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1.
Life Sci Alliance ; 7(4)2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38253421

Despite the advances in high-throughput sequencing, many rare disease patients remain undiagnosed. In particular, the patients with well-defined clinical phenotypes and established clinical diagnosis, yet missing or partial genetic diagnosis, may hold a clue to more complex genetic mechanisms of a disease that could be missed by available clinical tests. Here, we report a patient with a clinical diagnosis of Tuberous sclerosis, combined with unusual secondary features, but negative clinical tests including TSC1 and TSC2 Short-read whole-genome sequencing combined with advanced bioinformatics analyses were successful in uncovering a de novo pericentric 87-Mb inversion with breakpoints in TSC2 and ANKRD11, which explains the TSC clinical diagnosis, and confirms a second underlying monogenic disorder, KBG syndrome. Our findings illustrate how complex variants, such as large inversions, may be missed by clinical tests and further highlight the importance of well-defined clinical diagnoses in uncovering complex molecular mechanisms of a disease, such as complex variants and "double trouble" effects.


Abnormalities, Multiple , Bone Diseases, Developmental , Intellectual Disability , Tooth Abnormalities , Humans , Facies
2.
Clin Genet ; 105(4): 386-396, 2024 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38151336

Variants in EPHB4 (Ephrin type B receptor 4), a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, have been identified in individuals with various vascular anomalies including Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation syndrome 2 and lymphatic-related (non-immune) fetal hydrops (LRHF). Here, we identify two novel variants in EPHB4 that disrupt the SAM domain in two unrelated individuals. Proband 1 presented within the LRHF phenotypic spectrum with hydrops, and proband 2 presented with large nuchal translucency prenatally that spontaneously resolved in addition to dysmorphic features on exam postnatally. These are the first disease associated variants identified that do not disrupt EPHB4 protein expression or tyrosine-kinase activity. We identify that EPHB4 SAM domain disruptions can lead to aberrant downstream signaling, with a loss of the SAM domain resulting in elevated MAPK signaling in proband 1, and a missense variant within the SAM domain resulting in increased cell proliferation in proband 2. This data highlights that a functional SAM domain is required for proper EPHB4 function and vascular development.


Hydrops Fetalis , Sterile Alpha Motif , Female , Humans , Hydrops Fetalis/diagnostic imaging , Hydrops Fetalis/genetics , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction/genetics , Receptor, EphB4/genetics , Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
3.
Clin Immunol ; 255: 109732, 2023 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37562721

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare primary cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving CD8+ T cells, the genetic underpinnings of which remain incompletely understood. Here we report two unrelated patients with B cell Expansion with NF-κB and T cell Anergy (BENTA) disease and a novel presentation of SPTCL. Patient 1 presented early in life with recurrent infections and B cell lymphocytosis, linked to a novel gain-of-function (GOF) CARD11 mutation (p.Lys238del). He developed SPTCL-like lesions and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis by age 2, treated successfully with cyclosporine. Patient 2 presented at 13 months with splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and SPTCL with evidence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Genetic analysis revealed two in cis germline GOF CARD11 variants (p.Glu121Asp/p.Gly126Ser). Autologous bone marrow transplant resulted in SPTCL remission despite persistent B cell lymphocytosis. These cases illuminate an unusual pathological manifestation for BENTA disease, suggesting that CARD11 GOF mutations can manifest in cutaneous CD4+and CD8+ T cell malignancies.


Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes , Lymphocytosis , Lymphoma, T-Cell , Panniculitis , Male , Humans , Child, Preschool , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology , Panniculitis/genetics , Panniculitis/pathology , Panniculitis/therapy , Lymphoma, T-Cell/genetics , Lymphoma, T-Cell/therapy
4.
J Med Genet ; 60(12): 1218-1223, 2023 Nov 27.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37460202

