Positive effect of growth hormone treatment in maternal uniparental disomy chromosome 14.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 14 (matUPD(14)) resembles Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). As positive effects of growth hormone (GH) are observed in individuals with PWS, treatment with GH may be useful in individuals with matUPD(14) as well. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH treatment on growth and body composition in children with matUPD(14). DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study of GH treatment in two girls with matUPD(14) during 2 years, and spontaneous growth in another matUPD(14) girl of similar age. PATIENTS: Three girls (patient A, B and C, aged 8·9, 11·4 and 12·7 years, respectively) with matUPD(14) were included in this study. MEASUREMENTS: Patients A and B were treated with GH during 2 years. Patient C was not treated with GH, as she was diagnosed at an age at which she attained near-final height. Main outcome measures included height, weight, body proportions, IGF-1, bone age, and DXA scan for body composition. RESULTS: In both treated girls, a considerable increase in height (from -2·3SD and -1·2SD to -1·2SD and -0·6SD, respectively) and IGF-1 levels (from +0·1SD and -1·4SD to +1·3SD and +0·9SD, respectively) and, in patient A, a decrease in weight (+1·2 SD to -0·7SD), and improved body composition (fat percentage from 51·5% to 45·4%) were found. Both experienced improved muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: GH treatment in matUPD(14) cases can show beneficial effects on growth and body composition if started in time. Larger, international studies to determine detailed effectivity and side effects are suggested.

Heterogeneity of mutational mechanisms and modes of inheritance in auriculocondylar syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Auriculocondylar syndrome (ACS) is a rare craniofacial disorder consisting of micrognathia, mandibular condyle hypoplasia and a specific malformation of the ear at the junction between the lobe and helix. Missense heterozygous mutations in the phospholipase C, ß 4 (PLCB4) and guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), α inhibiting activity polypeptide 3 (GNAI3) genes have recently been identified in ACS patients by exome sequencing. These genes are predicted to function within the G protein-coupled endothelin receptor pathway during craniofacial development. RESULTS: We report eight additional cases ascribed to PLCB4 or GNAI3 gene lesions, comprising six heterozygous PLCB4 missense mutations, one heterozygous GNAI3 missense mutation and one homozygous PLCB4 intragenic deletion. Certain residues represent mutational hotspots; of the total of 11 ACS PLCB4 missense mutations now described, five disrupt Arg621 and two disrupt Asp360. The narrow distribution of mutations within protein space suggests that the mutations may result in dominantly interfering proteins, rather than haploinsufficiency. The consanguineous parents of the patient with a homozygous PLCB4 deletion each harboured the heterozygous deletion, but did not present the ACS phenotype, further suggesting that ACS is not caused by PLCB4 haploinsufficiency. In addition to ACS, the patient harbouring a homozygous deletion presented with central apnoea, a phenotype that has not been previously reported in ACS patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that ACS is not only genetically heterogeneous but also an autosomal dominant or recessive condition according to the nature of the PLCB4 gene lesion.

Genetic Findings in Short Turkish Children Born to Consanguineous Parents.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic yield of genetic analysis in the evaluation of children with short stature depends on associated clinical characteristics, but the additional effect of parental consanguinity has not been well documented. METHODS: This observational case series of 42 short children from 34 consanguineous families was collected by six referral centres of paediatric endocrinology (inclusion criteria: short stature and parental consanguinity). In 18 patients (12 families, group 1), the clinical features suggested a specific genetic defect in the growth hormone (GH) insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis, and a candidate gene approach was used. In others (group 2), a hypothesis-free approach was chosen (gene panels, microarray analysis, and whole exome sequencing) and further subdivided into 11 patients with severe short stature (height <-3.5 standard deviation score [SDS]) and microcephaly (head circumference <-3.0 SDS) (group 2a), 10 patients with syndromic short stature (group 2b), and 3 patients with nonspecific isolated GH deficiency (group 2c). RESULTS: In all 12 families from group 1, (likely) pathogenic variants were identified in GHR, IGFALS, GH1, and STAT5B. In 9/12 families from group 2a, variants were detected in PCNT, SMARCAL1, SRCAP, WDR4, and GHSR. In 5/9 families from group 2b, variants were found in TTC37, SCUBE3, NSD2, RABGAP1, and 17p13.3 microdeletions. In group 2c, no genetic cause was found. Homozygous, compound heterozygous, and heterozygous variants were found in 21, 1, and 4 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Genetic testing in short children from consanguineous parents has a high diagnostic yield, especially in cases of severe GH deficiency or insensitivity, microcephaly, and syndromic short stature.

