities/genetics
4.
Am J Med Genet A ; 191(5): 1378-1383, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36718996

ABSTRACT

Pre-mRNA splicing factors are crucial in regulating transcript diversity, by removing introns from eukaryotic transcripts, an essential step in gene expression. Splicing of pre-mRNA is catalyzed by spliceosomes. CWC27 is a cyclophilin associated with spliceosome, in which genetic defects of its components have been linked to spliceosomopathies with clinical phenotypes including skeletal developmental defects, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), short stature, skeletal anomalies, and neurological disorders. We report two siblings (male and female) of Mexican descent with a novel homozygous frameshift variant in CWC27 and aim to highlight the cardinal features among the previously described 12 cases as well as expand the currently recognized phenotypic spectrum. Both siblings presented with a range of ocular and extraocular manifestations including novel features such as solitary kidney and tarsal coalition in the male sibling, together with gait abnormalities, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the female sibling. Finally, we highlight ectodermal involvement including sparse scalp hair, eyebrows and lashes, pigmentary differences, nail dysplasia, and dental anomalies as a core phenotype associated with the CWC27 spliceosomopathy.


Subject(s)
RNA Precursors , Retinitis Pigmentosa , Female , Humans , Male , Cyclophilins/genetics , Cyclophilins/metabolism , Peptidylprolyl Isomerase/genetics , Retinitis Pigmentosa/genetics , RNA Precursors/genetics , RNA Splicing/genetics , Spliceosomes/genetics , Mexico/ethnology
5.
Am J Med Genet A ; 191(4): 930-940, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36651673

ABSTRACT

Increasing use of unbiased genomic sequencing in critically ill infants can expand understanding of rare diseases such as Kabuki syndrome (KS). Infants diagnosed with KS through genome-wide sequencing performed during the initial hospitalization underwent retrospective review of medical records. Human phenotype ontology terms used in genomic analysis were aggregated and analyzed. Clinicians were surveyed regarding changes in management and other care changes. Fifteen infants met inclusion criteria. KS was not suspected prior to genomic sequencing. Variants were classified as Pathogenic (n = 10) or Likely Pathogenic (n = 5) by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Guidelines. Fourteen variants were de novo (KMT2D, n = 12, KDM6A, n = 2). One infant inherited a likely pathogenic variant in KMT2D from an affected father. Frequent findings involved cardiovascular (14/15) and renal (7/15) systems, with palatal defects also identified (6/15). Three infants had non-immune hydrops. No minor anomalies were universally documented; ear anomalies, micrognathia, redundant nuchal skin, and hypoplastic nails were common. Changes in management were reported in 14 infants. Early use of unbiased genome-wide sequencing enabled a molecular diagnosis prior to clinical recognition including infants with atypical or rarely reported features of KS while also expanding the phenotypic spectrum of this rare disorder.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple , Hematologic Diseases , Vestibular Diseases , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Infant , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Face/abnormalities , Hematologic Diseases/genetics , Vestibular Diseases/genetics , Phenotype , Histone Demethylases/genetics
6.
Am J Med Genet A ; 191(8): 2113-2131, 2023 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37377026

ABSTRACT

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a rare, dominantly inherited multisystem developmental disorder characterized by highly variable manifestations of growth and developmental delays, upper limb involvement, hypertrichosis, cardiac, gastrointestinal, craniofacial, and other systemic features. Pathogenic variants in genes encoding cohesin complex structural subunits and regulatory proteins (NIPBL, SMC1A, SMC3, HDAC8, and RAD21) are the major pathogenic contributors to CdLS. Heterozygous or hemizygous variants in the genes encoding these five proteins have been found to be contributory to CdLS, with variants in NIPBL accounting for the majority (>60%) of cases, and the only gene identified to date that results in the severe or classic form of CdLS when mutated. Pathogenic variants in cohesin genes other than NIPBL tend to result in a less severe phenotype. Causative variants in additional genes, such as ANKRD11, EP300, AFF4, TAF1, and BRD4, can cause a CdLS-like phenotype. The common role that these genes, and others, play as critical regulators of developmental transcriptional control has led to the conditions they cause being referred to as disorders of transcriptional regulation (or "DTRs"). Here, we report the results of a comprehensive molecular analysis in a cohort of 716 probands with typical and atypical CdLS in order to delineate the genetic contribution of causative variants in cohesin complex genes as well as novel candidate genes, genotype-phenotype correlations, and the utility of genome sequencing in understanding the mutational landscape in this population.