BACKGROUND: Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) are responsible for at least 10% of cancer diagnoses in children and adolescents, most of which are not clinically recognised prior to cancer diagnosis. A variety of clinical screening guidelines are used in healthcare settings to help clinicians detect patients who have a higher likelihood of having a CPS. The McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines (MIPOGG) is an electronic health decision support tool that uses algorithms to help clinicians determine if a child/adolescent diagnosed with cancer should be referred to genetics for a CPS evaluation. METHODS: This study assessed MIPOGG's performance in identifying Li-Fraumeni, DICER1, Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency and Gorlin (nevoid basal cell carcinoma) syndromes in a retrospective series of 84 children diagnosed with cancer and one of these four CPSs in Canadian hospitals over an 18-year period. RESULTS: MIPOGG detected 82 of 83 (98.8%) evaluable patients with any one of these four genetic conditions and demonstrated an appropriate rationale for suggesting CPS evaluation. When compared with syndrome-specific clinical screening criteria, MIPOGG's ability to correctly identify children with any of the four CPSs was equivalent to, or outperformed, existing clinical criteria respective to each CPS. CONCLUSION: This study adds evidence that MIPOGG is an appropriate tool for CPS screening in clinical practice. MIPOGG's strength is that it starts with a specific cancer diagnosis and incorporates criteria relevant for associated CPSs, making MIPOGG a more universally accessible diagnostic adjunct that does not require in-depth knowledge of each CPS.


Decision Support Systems, Clinical , Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary , Child , Humans , Algorithms , Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary/diagnosis , Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary/genetics , Retrospective Studies
5.
Am J Hum Genet ; 110(6): 963-978, 2023 06 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37196654

De novo variants are a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but because every monogenic NDD is different and usually extremely rare, it remains a major challenge to understand the complete phenotype and genotype spectrum of any morbid gene. According to OMIM, heterozygous variants in KDM6B cause "neurodevelopmental disorder with coarse facies and mild distal skeletal abnormalities." Here, by examining the molecular and clinical spectrum of 85 reported individuals with mostly de novo (likely) pathogenic KDM6B variants, we demonstrate that this description is inaccurate and potentially misleading. Cognitive deficits are seen consistently in all individuals, but the overall phenotype is highly variable. Notably, coarse facies and distal skeletal anomalies, as defined by OMIM, are rare in this expanded cohort while other features are unexpectedly common (e.g., hypotonia, psychosis, etc.). Using 3D protein structure analysis and an innovative dual Drosophila gain-of-function assay, we demonstrated a disruptive effect of 11 missense/in-frame indels located in or near the enzymatic JmJC or Zn-containing domain of KDM6B. Consistent with the role of KDM6B in human cognition, we demonstrated a role for the Drosophila KDM6B ortholog in memory and behavior. Taken together, we accurately define the broad clinical spectrum of the KDM6B-related NDD, introduce an innovative functional testing paradigm for the assessment of KDM6B variants, and demonstrate a conserved role for KDM6B in cognition and behavior. Our study demonstrates the critical importance of international collaboration, sharing of clinical data, and rigorous functional analysis of genetic variants to ensure correct disease diagnosis for rare disorders.


Intellectual Disability , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Humans , Animals , Facies , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/pathology , Phenotype , Drosophila , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/genetics
6.
Can Urol Assoc J ; 16(10): 321-332, 2022 Oct.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36240332

INTRODUCTION: Genetic testing in advanced prostate cancer is rapidly moving to become standard of care. Testing for genetic alterations in genes involved in DNA repair pathways, particularly those implicated in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway, in patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) can inform selection of optimal therapies, as well as provide information about familial cancer risks; however, there are currently no consistent Canadian guidelines in place for genetic testing in mPCa. METHODS: A multidisciplinary steering committee guided the process of an environmental scan to define the current landscape, as well as the perceived challenges, through interviews with specialists from 14 sites across Canada. The challenges most commonly identified include limited testing guidelines and protocols, inadequate education and awareness, and insufficient resources. Following the environmental scan, an expert multidisciplinary working group with pan-Canadian representation from medical oncologists, urologists, medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, pathologists, and clinical laboratory scientists convened in virtual meetings to discuss the challenges in implementation of genetic testing in mPCa across Canada. RESULTS: Key recommendations from the working group include implementation of germline and tumor HRR testing for all patients with mPCa, with a mainstreaming model in which non-geneticist clinicians can initiate germline testing. The working group defined the roles and responsibilities of the various healthcare providers (HCPs) involved in the genetic testing pathway for mPCa patients. In addition, the educational needs for all HCPs involved in the genetic testing pathway for mPCa were defined. CONCLUSIONS: As genetic testing for mPCa becomes standard of care, additional resources and investments will be required to implement the changes that will be needed to support the necessary volume of genetic testing, to ensure equitable access, and to provide education to all stakeholders.