GPSM2 and Chudley-McCullough syndrome: a Dutch founder variant brought to North America.

Chudley-McCullough syndrome (CMS) is characterized by profound sensorineural hearing loss and brain anomalies. Variants in GPSM2 have recently been reported as a cause of CMS by Doherty et al. In this study we have performed exome sequencing of three CMS patients from two unrelated families from the same Dutch village. We identified one homozygous frameshift GPSM2 variants c.1473delG in all patients. We show that this variant arises from a shared, rare haplotype. Since the c.1473delG variant was found in Mennonite settlers, it likely originated in Europe. To support DNA diagnostics, we established an LOVD database for GPSM2 containing all variants thus far described.

Further clinical and molecular characterization of an XLID syndrome associated with BRWD3 variants, a gene implicated in the leukemia-related JAK-STAT pathway.

BACKGROUND: Since the first description of a BRWD3-associated nonsydromic intellectual disability (ID) disorder in 2007, 21 additional families have been reported in the literature. METHODS: Using exome sequencing (ES) and international data sharing, we identified 14 additional unrelated individuals with pathogenic BRWD3 variants (12 males and 2 females, including one with skewed X-inactivation). We reviewed the 31 previously published cases in the literature with clinical data available, and describe the collective phenotypes of 43 males and 2 females, with 33 different BRWD3 variants. RESULTS: The most common features in males (excluding one patient with a mosaic variant) included ID (39/39 males), speech delay (24/25 males), postnatal macrocephaly (28/35 males) with prominent forehead (18/25 males) and large ears (14/26 males), and obesity (12/27 males). Both females presented with macrocephaly, speech delay, and epilepsy, while epilepsy was only observed in 4/41 males. Among the 28 variants with available segregation reported, 19 were inherited from unaffected mothers and 9 were de novo. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the BRWD3-related phenotypes are largely non-specific, leading to difficulty in clinical recognition of this disorder. A genotype-first approach, however, allows for the more efficient diagnosis of the BRWD3-related nonsyndromic ID. The refined clinical features presented here may provide additional diagnostic assistance for reverse phenotyping efforts.

The natural history of a combined defect in MSH6 and MUTYH in a HNPCC family.

In the inherited syndromes, MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), somatic mutations occur due to loss of the caretaker function that base-repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR) genes have, respectively. Recently, we identified a large branch from a MSH6 HNPCC family in which 19 family members are heterozygous or compound heterozygous for MUTYH germ line mutations. MSH6/MUTYH heterozygote mutation carriers display a predominant HNPCC molecular tumour phenotype, with microsatellite instability and underrepresentation of G>T transversions. A single unique patient is carrier of the MSH6 germline mutation and is compound heterozygote for MUTYH. Unexpectedly, this patient has an extremely mild clinical phenotype with sofar only few adenomas at age 56. Four out of five adenomas show characteristic G>T transversions in APC and/or KRAS2, as seen in MUTYH associated polyposis. No second hit of MSH6 is apparent in any of the adenomas, due to retained MSH6 nuclear expression and a lack of microsatellite instability. Although this concerns only one case, we argue that the chance to find an additional one is extremely small and currently a mouse model with this genotype combination is not available. Moreover, the patients brother who is also compound heterozygous for MUTYH but lacks the MSH6 germline mutation presented with a full blown polyposis coli. In conclusion, these data would support the notion that abrogation of both MSH6 DNA mismatch repair and base repair might be mutually exclusive in humans.

[Maternal uniparental disomy 14; differential diagnosis with Prader-Willi syndrome]. / Maternale uniparentale disomie 14. In de differentiaaldiagnose bij Prader-Willi-syndroom.