Subject(s)
De Lange Syndrome , Nuclear Proteins , Humans , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , De Lange Syndrome/diagnosis , De Lange Syndrome/genetics , De Lange Syndrome/pathology , Transcription Factors/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Phenotype , Mutation , Genomics , Genetic Association Studies , Transcriptional Elongation Factors/genetics , Histone Deacetylases/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics
7.
Am J Hum Genet ; 104(3): 542-552, 2019 03 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30827498

ABSTRACT

Polyglutamine expansions in the transcriptional co-repressor Atrophin-1, encoded by ATN1, cause the neurodegenerative condition dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) via a proposed novel toxic gain of function. We present detailed phenotypic information on eight unrelated individuals who have de novo missense and insertion variants within a conserved 16-amino-acid "HX repeat" motif of ATN1. Each of the affected individuals has severe cognitive impairment and hypotonia, a recognizable facial gestalt, and variable congenital anomalies. However, they lack the progressive symptoms typical of DRPLA neurodegeneration. To distinguish this subset of affected individuals from the DRPLA diagnosis, we suggest using the term CHEDDA (congenital hypotonia, epilepsy, developmental delay, digit abnormalities) to classify the condition. CHEDDA-related variants alter the particular structural features of the HX repeat motif, suggesting that CHEDDA results from perturbation of the structural and functional integrity of the HX repeat. We found several non-homologous human genes containing similar motifs of eight to 10 HX repeat sequences, including RERE, where disruptive variants in this motif have also been linked to a separate condition that causes neurocognitive and congenital anomalies. These findings suggest that perturbation of the HX motif might explain other Mendelian human conditions.


Subject(s)
Amino Acid Motifs/genetics , Genetic Variation , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Neurocognitive Disorders/etiology , Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Neurocognitive Disorders/classification , Neurocognitive Disorders/pathology , Phenotype , Prognosis , Syndrome
8.
Am J Med Genet A ; 188(10): 2958-2968, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35904974

ABSTRACT

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can occur in isolation or in conjunction with other birth defects (CDH+). A molecular etiology can only be identified in a subset of CDH cases. This is due, in part, to an incomplete understanding of the genes that contribute to diaphragm development. Here, we used clinical and molecular data from 36 individuals with CDH+ who are cataloged in the DECIPHER database to identify genes that may play a role in diaphragm development and to discover new phenotypic expansions. Among this group, we identified individuals who carried putatively deleterious sequence or copy number variants affecting CREBBP, SMARCA4, UBA2, and USP9X. The role of these genes in diaphragm development was supported by their expression in the developing mouse diaphragm, their similarity to known CDH genes using data from a previously published and validated machine learning algorithm, and/or the presence of CDH in other individuals with their associated genetic disorders. Our results demonstrate how data from DECIPHER, and other public databases, can be used to identify new phenotypic expansions and suggest that CREBBP, SMARCA4, UBA2, and USP9X play a role in diaphragm development.


Subject(s)
Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital , Animals , DNA Copy Number Variations , Diaphragm , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital/genetics , Mice
9.
Am J Hum Genet ; 103(4): 602-611, 2018 10 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30269814

ABSTRACT

Inherited GPI deficiencies (IGDs) are a subset of congenital disorders of glycosylation that are increasingly recognized as a result of advances in whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). IGDs cause a series of overlapping phenotypes consisting of seizures, dysmorphic features, multiple congenital malformations, and severe intellectual disability. We present a study of six individuals from three unrelated families in which WES or WGS identified bi-allelic phosphatidylinositol glycan class S (PIGS) biosynthesis mutations. Phenotypes included severe global developmental delay, seizures (partly responding to pyridoxine), hypotonia, weakness, ataxia, and dysmorphic facial features. Two of them had compound-heterozygous variants c.108G>A (p.Trp36∗) and c.101T>C (p.Leu34Pro), and two siblings of another family were homozygous for a deletion and insertion leading to p.Thr439_Lys451delinsArgLeuLeu. The third family had two fetuses with multiple joint contractures consistent with fetal akinesia. They were compound heterozygous for c.923A>G (p.Glu308Gly) and c.468+1G>C, a splicing mutation. Flow-cytometry analyses demonstrated that the individuals with PIGS mutations show a GPI-AP deficiency profile. Expression of the p.Trp36∗ variant in PIGS-deficient HEK293 cells revealed only partial restoration of cell-surface GPI-APs. In terms of both biochemistry and phenotype, loss of function of PIGS shares features with PIGT deficiency and other IGDs. This study contributes to the understanding of the GPI-AP biosynthesis pathway by describing the consequences of PIGS disruption in humans and extending the family of IGDs.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Acyltransferases/genetics , Arthrogryposis/genetics , Cerebellar Ataxia/genetics , Epilepsy, Generalized/genetics , Cell Line , Child , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Female , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Male , Muscle Hypotonia/genetics , Mutation , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Pedigree , Seizures/genetics , Syndrome , Exome Sequencing/methods
10.
Am J Med Genet A ; 185(6): 1649-1665, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33783954

