Biallelic Mutations in FUT8 Cause a Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation with Defective Fucosylation.

Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) encodes a Golgi-localized α1,6 fucosyltransferase that is essential for transferring the monosaccharide fucose into N-linked glycoproteins, a process known as "core fucosylation." Here we describe three unrelated individuals, who presented with intrauterine growth retardation, severe developmental and growth delays with shortened limbs, neurological impairments, and respiratory complications. Each underwent whole-exome sequencing and was found to carry pathogenic variants in FUT8. The first individual (consanguineous family) was homozygous for c.715C>T (p.Arg239∗), while the second (non-consanguineous family) was compound heterozygous for c.1009C>G (p.Arg337Gly) and a splice site variant c.1259+5G>T. The third individual (consanguineous family) was homozygous for a c.943C>T (p.Arg315∗). Splicing analysis confirmed the c.1259+5G>T resulted in expression of an abnormal FUT8 transcript lacking exon 9. Functional studies using primary fibroblasts from two affected individuals revealed a complete lack of FUT8 protein expression that ultimately resulted in substantial deficiencies in total core fucosylated N-glycans. Furthermore, serum samples from all three individuals showed a complete loss of core fucosylation. Here, we show that loss of function mutations in FUT8 cause a congenital disorder of glycosylation (FUT8-CDG) characterized by defective core fucosylation that phenotypically parallels some aspects of the Fut8-/- knockout mouse. Importantly, identification of additional affected individuals can be easily achieved through analysis of core fucosylation of N-glycans.

Detecting, quantifying, and discriminating the mechanism of mosaic chromosomal aneuploidies using MAD-seq.

Current approaches to detect and characterize mosaic chromosomal aneuploidy are limited by sensitivity, efficiency, cost, or the need to culture cells. We describe the mosaic aneuploidy detection by massively parallel sequencing (MAD-seq) capture assay and the MADSEQ analytical approach that allow low (<10%) levels of mosaicism for chromosomal aneuploidy or regional loss of heterozygosity to be detected, assigned to a meiotic or mitotic origin, and quantified as a proportion of the cells in the sample. We show results from a multi-ethnic MAD-seq (meMAD-seq) capture design that works equally well in populations of diverse racial and ethnic origins and how the MADSEQ analytical approach can be applied to exome or whole-genome sequencing data, revealing previously unrecognized aneuploidy or copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity in samples studied by the 1000 Genomes Project, cell lines from public repositories, and one of the Illumina Platinum Genomes samples. We have made the meMAD-seq capture design and MADSEQ analytical software open for unrestricted use, with the goal that they can be applied in clinical samples to allow new insights into the unrecognized prevalence of mosaic chromosomal aneuploidy in humans and its phenotypic associations.

Clinical outcomes of children with abnormal newborn screening results for Krabbe disease in New York State.

BACKGROUND: Early infantile Krabbe disease is rapidly fatal, but hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may improve outcomes if performed soon after birth. New York State began screening all newborns for Krabbe disease in 2006. METHODS: Infants with abnormal newborn screen results for Krabbe disease were referred to specialty-care centers. Newborns found to be at high risk for Krabbe disease underwent a neurodiagnostic battery to determine the need for emergent HSCT. RESULTS: Almost 2 million infants were screened. Five infants were diagnosed with early infantile Krabbe disease. Three died, two from HSCT-related complications and one from untreated disease. Two children who received HSCT have moderate to severe developmental delays. Forty-six currently asymptomatic children are considered to be at moderate or high risk for development of later-onset Krabbe disease. CONCLUSIONS: These results show significant HSCT-associated morbidity and mortality in early infantile Krabbe disease and raise questions about its efficacy when performed in newborns diagnosed through newborn screening. The unanticipated identification of "at risk" children introduces unique ethical and medicolegal issues. New York's experience raises questions about the risks, benefits, and practicality of screening newborns for Krabbe disease. It is imperative that objective assessments be made on an ongoing basis as additional states begin screening for this disorder.Genet Med 18 12, 1235-1243.

