Humans with inherited T cell CD28 deficiency are susceptible to skin papillomaviruses but are otherwise healthy.

We study a patient with the human papilloma virus (HPV)-2-driven "tree-man" phenotype and two relatives with unusually severe HPV4-driven warts. The giant horns form an HPV-2-driven multifocal benign epithelial tumor overexpressing viral oncogenes in the epidermis basal layer. The patients are unexpectedly homozygous for a private CD28 variant. They have no detectable CD28 on their T cells, with the exception of a small contingent of revertant memory CD4+ T cells. T cell development is barely affected, and T cells respond to CD3 and CD2, but not CD28, costimulation. Although the patients do not display HPV-2- and HPV-4-reactive CD4+ T cells in vitro, they make antibodies specific for both viruses in vivo. CD28-deficient mice are susceptible to cutaneous infections with the mouse papillomavirus MmuPV1. The control of HPV-2 and HPV-4 in keratinocytes is dependent on the T cell CD28 co-activation pathway. Surprisingly, human CD28-dependent T cell responses are largely redundant for protective immunity.

ENPP1 variants in patients with GACI and PXE expand the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of heritable disorders of ectopic calcification.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) are clinically distinct genetic entities of ectopic calcification associated with differentially reduced circulating levels of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a potent endogenous inhibitor of calcification. Variants in ENPP1, the gene mutated in GACI, have not been associated with classic PXE. Here we report the clinical, laboratory, and molecular evaluations of ten GACI and two PXE patients from five and two unrelated families registered in GACI Global and PXE International databases, respectively. All patients were found to carry biallelic variants in ENPP1. Among ten ENPP1 variants, one homozygous variant demonstrated uniparental disomy inheritance. Functional assessment of five previously unreported ENPP1 variants suggested pathogenicity. The two PXE patients, currently 57 and 27 years of age, had diagnostic features of PXE and had not manifested the GACI phenotype. The similarly reduced PPi plasma concentrations in the PXE and GACI patients in our study correlate poorly with their disease severity. This study demonstrates that in addition to GACI, ENPP1 variants can cause classic PXE, expanding the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of heritable ectopic calcification disorders. Furthermore, the results challenge the current prevailing concept that plasma PPi is the only factor governing the severity of ectopic calcification.

Inorganic Pyrophosphate Deficiency Syndromes and Potential Treatments for Pathologic Tissue Calcification.

Pathologic soft tissue calcification can occur in both genetic and acquired clinical conditions, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Although the pathomechanisms of pathologic calcification are poorly understood, major progress has been made in recent years in defining the underlying genetic defects in Mendelian disorders of ectopic calcification. This review presents an overview of the pathophysiology of five monogenic disorders of pathologic calcification: pseudoxanthoma elasticum, generalized arterial calcification of infancy, arterial calcification due to deficiency of CD73, ankylosis, and progeria. These hereditary disorders, caused by mutations in genes encoding ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 6, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1, CD73, progressive ankylosis protein, and lamin A/C proteins, respectively, are inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) deficiency syndromes with reduced circulating levels of PPi, the principal physiologic inhibitor of calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in soft connective tissues. In addition to genetic diseases, PPi deficiency has been encountered in acquired clinical conditions accompanied by pathologic calcification. Because specific and effective treatments are lacking for pathologic calcification, the unifying finding of PPi deficiency suggests that PPi-targeted therapies may be beneficial to counteract pathologic soft tissue calcification in both genetic and acquired diseases.

Interpretation of genomic sequence variants in heritable skin diseases: A primer for clinicians.

Over 1000 heritable disorders have cutaneous manifestations, some of which are syndromicin association with extracutaneous manifestations, whereas others are limited to the skin. The genetic basis of many of these conditions has been deciphered, and mutation analyses using next-generation sequencing approaches, including whole-exome sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and whole-transcriptome analysis, are now increasingly becoming part of the diagnostic process. Besides confirming the diagnosis, information on the specific mutations can be used for subclassification with prognostication and identification of the carriers, leading to accurate genetic counseling. It also forms a basis for prenatal testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, the ongoing therapeutics developments for heritable skin diseases are often allele-specific, necessitating the knowledge of the specific genes and mutations. Although practicing clinicians increasingly employ molecular diagnostics for heritable skin diseases, they often lack the sufficient knowledge required to interpret the implications of the mutations with precision. The purpose of this primer is to provide an overview of mutation-detection strategies and how to interpret genetic information for improved diagnostics and the management of such patients.