ABSTRACT

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by monoallelic variants in KMT2A and characterized by intellectual disability and hypertrichosis. We performed a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of 104 individuals with WSS from five continents to characterize the clinical and molecular spectrum of WSS in diverse populations, to identify physical features that may be more prevalent in White versus Black Indigenous People of Color individuals, to delineate genotype-phenotype correlations, to define developmental milestones, to describe the syndrome through adulthood, and to examine clinicians' differential diagnoses. Sixty-nine of the 82 variants (84%) observed in the study were not previously reported in the literature. Common clinical features identified in the cohort included: developmental delay or intellectual disability (97%), constipation (63.8%), failure to thrive (67.7%), feeding difficulties (66.3%), hypertrichosis cubiti (57%), short stature (57.8%), and vertebral anomalies (46.9%). The median ages at walking and first words were 20 months and 18 months, respectively. Hypotonia was associated with loss of function (LoF) variants, and seizures were associated with non-LoF variants. This study identifies genotype-phenotype correlations as well as race-facial feature associations in an ethnically diverse cohort, and accurately defines developmental trajectories, medical comorbidities, and long-term outcomes in individuals with WSS.


Subject(s)
Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Growth Disorders/genetics , Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics , Hypertrichosis/congenital , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia Protein/genetics , Black People/genetics , Constipation/epidemiology , Constipation/genetics , Constipation/pathology , Failure to Thrive/epidemiology , Failure to Thrive/genetics , Failure to Thrive/pathology , Genetic Association Studies , Growth Disorders/epidemiology , Growth Disorders/pathology , Humans , Hypertrichosis/epidemiology , Hypertrichosis/genetics , Hypertrichosis/pathology , Intellectual Disability/epidemiology , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Loss of Function Mutation/genetics , Retrospective Studies , White People/genetics
11.
Hum Mutat ; 40(8): 1013-1029, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31021519

ABSTRACT

SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by alterations in the SATB2 gene. Here we present a review of published pathogenic variants in the SATB2 gene to date and report 38 novel alterations found in 57 additional previously unreported individuals. Overall, we present a compilation of 120 unique variants identified in 155 unrelated families ranging from single nucleotide coding variants to genomic rearrangements distributed throughout the entire coding region of SATB2. Single nucleotide variants predicted to result in the occurrence of a premature stop codon were the most commonly seen (51/120 = 42.5%) followed by missense variants (31/120 = 25.8%). We review the rather limited functional characterization of pathogenic variants and discuss current understanding of the consequences of the different molecular alterations. We present an expansive phenotypic review along with novel genotype-phenotype correlations. Lastly, we discuss current knowledge of animal models and present future prospects. This review should help provide better guidance for the care of individuals diagnosed with SAS.