Newborn screening for Krabbe disease in New York State: the first eight years' experience.

PURPOSE: Krabbe disease (KD) results from galactocerebrosidase (GALC) deficiency. Infantile KD symptoms include irritability, progressive stiffness, developmental delay, and death. The only potential treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. New York State (NYS) implemented newborn screening for KD in 2006. METHODS: Dried blood spots from newborns were assayed for GALC enzyme activity using mass spectrometry, followed by molecular analysis for those with low activity (≤12% of the daily mean). Infants with low enzyme activity and one or more mutations were referred for follow-up diagnostic testing and neurological examination. RESULTS: Of >1.9 million screened, 620 infants were subjected to molecular analysis and 348 were referred for diagnostic testing. Five had enzyme activities and mutations consistent with infantile KD and manifested clinical/neurodiagnostic abnormalities. Four underwent transplantation, two are surviving with moderate to severe handicaps, and two died from transplant-related complications. The significance of many sequence variants identified is unknown. Forty-six asymptomatic infants were found to be at moderate to high risk for disease. CONCLUSIONS: The positive predictive value of KD screening in NYS is 1.4% (5/346) considering confirmed infantile cases. The incidence of infantile KD in NYS is approximately 1 in 394,000, but it may be higher for later-onset forms.

Newborn screening for Krabbe disease: the New York State model.

Krabbe disease is a rare inherited neurologic disorder affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. The disease has four phenotypes: early infantile, later onset, adolescent, and adult. The only known treatment is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is, in the early infantile form of the disease, most beneficial if performed before onset of clinical symptoms. In August 2006, New York State began screening all newborns for Krabbe disease. A rapid and accurate technique for assessing galactocerebrosidase activity and performing DNA mutation analysis had been developed. Interpreting these results was limited, however, because neither enzyme activity nor genetic mutation reliably predicts phenotype. A series of initiatives were therefore developed by a multidisciplinary group of neurologists, geneticists, metabolic pediatricians, neurodevelopmental pediatricians, and transplant physicians (the Krabbe Consortium of New York State) to enhance the effectiveness of the newborn screening program. A standardized clinical evaluation protocol was designed based on the available literature, criteria for transplantation for the early infantile phenotype were formulated, a clinical database and registry was developed, and a study of developmental and functional outcomes was instituted. This multidisciplinary standardized approach to evaluating infants who have positive results on newborn screening may serve as a model for other states as they begin the process of screening for Krabbe disease and other lysosomal storage disorders.

The Initial Evaluation of Patients After Positive Newborn Screening: Recommended Algorithms Leading to a Confirmed Diagnosis of Pompe Disease.

Newborn screening (NBS) for Pompe disease is done through analysis of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) activity in dried blood spots. When GAA levels are below established cutoff values, then second-tier testing is required to confirm or refute a diagnosis of Pompe disease. This article in the "Newborn Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Pompe Disease" guidance supplement provides recommendations for confirmatory testing after a positive NBS result indicative of Pompe disease is obtained. Two algorithms were developed by the Pompe Disease Newborn Screening Working Group, a group of international experts on both NBS and Pompe disease, based on whether DNA sequencing is performed as part of the screening method. Using the recommendations in either algorithm will lead to 1 of 3 diagnoses: classic infantile-onset Pompe disease, late-onset Pompe disease, or no disease/not affected/carrier. Mutation analysis of the GAA gene is essential for confirming the biochemical diagnosis of Pompe disease. For NBS laboratories that do not have DNA sequencing capabilities, the responsibility of obtaining sequencing of the GAA gene will fall on the referral center. The recommendations for confirmatory testing and the initial evaluation are intended for a broad global audience. However, the Working Group recognizes that clinical practices, standards of care, and resource capabilities vary not only regionally, but also by testing centers. Individual patient needs and health status as well as local/regional insurance reimbursement programs and regulations also must be considered.

Management of Confirmed Newborn-Screened Patients With Pompe Disease Across the Disease Spectrum.