Inherited ichthyosis as a paradigm of rare skin disorders: Genomic medicine, pathogenesis, and management.

Great advances have been made in the field of heritable skin disorders using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies (ie, whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and disease-targeted multigene panels). When NGS first became available, the cost and lack of access to these technologies were limiting factors; however, with decreasing sequencing costs and the expanding knowledge base of genetic skin diseases, fundamental awareness of NGS has become prudent. The heritable ichthyoses comprise a genotypically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of monogenic keratinization disorders characterized by persistent scaling, with at least 55 distinct genes currently implicated in causing nonsyndromic and syndromic forms of the disease. By providing a simplified overview of available NGS techniques and applying them in the context of ichthyosis, one of the most common genodermatoses, we hope to encourage dermatologists to offer, when appropriate, genetic testing earlier in patients with unsolved presentations. With the aid of NGS, dermatologists can provide diagnostic certainty in cases of suspected genodermatoses and offer potentially life-changing genome-guided and targeted therapies as they become available.

Acquired ichthyosis, asteatotic dermatitis or xerosis? An update on pathoetiology and drug-induced associations.

Acquired ichthyosis (AI) is a relatively rare cutaneous entity characterized by transient, generalized scaling and pruritus in the absence of family history of ichthyosis or atopic disease. The hyperkeratosis in AI can range from the mild, white-to-brown scaling resembling that in ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) to the more prominent dark brown scaling phenotype, similar to that found in lamellar ichthyosis. The disease can wax and wane in relation to endogenous and/or exogenous factors. Histopathology of AI is similar to that found in IV. AI is usually of cosmetic concern to patients but can, in some cases, reflect the presence of more serious conditions, including malignancies, autoimmune diseases or metabolic disorders. In some cases, AI can be an adverse effect of a medication or the cutaneous symptom of a toxic exposure. Other conditions, such as severe xerosis or eczema, can present with clinical findings similar to AI, making diagnosis a challenge. Furthermore, cases of AI are sporadic throughout the literature and have been documented across a wide variety of medical settings distinct from dermatology, which often contribute to misdiagnosis of this disease. Definitive management requires prompt identification and treatment of the inciting factors combined with conservative therapies, which can include topical emollients, keratolytics, retinoids or corticosteroids, and in rare cases, oral retinoids.

Mutation update: Variants of the ENPP1 gene in pathologic calcification, hypophosphatemic rickets, and cutaneous hypopigmentation with punctate keratoderma.

ENPP1 encodes ENPP1, an ectonucleotidase catalyzing hydrolysis of ATP to AMP and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), and an endogenous plasma protein physiologically preventing ectopic calcification of connective tissues. Mutations in ENPP1 have been reported in association with a range of human genetic diseases. In this mutation update, we provide a comprehensive review of all the pathogenic variants, likely pathogenic variants, and variants of unknown significance in ENPP1 associated with three autosomal recessive disorders-generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI), autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 2 (ARHR2), and pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), as well as with a predominantly autosomal dominant disorder-Cole disease. The classification of all variants is determined using the latest ACMG guidelines. A total of 140 ENPP1 variants were curated consisting of 133 previously reported variants and seven novel variants, with missense variants being the most prevalent (70.0%, 98/140). While the pathogenic variants are widely distributed in the ENPP1 gene of patientsgen without apparent genotype-phenotype correlation, eight out of nine variants associated with Cole disease are confined to the somatomedin-B-like (SMB) domains critical for homo-dimerization of the ENPP1 protein.

Mutation update: The spectra of PLEC sequence variants and related plectinopathies.

Plectin, encoded by PLEC, is a cytoskeletal linker of intermediate filaments expressed in many cell types. Plectin consists of three main domains that determine its functionality: the N-terminal domain, the Rod domain, and the C-terminal domain. Molecular defects of PLEC correlating with the functional aspects lead to a group of rare heritable disorders, plectinopathies. These multisystem disorders include an autosomal dominant form of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS-Ogna), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), aplasia cutis congenita (ACC), and an autosomal recessive form of EBS, which may associate with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD), pyloric atresia (EBS-PA), and/or congenital myasthenic syndrome (EBS-MyS). In this study, genotyping of over 600 Iranian patients with epidermolysis bullosa by next-generation sequencing identified 15 patients with disease-causing PLEC variants. This mutation update analyzes the clinical spectrum of PLEC in our cohort and in the literature and demonstrates the relationship between PLEC genotype and phenotypic manifestations. This study has integrated our seven novel PLEC variants and phenotypic findings with previously published data totaling 116 variants to provide the most complete overview of pathogenic PLEC variants and related disorders.