Subject(s)
Matrix Attachment Region Binding Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Adolescent , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Codon, Terminator , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gene Rearrangement , Genetic Association Studies , Humans , Male , Mutation, Missense , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
12.
Am J Hum Genet ; 98(6): 1256-1265, 2016 06 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27236920

ABSTRACT

Curry-Jones syndrome (CJS) is a multisystem disorder characterized by patchy skin lesions, polysyndactyly, diverse cerebral malformations, unicoronal craniosynostosis, iris colobomas, microphthalmia, and intestinal malrotation with myofibromas or hamartomas. Cerebellar medulloblastoma has been described in a single affected individual; in another, biopsy of skin lesions showed features of trichoblastoma. The combination of asymmetric clinical features, patchy skin manifestations, and neoplastic association previously led to the suggestion that this could be a mosaic condition, possibly involving hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Here, we show that CJS is caused by recurrent somatic mosaicism for a nonsynonymous variant in SMO (c.1234C>T [p.Leu412Phe]), encoding smoothened (SMO), a G-protein-coupled receptor that transduces Hh signaling. We identified eight mutation-positive individuals (two of whom had not been reported previously) with highly similar phenotypes and demonstrated varying amounts of the mutant allele in different tissues. We present detailed findings from brain MRI in three mutation-positive individuals. Somatic SMO mutations that result in constitutive activation have been described in several tumors, including medulloblastoma, ameloblastoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Strikingly, the most common of these mutations is the identical nonsynonymous variant encoding p.Leu412Phe. Furthermore, this substitution has been shown to activate SMO in the absence of Hh signaling, providing an explanation for tumor development in CJS. This raises therapeutic possibilities for using recently generated Hh-pathway inhibitors. In summary, our work uncovers the major genetic cause of CJS and illustrates strategies for gene discovery in the context of low-level tissue-specific somatic mosaicism.


Subject(s)
Craniofacial Abnormalities/etiology , Intestines/abnormalities , Mutation/genetics , Skin Abnormalities/etiology , Smoothened Receptor/genetics , Syndactyly/etiology , Child, Preschool , Craniofacial Abnormalities/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Intestines/pathology , Male , Signal Transduction , Skin Abnormalities/pathology , Syndactyly/pathology
13.
Am J Med Genet A ; 176(12): 2824-2828, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30549413

ABSTRACT

Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome (HLTS) is a rare disorder caused by autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant mutations in SOX18. This gene encodes a transcription factor involved in the regulation and development of the human vasculature, lymphatic, and integumentary systems. Individuals with HLTS develop varying degrees of hypotrichosis, lymphedema, and telangiectasias. Other complications, such as renal failure and aortic dilation, have also been observed. Here, we report a neonate with a novel mutation in SOX18 (c.541C>T; p.Gln181stop) presenting with cardinal features of HLTS in addition to unique findings of severe chylothorax and relentless pulmonary hypertension that culminated in death. The purpose of this report is to summarize what is known about this evolving genetic syndrome and to speculate as to how mutations in SOX18 might produce the phenotype.


Subject(s)
Genes, Dominant , Hypotrichosis/diagnosis , Hypotrichosis/genetics , Lymphedema/diagnosis , Lymphedema/genetics , Mutation , SOXF Transcription Factors/genetics , Telangiectasis/diagnosis , Telangiectasis/genetics , Alleles , Exons , Fatal Outcome , Genotype , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Phenotype
15.
Genet Med ; 19(10): 1179-1183, 2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28383544

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Nail-Patella syndrome is a dominantly inherited genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the nails, knees, elbows, and pelvis. Nail abnormalities are the most constant feature of Nail-Patella syndrome. Pathogenic mutations in a single gene, LMX1B, a mesenchymal determinant of dorsal-ventral patterning, explain approximately 95% of Nail-Patella syndrome cases. However, 5% of cases remain unexplained. METHODS: Here, we present exome sequencing and analysis of four generations of a family with a dominantly inherited Nail-Patella-like disorder (nail dysplasia with some features of Nail-Patella syndrome) who tested negative for LMX1B mutation. RESULTS: We identify a loss-of-function mutation in WIF1 (NM_007191 p.W15*), which is involved in mesoderm segmentation, as the suspected cause of the Nail-Patella-like disorder observed in this family. CONCLUSIONS: Mutation of WIF1 is a potential novel cause of a Nail-Patella-like disorder. Testing of additional patients negative for LMX1B mutation is needed to confirm this finding and further clarify the phenotype.Genet Med advance online publication 06 April 2017.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Nail-Patella Syndrome/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Kidney/metabolism , LIM-Homeodomain Proteins/genetics , LIM-Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism , Male , Mutation , Nail-Patella Syndrome/metabolism , Patella , Pedigree , Phenotype , Repressor Proteins/metabolism , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism
16.
Am J Med Genet A ; 173(6): 1586-1592, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28386950

