MEF2C regulates NK cell effector functions through control of lipid metabolism.

Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical first line of defense against viral infection. Rare mutations in a small subset of transcription factors can result in decreased NK cell numbers and function in humans, with an associated increased susceptibility to viral infection. However, our understanding of the specific transcription factors governing mature human NK cell function is limited. Here we use a non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen targeting genes encoding 31 transcription factors differentially expressed during human NK cell development. We identify myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) as a master regulator of human NK cell functionality ex vivo. MEF2C-haploinsufficient patients and mice displayed defects in NK cell development and effector function, with an increased susceptibility to viral infection. Mechanistically, MEF2C was required for an interleukin (IL)-2- and IL-15-mediated increase in lipid content through regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) pathways. Supplementation with oleic acid restored MEF2C-deficient and MEF2C-haploinsufficient patient NK cell cytotoxic function. Therefore, MEF2C is a critical orchestrator of NK cell antiviral immunity by regulating SREBP-mediated lipid metabolism.

Clinical and functional characterization of germline PIK3CA variants in patients with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum disorders.

Mosaic variants in the PIK3CA gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), produce constitutive PI3K activation, which causes PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum disorders. To date, fewer than 20 patients have been described with germline alterations in PIK3CA. In this study, we describe three unrelated individuals with overgrowth and germline PIK3CA variants. These variants were discovered through whole-exome sequencing and confirmed as germline by testing multiple tissue types, when available. Functional analysis using Patient 1's fibroblast cell line and two previously reported patients' cell lines showed increased phosphorylation of AKT during cellular starvation revealing constitutive activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway. Alternatively, stimulation of the cells by fetal bovine serum produced a reduced response, indicating an activated status of the PI3K complex reducing the pathway response to further external stimulation. Additional studies utilizing Biolog Phenotype Microarray technology indicated reduced energy production when cells were exposed to growth factors stimulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, confirming the trend observed in the AKT phosphorylation test after stimulation. Furthermore, treatment with inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway rescued the normal energy response in the patients' cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that disease-causing germline PIK3CA variants have a functional consequence, similar to mosaic variants in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Expansion and mechanistic insights into de novo DEAF1 variants in DEAF1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.

De novo deleterious and heritable biallelic mutations in the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the transcription factor deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (DEAF1) result in a phenotypic spectrum of disorders termed DEAF1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders (DAND). RNA-sequencing using hippocampal RNA from mice with conditional deletion of Deaf1 in the central nervous system indicate that loss of Deaf1 activity results in the altered expression of genes involved in neuronal function, dendritic spine maintenance, development, and activity, with reduced dendritic spines in hippocampal regions. Since DEAF1 is not a dosage-sensitive gene, we assessed the dominant negative activity of previously identified de novo variants and a heritable recessive DEAF1 variant on selected DEAF1-regulated genes in 2 different cell models. While no altered gene expression was observed in cells over-expressing the recessive heritable variant, the gene expression profiles of cells over-expressing de novo variants resulted in similar gene expression changes as observed in CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DEAF1-deleted cells. Altered expression of DEAF1-regulated genes was rescued by exogenous expression of WT-DEAF1 but not by de novo variants in cells lacking endogenous DEAF1. De novo heterozygous variants within the DBD of DEAF1 were identified in 10 individuals with a phenotypic spectrum including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, sleep disturbance, high pain tolerance, and mild dysmorphic features. Functional assays demonstrate these variants alter DEAF1 transcriptional activity. Taken together, this study expands the clinical phenotypic spectrum of individuals with DAND, furthers our understanding of potential roles of DEAF1 on neuronal function, and demonstrates dominant negative activity of identified de novo variants.

Advanced practice providers in the medical genetics workforce: A nationwide survey.

PURPOSE: This study characterizes the current landscape of genetics advanced practice providers (APPs) in the United States. METHODS: A 35-question survey was emailed to the Genetics APP Listserv in the fall of 2023. Questions represented 5 domains: demographics, practice, onboarding, compensation, and perceptions. RESULTS: A total of 105 genetics APPs (93%) completed the survey. Genetics APPs evaluate various patient types and populations in multiple settings, working an average of 41.3 hours and seeing 15 patients weekly. Nearly all see new (96%) and follow-up (98%) patients and utilize telemedicine (93%). Half (51%) have only worked in the genetics specialty during their career. Overall, APPs are generally satisfied with their career as a genetics APP (98%) and work-life balance (86%), and most (86%) feel that they function at the top of their scope. CONCLUSION: Study findings elucidate the current state of genetics APPs. Results define the characteristics and role of an APP in the genetics specialty and will guide employers and genetics organizations to utilize APPs at the top of their scope and recruit new APPs to this exciting field. A collaborative effort is needed to increase the overall genetics workforce, decrease patient wait times, and increase access to genetics care.

Mosaicism of common pathogenic MECP2 variants identified in two males with a clinical diagnosis of Rett syndrome.