After a Pompe disease diagnosis is confirmed in infants identified through newborn screening (NBS), when and if to start treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa must be determined. In classic infantile-onset Pompe disease, ERT should start as soon as possible. Once started, regular, routine follow-up is necessary to monitor for treatment effects, disease progression, and adverse effects. Decision-making for when or if to start ERT in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is more challenging because patients typically have no measurable signs or symptoms or predictable time of symptom onset at NBS. With LOPD, adequate, ongoing follow-up and assessments for onset or progression of signs and symptoms are important to track disease state and monitor and adjust care before and after treatment is started. Because numerous tests are used to monitor patients at variable frequencies, a standardized approach across centers is lacking. Significant variability in patient assessments may result in missed opportunities for early intervention. Management of Pompe disease requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach with timely disease-specific interventions that target the underlying disease process and symptom-specific manifestations. Regardless of how identified, all patients who have signs or symptoms of the disease require coordinated medical care and follow-up tailored to individual needs throughout their lives. The Pompe Disease Newborn Screening Working Group identifies key considerations before starting and during ERT; summarizes what comprises an indication to start ERT; and provides guidance on how to determine appropriate patient management and monitoring and guide the frequency and type of follow-up assessments for all patients identified through NBS.

Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency due to a novel SCO2 mutation mimics Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the SCO2 gene have been associated with fatal cardioencephalomyopathy. OBJECTIVE: To report a novel SCO2 mutation with prominent spinal cord involvement mimicking spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease). PATIENT AND METHODS: An infant girl presented at birth with generalized weakness, hypotonia, and lactic acidosis. At 1 month of age she developed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and died of heart failure 1 month later. Neuroradiological studies were unremarkable. Muscle biopsy specimens showed groups of atrophic and hypertrophic fibers, but mutation screening of the SMN gene was negative. Histochemical and biochemical studies of respiratory chain complexes were performed, and the whole coding region of the SCO2 gene was sequenced. RESULTS: Findings from muscle histochemistry studies showed virtually undetectable cytochrome c oxidase activity, but normal succinate dehydrogenase reaction. Biochemical analysis in muscle confirmed a severe isolated cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. Pathologic findings of the brain were unremarkable, but the ventral horns of the spinal cord showed moderate-to-severe loss of motor neurons and astrocytosis. Sequencing of the SCO2 gene showed the common E140K mutation, and a novel 10 base-pair duplication of nucleotides 1302 to 1311, which disrupts the reading frame of the messenger RNA and gives rise to a truncated protein. CONCLUSION: The SCO2 mutations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with spinal muscular atrophy without mutations in the SMN gene.

Genotypic differences of MCAD deficiency in the Asian population: novel genotype and clinical symptoms preceding newborn screening notification.

PURPOSE: In contrast to its high prevalence in Caucasians, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is reported to be an extremely rare metabolic disorder in the Asian population. The common MCAD gene (ACADM) mutation 985A>G (p.K329E), accounting for the majority of cases in Caucasians, has not been detected in this ethnic group, and the spectrum of ACADM mutations has remained unknown. METHOD: Biochemical genetic testing including plasma acylcarnitine and urine acylglycine analyses, as well as sequencing of ACADM was performed in a Korean family with a newborn who had an elevated octanoyl (C8) carnitine concentration by newborn screening (NBS). Genotyping of 50 Korean newborns with normal NBS results was performed. RESULT: We report the identification of the first Korean patient with MCAD deficiency, caused by a novel missense mutation in ACADM, 843A>T (R281S), and a 4-bp deletion, c.449_452delCTGA. The patient became symptomatic before notification of the abnormal NBS result. Both the father and a brother who were identified as carriers for the 4-bp deletion had mildly elevated plasma C8 and C10:1 carnitine concentrations, whereas the acylcarnitine profile was normal in the mother who carries the missense mutation. CONCLUSION: The 4-bp deletion may represent a common Asian ACADM mutation, considering that it recently has also been found in two of the three Japanese patients in whom genotyping was performed. Greater availability of MCAD mutation analysis is likely to unravel the molecular basis of MCAD deficiency in the Asian population that might differ from Caucasians.