ABSTRACT

Curry-Jones syndrome (CJS) is a pattern of malformation that includes craniosynostosis, pre-axial polysyndactyly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, cutaneous and gastrointestinal abnormalities. A recurrent, mosaic mutation of SMO (c.1234 C>T; p.Leu412Phe) causes CJS. This report describes the gastrointestinal and surgical findings in a baby with CJS who presented with abdominal obstruction and reviews the spectrum of gastrointestinal malformations in this rare disorder. A 41-week, 4,165 g, female presented with craniosynostosis, pre-axial polysyndactyly, and cutaneous findings consistent with a clinical diagnosis of CJS. The infant developed abdominal distension beginning on the second day of life. Surgical exploration revealed an intestinal malrotation for which she underwent a Ladd procedure. Multiple small nodules were found on the surface of the small and large bowel in addition to an apparent intestinal duplication that seemed to originate posterior to the pancreas. Histopathology of serosal nodules revealed bundles of smooth muscle with associated ganglion cells. Molecular analysis demonstrated the SMO c.1234 C>T mutation in varying amounts in affected skin (up to 35%) and intestinal hamartoma (26%). Gastrointestinal features including structural malformations, motility disorders, and upper GI bleeding are major causes of morbidity in CJS. Smooth muscle hamartomas are a recognized feature of children with CJS typically presenting with abdominal obstruction requiring surgical intervention. A somatic mutation in SMO likely accounts for the structural malformations and predisposition to form bowel hamartomas and myofibromas. The mutation burden in the involved tissues likely accounts for the variable manifestations.


Subject(s)
Craniofacial Abnormalities/physiopathology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/physiopathology , Intestines/abnormalities , Skin Abnormalities/physiopathology , Smoothened Receptor/genetics , Syndactyly/physiopathology , Craniofacial Abnormalities/complications , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Craniofacial Abnormalities/surgery , Craniosynostoses/complications , Craniosynostoses/genetics , Craniosynostoses/physiopathology , Female , Gastrointestinal Diseases/complications , Gastrointestinal Diseases/genetics , Gastrointestinal Diseases/surgery , Humans , Infant , Intestines/physiopathology , Intestines/surgery , Mutation , Skin Abnormalities/complications , Skin Abnormalities/genetics , Skin Abnormalities/surgery , Syndactyly/complications , Syndactyly/genetics , Syndactyly/surgery
17.
J Immunol ; 194(6): 2551-60, 2015 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25667416

ABSTRACT

The link between autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiency syndromes has been increasingly appreciated. Immunologic evaluation of a young man with autoimmune enterocolopathy and unexplained infections revealed evidence of immunodeficiency, including IgG subclass deficiency, impaired Ag-induced lymphocyte proliferation, reduced cytokine production by CD8(+) T lymphocytes, and decreased numbers of NK cells. Genetic evaluation identified haploinsufficiency of NFAT5, a transcription factor regulating immune cell function and cellular adaptation to hyperosmotic stress, as a possible cause of this syndrome. Inhibition or deletion of NFAT5 in normal human and murine cells recapitulated several of the immune deficits identified in the patient. These results provide evidence of a primary immunodeficiency disorder associated with organ-specific autoimmunity linked to NFAT5 deficiency.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/immunology , Haploinsufficiency/immunology , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/immunology , Transcription Factors/immunology , Animals , Autoimmune Diseases/diagnosis , Autoimmune Diseases/genetics , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Cytokines/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , DNA Mutational Analysis , Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Diseases/genetics , Gene Expression/immunology , Haploinsufficiency/genetics , Humans , Immunoblotting , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/diagnosis , Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/genetics , Jurkat Cells , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism , Male , Mice, 129 Strain , Mice, Knockout , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Transcription Factors/genetics , Transcription Factors/metabolism , Young Adult
18.
J Ultrasound Med ; 36(8): 1657-1668, 2017 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28417514