Rett (RTT) syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variation in the MECP2 gene, is characterized by developmental regression, loss of purposeful hand movements, stereotypic hand movements, abnormal gait, and loss of spoken language. Due to the X-linked inheritance pattern, RTT is typically limited to females. Recent studies revealed somatic mosaicism in MECP2 in male patients with RTT-like phenotypes. While detecting mosaic variation using Sanger sequencing is theoretically possible for mosaicism over ~15%-20%, several variables, including efficiency of PCR, background noise, and/or human error, contribute to a low detection rate using this technology. Mosaic variants in two males were detected by next generation sequencing (NGS; Case 1) and by Sanger re-sequencing (Case 2). Both had targeted digital PCR (dPCR) to confirm the variants. In this report, we present two males with classic RTT syndrome in whom we identified pathogenic variation in the MECP2 gene in the mosaic state (c.730C > T (p.Gln244*) in Patient 1 and c.397C > T (p.Arg133Cys) in Patient 2). In addition, estimates and measures of mosaic variant fraction were surprisingly similar between Sanger sequencing, NGS, and dPCR. The mosaic state of these variants contributed to a lengthy diagnostic odyssey for these patients. While NGS and even Sanger sequencing may be viable methods of detecting mosaic variation in DNA or RNA samples, applying targeted dPCR to supplement these sequencing technologies would provide confirmation of somatic mosaicism and mosaic fraction.

Comprehensive investigation of the phenotype of MEF2C-related disorders in human patients: A systematic review.

MEF2C-related disorders (aka MEF2C-haploinsufficiency) are caused by variations in or involving the MEF2C gene and are characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, lack of speech, limited walking, and seizures. Despite these findings, the disorder is not easily recognized clinically. We performed a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to assemble the most comprehensive list of patients and their phenotypes. Through searching PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. One hundred and seventeen patients were identified from these publications with most having a phenotype of intellectual disability, developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, absent speech, inability to walk, stereotypic movements, and MRI abnormalities. Nonclassical findings included one patient with a question mark ear, two patients with a jugular pit, one patient with a unique neuroendocrine finding, and nine patients that did not have MEF2C deletions or disruptions but may be affected due to a positional effect on MEF2C. This systematic review characterizes the phenotype of MEF2C-related disorders, documents the severity of this condition, and will help providers to better diagnose and care for patients and their families. Additionally, this compiled information provides a comprehensive resource for investigators interested in pursuing specific genotype-phenotype correlations.

RNA analysis of intronic variants in the LAMA2 gene detected by whole genome sequencing confirms a rare dual diagnosis of incontinentia pigmenti with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

We see that a multiple methods approach to diagnosis remains necessary in the era of whole genome sequencing. We also observe that reproductive risk genetic counseling can be a motivating factor for further testing along the diagnostic odyssey.

Clinical findings from the landmark MEF2C-related disorders natural history study.

INTRODUCTION: MEF2C-related disorders are characterized by developmental and cognitive delay, limited language and walking, hypotonia, and seizures. A recent systematic review identified 117 patients with MEF2C-related disorders across 43 studies. Despite these reports, the disorder is not easily recognized and assessments are hampered by small sample sizes. Our objective was to gather developmental and clinical information on a large number of patients. METHODS: We developed a survey based on validated instruments and subject area experts to gather information from parents of children with this condition. No personal identifiers were collected. Surveys and data were collected via REDCap and analyzed using Excel and SAS v9.4. RESULTS: Seventy-three parents completed the survey, with 39.7% reporting a MEF2C variant and 54.8% reporting a deletion involving MEF2C. Limited speech (82.1%), seizures (86.3%), bruxism (87.7%), repetitive movements (94.5%), and high pain tolerance (79.5%) were some of the prominent features. Patients with MEF2C variants were similarly affected as those with deletions. Female subjects showed higher verbal abilities. CONCLUSION: This is the largest natural history study to date and establishes a comprehensive review of developmental and clinical features for MEF2C-related disorders. This data can help providers diagnose patients and form the basis for longitudinal or genotype-phenotype studies.

RNA analysis of the GALNS transcript reveals novel pathogenic mechanisms associated with Morquio syndrome A.

Morquio syndrome A (Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA, MPS IVA) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of N-acetyl-galactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) which catabolizes the glycosaminoglycans (GAG), keratan sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate. Homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the GALNS result in the deficiency of the enzyme and consequent GAG accumulations. DNA sequence and copy number analysis of the GALNS coding region fails to identify biallelic causative pathogenic variants in up to 15% of patients with Morquio syndrome A. RNA transcript analysis was performed to identify pathogenic alterations in two unrelated families with Morquio syndrome A in whom a single heterozygous or no pathogenic alteration was detected by standard analysis of the GALNS gene. RNA sequencing and quantitative expression analysis identified the overabundance of an aberrant GALNS transcript isoform and a reduction of the clinically relevant isoform (NM_000512.4) in the Morquio syndrome A patients from both families. The aberrant isoform (ENST00000568613.1) was produced by alternative splicing and contained intronic sequence that was likely a cryptic exon predicted to result in a reading frame shift and generation of a premature termination codon. These findings indicated that the aberrant splicing is likely the novel molecular defect in our patients. RNA transcript analysis could be useful to identify pathogenic alterations and increase the yield of molecular diagnosis in patients with Morquio syndrome A whose genetic variants are not found by standard sequencing or gene dosage analysis.

Tremors: A concept analysis.

AIM: This article seeks to clarify and define the concept of tremors. DESIGN: The Walker & Avant (2005) concept analysis method was followed. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, ERIC, Google and Google Scholar was performed. RESULTS: Through this process, uses of the concept were assessed including definitions and categories of tremors. Defining attributes were found to include "movement disorder," "shaking motions," "involuntary," "oscillatory," "rhythmic," "not painful or life threatening," "always present but variable" and "can sometimes be repressed." We identified two model cases and a borderline case, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents (including measurement tools) of tremors. CONCLUSION: The concept analysis process has clarified and illuminated an operational definition of tremors: that tremors are a movement disorder characterized by shaking motions that are involuntary, oscillatory, rhythmic, non-painful, always present although vary in severity, and can be repressed by changing posture or going into a rest position.