The pathogenic c.1171A>G (p.Arg391Gly) and c.2359G>A (p.Val787Ile) ABCC6 variants display incomplete penetrance causing pseudoxanthoma elasticum in a subset of individuals.

ABCC6 promotes ATP efflux from hepatocytes to bloodstream. ATP is metabolized to pyrophosphate, an inhibitor of ectopic calcification. Pathogenic variants of ABCC6 cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a highly variable recessive ectopic calcification disorder. Incomplete penetrance may initiate disease heterogeneity, hence symptoms may not, or differently manifest in carriers. Here, we investigated whether incomplete penetrance is a source of heterogeneity in pseudoxanthoma elasticum. By integrating clinical and genetic data of 589 patients, we created the largest European cohort. Based on allele frequency alterations, we identified two incomplete penetrant pathogenic variants, c.2359G>A (p.Val787Ile) and c.1171A>G (p.Arg391Gly), with 6.5% and 2% penetrance, respectively. However, when penetrant, the c.1171A>G (p.Arg391Gly) manifested a clinically unaltered severity. After applying in silico and in vitro characterization, we suggest that incomplete penetrant variants are only deleterious if a yet unknown interacting partner of ABCC6 is mutated simultaneously. The low penetrance of these variants should be contemplated in genetic counseling.

Genetic heterogeneity of heritable ectopic mineralization disorders in a large international cohort.

PURPOSE: Heritable ectopic mineralization disorders comprise a group of conditions with a broad range of clinical manifestations in nonskeletal connective tissues. We report the genetic findings from a large international cohort of 478 patients afflicted with ectopic mineralization. METHODS: Sequence variations were identified using a next-generation sequencing panel consisting of 29 genes reported in association with ectopic mineralization. The pathogenicity of select splicing and missense variants was analyzed in experimental systems in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: A total of 872 variants of unknown significance as well as likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants were disclosed in 25 genes. A total of 159 distinct variants were identified in 425 patients in ABCC6, the gene responsible for pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a heritable multisystem ectopic mineralization disorder. The interpretation of variant pathogenicity relying on bioinformatic predictions did not provide a consensus. Our in vitro and in vivo functional assessment of 14 ABCC6 variants highlighted this dilemma and provided unambiguous interpretations to their pathogenicity. CONCLUSION: The results expand the ABCC6 variant repertoire, shed new light on the genetic heterogeneity of heritable ectopic mineralization disorders, and provide evidence that functional characterization in appropriate experimental systems is necessary to determine the pathogenicity of genetic variants.

Whole-transcriptome sequencing identifies postzygotic ATP2A2 mutations in a patient misdiagnosed with herpes zoster, confirming the diagnosis of very late-onset segmental Darier disease.

An 82-year-old female patient presented with a recent onset of painful skin lesions in unilateral distribution on the abdominal area following the lines of Blaschko; the initial diagnosis of Varicella-Zoster infection was made. However, because the individual lesions appeared as hyperkeratotic papules and were unresponsive to antiviral therapy, a skin biopsy was performed, which revealed hyperkeratosis, suprabasal acantholysis and dyskeratosis with corps ronds and grains, consistent with acantholytic dyskeratotic acanthoma. Since this entity has been associated with Darier disease, whole-transcriptome sequencing by RNA-Seq was performed on RNA isolated from a lesion and from adjacent normal appearing skin, and a recently developed bioinformatics pipeline that can identify both genomic sequence variants and the presence of any of 926 viruses was applied. Two pathogenic missense mutations in the ATP2A2 gene were identified in the lesional but not in normal appearing skin, and no evidence of Varicella-Zoster infection was obtained. These findings confirm the diagnosis of segmental Darier disease due to postzygotic mutations in the ATP2A2 gene, and attest to the power of a novel single-step application of RNA-Seq in providing correct diagnosis in this rare genodermatosis.