BACKGROUND: Maternal uniparental disomy 14 is a rare genetic disorder in which both chromosomes 14 are maternally inherited. The disorder is characterised by neonatal hypotonia and feeding difficulties, intrauterine or later growth retardation, truncal obesity and precocious puberty. During the neonatal period its clinical phenotype shows great similarities with that of Prader-Willi syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe two patients with dysmaturity, neonatal hypotonia and feeding difficulties who initially showed clinical signs of Prader-Willi syndrome. However, molecular testing for this disorder was normal. Some years later, additional molecular testing confirmed the diagnosis of maternal uniparental disomy 14. CONCLUSION: Maternal uniparental disomy 14 shows many phenotypic similarities with Prader-Willi syndrome. In a hypotonic neonate, molecular testing for maternal uniparental disomy 14 should therefore be considered if Prader-Willi syndrome has been excluded.

WT1 deletion leading to severe 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis, Wilms tumor and gonadoblastoma: case report.

BACKGROUND: Heterozygous missense mutations in the WT1 gene that affect the function of the wild-type allele have been identified in Denys-Drash syndrome, which is characterized by severe gonadal dysgenesis, early-onset nephropathy and a predisposition to renal and gonadal cancer. Intron 9 splice-site mutations that influence the balance between WT1 isoforms cause a nearly similar phenotype, known as Frasier syndrome. Nonsense mutations and deletions only lead to WT1 haploinsufficiency and, hence, to less severe gonadal dysgenesis and late-onset nephropathy. WT1 analysis is mandatory in 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis with renal abnormality. PATIENT: We describe a newborn with 46,XY severe partial gonadal dysgenesis, in whom structural renal anomalies and proteinuria were excluded. Gonadectomy was performed at the age of 1 month and the microscopy was thought to be suggestive for a gonadoblastoma. At the age of 9 months, the patient presented with a bilateral Wilms tumor. RESULTS: We found a heterozygous WT1 whole-gene deletion but no other gene defects. CONCLUSIONS: This case description illustrates that a WT1 deletion might be associated with a more severe phenotype than previously thought. It also illustrates that, even in the absence of renal abnormality, it is recommended to test promptly for WT1 defects in 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis.

The phenotype of Floating-Harbor syndrome: clinical characterization of 52 individuals with mutations in exon 34 of SRCAP.

BACKGROUND: Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare condition characterized by short stature, delays in expressive language, and a distinctive facial appearance. Recently, heterozygous truncating mutations in SRCAP were determined to be disease-causing. With the availability of a DNA based confirmatory test, we set forth to define the clinical features of this syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical information on fifty-two individuals with SRCAP mutations was collected using standardized questionnaires. Twenty-four males and twenty-eight females were studied with ages ranging from 2 to 52 years. The facial phenotype and expressive language impairments were defining features within the group. Height measurements were typically between minus two and minus four standard deviations, with occipitofrontal circumferences usually within the average range. Thirty-three of the subjects (63%) had at least one major anomaly requiring medical intervention. We did not observe any specific phenotype-genotype correlations. CONCLUSIONS: This large cohort of individuals with molecularly confirmed FHS has allowed us to better delineate the clinical features of this rare but classic genetic syndrome, thereby facilitating the development of management protocols.

Diagnostic approach and management of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma): a guide for clinicians.

ABSTRACT diagnostic workup of familial colorectal cancer is an elaborate and time consuming process in which the family and several medical specialists closely collaborate. However, establishing a diagnosis can be very rewarding. If a mutation is detected in the family, a satisfactory explanation can be provided for an accumulation of tumors at young age, and often of untimely death. Appropriate presymptomatic testing can be offered to reduce mortality among at-risk family members, and relatives not at risk can avoid uncertainty and needlessly intensive surveillance. We show the differential diagnostic considerations when an individual with a family history of colorectal carcinoma is encountered, with emphasis on Lynch syndrome (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Carcinoma [HNPCC]). Practical recommendations for laboratory workup of suspected Lynch syndrome, including analysis of tumor tissue by microsatellite instability analysis and immunohistochemistry, and germline DNA analysis are given. Furthermore, the clinical management after a molecular diagnosis has been made is described. The diagnostic scheme presented here allows efficient and effective analysis of colorectal carcinoma cases with (suspected) Lynch syndrome, making optimal use of currently available technology.