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate fetal cases identified at our institution to determine whether an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae is associated with other fetal abnormalities and whether its presence warrants more detailed investigation of the fetus. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 15 high- and low-risk patients undergoing prenatal sonography who had an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae identified were reviewed. Data were collected for the sonographic study indication, gestation age at diagnosis of a prominent cavum, and associated anomalies. Follow-up outcome data regarding further imaging, karyotype, diagnosis of brain anomaly, and associated congenital abnormalities were obtained. RESULTS: Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients were identified as having a prominent cavum septi pellucidi, and 6 were identified as having a prominent cavum vergae. The mean gestational age ± SD was 22.7 ± 5.9 weeks. Eleven patients made it to delivery. Of the 15 patients, 4 were thought to have trisomy 21, and 13 had congenital anomalies. Outcomes included 10 major adverse outcomes, 4 cases with normal development or minor abnormalities, and 1 lost to follow-up. An isolated dilated cavum on prenatal sonography was seen in 5 cases: 1 with lissencephaly on a neonatal examination, 3 premature deliveries (1 demise, 1 hospice, and 1 normal), and 1 unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort had many associated clinical anomalies: 3 confirmed trisomy 21 and 1 probable trisomy 21, 2 genetic disorders, and 10 major adverse outcomes, 5 of which were grave. Although we studied a small cohort, we conclude that an enlarged cavum septi pellucidi or cavum vergae warrants consideration of genetic counseling, which may include noninvasive prenatal testing (cell-free DNA), amniocentesis with microarray testing, or both.


Subject(s)
Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Congenital Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Brain/embryology , Congenital Abnormalities/pathology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Organ Size , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Septum Pellucidum/diagnostic imaging , Septum Pellucidum/embryology , Septum Pellucidum/pathology , Young Adult
19.
Cleft Palate Craniofac J ; 54(6): 650-655, 2017 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27441700

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ventilation tube (VT) placement on long-term hearing outcomes in children with cleft palate. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Genetic and dysmorphology database at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego (RCHSD). PATIENTS: Children with cleft palate diagnosis who underwent surgery at RCHSD between 1995 and 2002. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome studied was hearing acuity at 10 years of age. Independent variables studied included gender, age at palate repair and first VT placement, total number of VTs, number of complications, and presence of tympanic membrane perforation. RESULTS: An increased number of tubes was associated with a greater incidence of hearing loss at age 10, even after adjusting for total number of otologic complications. The timing of initial tube placement did not have a significant effect on long-term hearing outcome in this study. CONCLUSIONS: While children with worse middle ear disease are more likely to receive more tubes and have long-term conductive hearing loss as a result of ear disease, the results of this study suggest that multiple tube placements may not contribute to improved long-term hearing outcomes. Further research focusing on long-term outcomes is needed to establish patient-centered criteria guiding decision making for ventilation tube placement in children with cleft palate.


Subject(s)
Cleft Palate/surgery , Hearing Loss/etiology , Middle Ear Ventilation/adverse effects , Otitis Media with Effusion/therapy , Audiometry, Pure-Tone , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Treatment Outcome
20.
Am J Med Genet A ; 170A(4): 992-8, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27001912

ABSTRACT

Galloway-Mowat syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder classically described as the combination of microcephaly and nephrotic syndrome. Recently, homozygous truncating mutations in WDR73 (WD repeat domain 73) were described in two of 31 unrelated families with Galloway-Mowat syndrome which was followed by a report of two sibs in an Egyptian consanguineous family. In this report, seven affecteds from four families showing biallelic missense mutations in WDR73 were identified by exome sequencing and confirmed to follow a recessive model of inheritance. Three-dimensional modeling predicted conformational alterations as a result of the mutation, supporting pathogenicity. An additional 13 families with microcephaly and renal phenotype were negative for WDR73 mutations. Missense mutations in the WDR73 gene are reported for the first time in Galloway-Mowat syndrome. A detailed phenotypic comparison of all reported WDR73-linked Galloway-Mowat syndrome patients with WDR73 negative patients showed that WDR73 mutations are limited to those with classical Galloway-Mowat syndrome features, in addition to cerebellar atrophy, thin corpus callosum, brain stem hypoplasia, occasional coarse face, late-onset and mostly slow progressive nephrotic syndrome, and frequent epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Hernia, Hiatal/diagnosis , Hernia, Hiatal/genetics , Homozygote , Microcephaly/diagnosis , Microcephaly/genetics , Mutation, Missense , Nephrosis/diagnosis , Nephrosis/genetics , Proteins/genetics , Cohort Studies , Exome , Facies , Female , Genetic Association Studies , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Male , Models, Molecular , Pedigree , Phenotype , Protein Conformation , Proteins/chemistry
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