Novel PTCH1 and concurrent TP53 mutations in four patients with numerous non-syndromic basal cell carcinomas: The paradigm of oncogenic synergy.

There has been a significant increase in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) incidence, the most common cancer in humans and the age of presentation with the first diagnosis of BCC has decreased in past decades. In this study, we investigated the possibility of genetic markers that can lead to earlier and closer observation of patients at high risk for development of multiple BCCs. The overall goal is to decrease the morbidity and the economic burden of diagnosis and treatment of recurring and/or advanced BCCs. Four patients with numerous BCCs, some of them exceptionally large, were included in this study. A sample of representative BCCs, normal non-sun-exposed skin and blood samples were obtained from each patient. Whole-exome sequencing of DNA was conducted on all samples, and a series of bioinformatics filtering was performed to identify potentially pathogenic sequence variants. The analysis of the data resulted in detection of oncogenic mutations in PTCH1, two of which being novel, and concurrent mutations in TP53 in BCC tumours of all four patients. Such mutations may explain the numerous and postexcision recurring nature of the BCCs of exceptionally large size observed in all these patients, and they can be suggested to serve as a genetic marker for high-risk patients for early detection, prognostication and close follow-up.

Pathogenic DST sequence variants result in either epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) or hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 6 (HSAN-VI).

DST encodes bullous pemphigoid antigen-1 (BPAG1), a protein with eight tissue-specific isoforms expressed in the skin, muscle, brain and nerves. Accordingly, mutations in this gene are associated with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 6 (HSAN-VI). The genotypic spectrum is attested to by 19 distinct mutations but genotype-phenotype correlation for both disorders is not well established. In this study, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on two families with different phenotypic presentations, one foetus (P1) with musculoskeletal and neurological malformations established by prenatal ultrasound and family history, and a 15-year-old female patient (P2) with skin blistering. P1 had a novel homozygous nonsense mutation, DST: NM_001144769, c.3805C>T, p.R1269* within a region of genetic homozygosity (ROH). This mutation resides within the plakin domain of BPAG1 and ablates all isoforms of this protein, leading to novel extracutaneous phenotypes consistent with HSAN-VI in P1. P2 had a recurrent homozygous mutation DST: NM_001723.7, c.3370C>T, p.Gln1124* that presented with giant, trauma-induced skin blisters without extracutaneous involvement. This mutation is located within the coiled-coil domain present in the skin isoform of DST, BPGA1-e, associated with EBS. In summary, we report two families with pathogenic DST variants and expand the spectrum of DST genotype and phenotypes.

INZ-701, a recombinant ENPP1 enzyme, prevents ectopic calcification in an Abcc6-/- mouse model of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a heritable multisystem ectopic calcification disorder, is predominantly caused by inactivating mutations in ABCC6. The encoded protein, ABCC6, is a hepatic efflux transporter and a key regulator of extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Recent studies demonstrated that deficiency of plasma PPi, a potent endogenous calcification inhibitor, is the underlying cause of PXE. This study examined whether restoring plasma PPi levels by INZ-701, a recombinant human ENPP1 protein, the principal PPi-generating enzyme, prevents ectopic calcification in an Abcc6-/- mouse model of PXE. Abcc6-/- mice, at 6 weeks of age, the time of earliest stages of ectopic calcification, were injected subcutaneously with INZ-701 at 2 or 10 mg/kg for 2 or 8 weeks. INZ-701 at both doses increased steady-state plasma ENPP1 activity and PPi levels. In the 8-week treatment study, histopathologic examination and quantification of the calcium content in INZ-701-treated Abcc6-/- mice revealed significantly reduced calcification in the muzzle skin containing vibrissae, a biomarker of the calcification process in these mice. The extent of calcification corresponds to the local expression of two calcification inhibitors, osteopontin and fetuin-A. These results suggest that INZ-701 might provide a therapeutic approach for PXE, a disease with high unmet needs and no approved treatment.