Decrease in mortality in Lynch syndrome families because of surveillance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Lynch syndrome family members have a high risk of developing colorectal (CRC), endometrial (EC), and other cancers. A large-scale surveillance program was introduced in The Netherlands in the late 1980s. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of this program by assessing mortality because of CRC and EC before and after 1990 and to compare mortality because of all cancers (except CRC/EC) with mortality in the general population. METHODS: Family members with at least 50% probability of being a carrier were selected for the study. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) because of cancer and the absolute excess risk of death (AER) were calculated. RESULTS: In the total cohort (N = 2788), 445 subjects had died because of cancer. The 3 most frequent causes of cancer-related deaths were CRC (50.3%), EC (6.7%), and brain tumors (6.7%). A significant decrease (70%) in SMR for CRC over time was observed (P < .001); the SMR for EC showed no decreasing trend over time. A significantly increased SMR was found for cancer of the small bowel (SMR = 18.3), brain (SMR = 9.1), kidney/ureter (SMR = 5.9), ovarium (SMR = 2.3), pancreas (SMR = 2.2), and stomach (SMR = 2.1). The AER was significantly increased for brain tumors only. CONCLUSIONS: Since the introduction of surveillance, the mortality because of CRC has decreased. Except for brain tumors, we did not find a significantly increased AER for tumors other than CRC/EC.

Heterozygous mutations in PMS2 cause hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (Lynch syndrome).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role of the mismatch repair gene PMS2 in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC) is not fully clarified. To date, only 7 different heterozygous truncating PMS2 mutations have been reported in HNPCC-suspected families. Our aim was to further assess the role of PMS2 in HNPCC. METHODS: We performed Southern blot analysis in 112 patients from MLH1-, MSH2-, and MSH6-negative HNPCC-like families. A subgroup (n = 38) of these patients was analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). In a second study group consisting of 775 index patients with familial colorectal cancer, we performed immunohistochemistry using antibodies against MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 proteins. In 8 of 775 tumors, only loss of PMS2 expression was found. In these cases, we performed Southern blot analysis and DGGE. Segregation analysis was performed in the families with a (possibly) deleterious mutation. RESULTS: Seven novel mutations were identified: 4 genomic rearrangements and 3 truncating point mutations. Three of these 7 families fulfill the Amsterdam II criteria. The pattern of inheritance is autosomal dominant with a milder phenotype compared with families with pathogenic MLH1 or MSH2 mutations. Microsatellite instability and immunohistochemical analysis performed in HNPCC-related tumors from proven carriers showed a microsatellite instability high phenotype and loss of PMS2 protein expression in all tumors. CONCLUSIONS: We show that heterozygous truncating mutations in PMS2 do play a role in a small subset of HNPCC-like families. PMS2 mutation analysis is indicated in patients diagnosed with a colorectal tumor with absent staining for the PMS2 protein.

Cancer risk in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer due to MSH6 mutations: impact on counseling and surveillance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC) is caused by a mutated mismatch repair (MMR) gene. The aim of our study was to determine the cumulative risk of developing cancer in a large series of MSH6 mutation carriers. METHODS: Mutation analysis was performed in 20 families with a germline mutation in MSH6. We compared the cancer risks between MSH6 and MLH1/MSH2 mutation carriers. Microsatellite instability (MSI) analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed in the available tumors. RESULTS: A total of 146 MSH6 mutation carriers were identified. In these carriers, the cumulative risk for colorectal carcinoma was 69% for men, 30% for women, and 71% for endometrial carcinoma at 70 years of age. The risk for all HNPCC-related tumors was significantly lower in MSH6 than in MLH1 or MSH2 mutation carriers (P = 0.002). In female MSH6 mutation carriers, the risk for colorectal cancer was significantly lower (P = 0.0049) and the risk for endometrial cancer significantly higher (P = 0.02) than in MLH1 and MSH2 mutation carriers. In male carriers, the risk for colorectal cancer was lower in MSH6 mutation carriers, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.0854). MSI analysis in colorectal tumors had a sensitivity of 86% in predicting a MMR defect. IHC in all tumors had a sensitivity of 90% in predicting a mutation in MSH6. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend starting colonoscopic surveillance in female MSH6 mutation carriers from age 30 years. Prophylactic hysterectomy might be considered in carriers older than 50 years. MSI and IHC analysis are sensitive tools to identify families eligible for MSH6 mutation analysis.