Oral supplementation of inorganic pyrophosphate in pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE; OMIM 264800) is a rare heritable multisystem disorder, characterized by ectopic mineralization affecting elastic fibres in the skin, eyes and the cardiovascular system. Skin findings often lead to early diagnosis of PXE, but currently, no specific treatment exists to counteract the progression of symptoms. PXE belongs to a group of Mendelian calcification disorders linked to pyrophosphate metabolism, which also includes generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) and arterial calcification due to CD73 deficiency (ACDC). Inactivating mutations in ABCC6, ENPP1 and NT5E are the genetic cause of these diseases, respectively, and all of them result in reduced inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi ) concentration in the circulation. Although PPi is a strong inhibitor of ectopic calcification, oral supplementation therapy was initially not considered because of its low bioavailability. Our earlier work however demonstrated that orally administered pyrophosphate inhibits ectopic calcification in the animal models of PXE and GACI, and that orally given Na4 P2 O7 is absorbed in humans. Here, we report that gelatin-encapsulated Na2 H2 P2 O7  has similar absorption properties in healthy volunteers and people affected by PXE. The sodium-free K2 H2 P2 O7 form resulted in similar uptake in healthy volunteers and inhibited calcification in Abcc6-/- mice as effectively as its sodium counterpart. Novel pyrophosphate compounds showing higher bioavailability in mice were also identified. Our results provide an important step towards testing oral PPi in clinical trials in PXE, or potentially any condition accompanied by ectopic calcification including diabetes, chronic kidney disease or ageing.

T-cell activation and bacterial infection in skin wounds of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients develop poorly healing skin wounds that are frequently colonized with microbiota. Because T cells play an important role in clearing such pathogens, we aimed to define the status of adaptive T cell-mediated immunity in RDEB wounds. Using a non-invasive approach for sampling of wound-associated constituents, we evaluated microbial contaminants in cellular fraction and exudates obtained from RDED wounds. Infectivity and intracellular trafficking of inactivated Staphylococcus aureus was accessed in RDEB keratinocytes. S. aureus and microbial antigen-specific activation of RDEB wound-derived T cells were investigated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based immune-phenotyping and T-cell functional assays. We found that RDEB wounds and epithelial cells are most frequently infected with Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. and that S. aureus essentially infects more RDEB keratinocytes and RDEB-derived squamous cell carcinoma cells than keratinocytes from healthy donors. The RDEB wound-associated T cells contain populations of CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral memory T cells that respond to soluble microbial antigens by proliferating and secreting interferon gamma (IFNγ). Moreover, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize S. aureus-infected RDEB keratinocytes and respond by producing interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFNγ and degranulating and cytotoxically killing infected cells. Prolonged exposure of RDEB-derived T cells to microbial antigens in vitro does not trigger PD-1-mediated T-cell exhaustion but induces differentiation of the CD4high population into CD4high CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. Our data demonstrated that adaptive T cell-mediated immunity could clear infected cells from wound sites, but these effects might be inhibited by PD-1/Treg-mediated immuno-suppression in RDEB.

Losartan treatment improves recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case series.

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) manifests with blistering and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes due to mutations in COL7A1. The repetitive wound healing processes lead to extensive cutaneous scarring. The scarring is driven by inflammatory processes, particularly the TGF-ß signaling pathways, resulting in excess synthesis and deposition of the extracellular matrix, especially collagen. There is currently no effective or specific treatment for RDEB. Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, is an inhibitor of TGF-ß activity. Previous preclinical studies with hypomorphic Col7a1 mice recapitulating features of RDEB have suggested that losartan may improve the clinical features of RDEB. In this case series, we assessed the effects of losartan on the clinical and histopathologic features in seven patients with RDEB; three females and four males; aged 18.1 ± 9.1 years. The diagnosis was based on characteristic clinical features and the presence of biallelic loss-of-function mutations in COL7A1. Daily oral administration of losartan (0.7 mg/kg) for six weeks resulted in subjective improvement of the clinical features, as judged by the treating physicians and the patients, and the severity of the disease objectively improved based on Birmingham Epidermolysis Bullosa Severity (BEBS) score (30.1 ± 12.8 versus 23.3 ± 10.4, before and after treatment, p = 0.018), accompanied by improvement of quality of life, as determined by the EB-QoL questionnaire (24.0 ± 8.1 versus 17.7 ± 5.5, p = 0.018). Histopathology of the selected lesions revealed after treatment increased number of mast cells, and enhanced microvasculature in the mid and lower dermis. The width of collagen bundles in dermis was suggested to be decreased in four samples and changed from dense to loose in appearance. In summary, this case series reports beneficial effects of losartan on RDEB as a potentially novel treatment.

Ichthyosis follicularis syndromes in patients with mutations in GJB2.

Ichthyosis follicularis (IF) manifests as generalized spiny follicular projections found in syndromic diseases secondary to SREBF1 and MBTPS2 mutations. We sought the genetic cause of IF in two distinct families from a cohort of 180 patients with ichthyosis. In Family 1, the proband (Patient 1) presented with IF, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and punctate palmoplantar keratoderma. Using DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes, two compound heterozygous mutations, c.526A>G and c.35delG, were discovered in GJB2. In Family 2, the proband (Patient 2) presented with a previously unreported IF phenotype in the context of keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, and whole-exome sequencing found a de novo heterozygous mutation, c.148G>A in GJB2. Histopathology was consistent with porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct naevus (PEODDN) and IF in Patients 1 and 2, respectively. Our findings add to the clinical and histopathological spectrum of IF and emphasize the association of PEODDN-like entities with GJB2 variants.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis by RNA Sequencing for Genetic Diagnosis of Mendelian Skin Disorders in the Context of Consanguinity.

BACKGROUND: Among the approximately 8000 Mendelian disorders, >1000 have cutaneous manifestations. In many of these conditions, the underlying mutated genes have been identified by DNA-based techniques which, however, can overlook certain types of mutations, such as exonic-synonymous and deep-intronic sequence variants. Whole-transcriptome sequencing by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) can identify such mutations and provide information about their consequences. METHODS: We analyzed the whole transcriptome of 40 families with different types of Mendelian skin disorders with extensive genetic heterogeneity. The RNA-seq data were examined for variant detection and prioritization, pathogenicity confirmation, RNA expression profiling, and genome-wide homozygosity mapping in the case of consanguineous families. Among the families examined, RNA-seq was able to provide information complementary to DNA-based analyses for exonic and intronic sequence variants with aberrant splicing. In addition, we tested the possibility of using RNA-seq as the first-tier strategy for unbiased genome-wide mutation screening without information from DNA analysis. RESULTS: We found pathogenic mutations in 35 families (88%) with RNA-seq in combination with other next-generation sequencing methods, and we successfully prioritized variants and found the culprit genes. In addition, as a novel concept, we propose a pipeline that increases the yield of variant calling from RNA-seq by concurrent use of genome and transcriptome references in parallel. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that "clinical RNA-seq" could serve as a primary approach for mutation detection in inherited diseases, particularly in consanguineous families, provided that tissues and cells expressing the relevant genes are available for analysis.

A phytic acid analogue INS-3001 prevents ectopic calcification in an Abcc6-/- mouse model of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a prototype of heritable ectopic calcification disorders, affects the skin, eyes and the cardiovascular system due to inactivating mutations in the ABCC6 gene. There is no effective treatment for the systemic manifestations of PXE. In this study, the efficacy of INS-3001, an analogue of phytic acid, was tested for inhibition of ectopic calcification in an Abcc6-/- mouse model of PXE. In prevention study, Abcc6-/- mice, at 6 weeks of age, the time of onset of ectopic calcification, were treated with INS-3001 with 0.16, 0.8, 4, 20 or 100 mg/kg/day administered by subcutaneous implantation of osmotic pumps, as well as 4 mg/kg/day by subcutaneous injection thrice weekly or 14, 4 and 0.8 mg/kg/day once weekly subcutaneous injection. Mice were necropsied at 12 weeks of age. Histologic examination and quantitative calcium assay revealed that mice receiving 6 weeks of continuous INS-3001 administration via osmotic pumps showed dose-dependent inhibition of muzzle skin calcification with complete response at 4 mg/kg/day and a minimum effective dose at 0.8 mg/kg/day. INS-3001 plasma concentrations were dose-dependent and largely consistent during treatment for each dose. thrice weekly and once weekly subcutaneous injections of INS-3001 also prevented calcification. In established disease study, 12-week-old Abcc6-/- mice with extensive calcification were continuously administered INS-3001 at 4 mg/kg/day for a follow-up of 12 weeks. INS-3001 treatment was found to stabilize existing calcification that had developed at start of treatment. These results suggest that INS-3001 may provide a promising preventive treatment strategy for PXE, a currently intractable ectopic calcification disorder.