7.
JAMA Oncol ; 7(12): 1806-1814, 2021 Dec 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34617981

IMPORTANCE: Prompt recognition of a child with a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS) has implications for cancer management, surveillance, genetic counseling, and cascade testing of relatives. Diagnosis of CPS requires practitioner expertise, access to genetic testing, and test result interpretation. This diagnostic process is not accessible in all institutions worldwide, leading to missed CPS diagnoses. Advances in electronic health technology can facilitate CPS risk assessment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a CPS prediction tool (McGill Interactive Pediatric OncoGenetic Guidelines [MIPOGG]) in identifying children with cancer who have a low or high likelihood of having a CPS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this international, multicenter diagnostic accuracy study, 1071 pediatric (<19 years of age) oncology patients who had a confirmed CPS (12 oncology referral centers) or who underwent germline DNA sequencing through precision medicine programs (6 centers) from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2020, were studied. EXPOSURES: Exposures were MIPOGG application in patients with cancer and a confirmed CPS (diagnosed through routine clinical care; n = 413) in phase 1 and MIPOGG application in patients with cancer who underwent germline DNA sequencing (n = 658) in phase 2. Study phases did not overlap. Data analysts were blinded to genetic test results. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The performance of MIPOGG in CPS recognition was compared with that of routine clinical care, including identifying a CPS earlier than practitioners. The tool's test characteristics were calculated using next-generation germline DNA sequencing as the comparator. RESULTS: In phase 1, a total of 413 patients with cancer (median age, 3.0 years; range, 0-18 years) and a confirmed CPS were identified. MIPOGG correctly recognized 410 of 412 patients (99.5%) as requiring referral for CPS evaluation at the time of primary cancer diagnosis. Nine patients diagnosed with a CPS by a practitioner after their second malignant tumor were detected by MIPOGG using information available at the time of the first cancer. In phase 2, of 658 children with cancer (median age, 6.6 years; range, 0-18.8 years) who underwent comprehensive germline DNA sequencing, 636 had sufficient information for MIPOGG application. When compared with germline DNA sequencing for CPS detection, the MIPOGG test characteristics for pediatric-onset CPSs were as follows: sensitivity, 90.7%; specificity, 60.5%; positive predictive value, 17.6%; and negative predictive value, 98.6%. Tumor DNA sequencing data confirmed the MIPOGG recommendation for CPS evaluation in 20 of 22 patients with established cancer-CPS associations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this diagnostic study, MIPOGG exhibited a favorable accuracy profile for CPS screening and reduced time to CPS recognition. These findings suggest that MIPOGG implementation could standardize and rationalize recommendations for CPS evaluation in children with cancer.


Genetic Testing , Neoplasms , Child , Child, Preschool , Early Detection of Cancer , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/genetics , Syndrome
8.
Hemoglobin ; 45(4): 215-219, 2021 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34311670

We describe two unrelated patients, both heterozygous for an unstable hemoglobin (Hb) variant named Hb Calgary (HBB: c.194G>T) that causes severe hemolytic anemia and dyserythorpoietic, resulting in transfusion dependence and iron overload. The molecular pathogenesis is a missense variation on the ß-globin gene, presumed to lead to an unstable Hb. The phenotype of Hb Calgary is particularly severe presenting as transfusion-dependent anemia in early infancy, precluding phenotypic diagnosis and highlighting the importance of early genetic testing in order to make an accurate diagnosis.


Hemoglobins, Abnormal , beta-Thalassemia , Hemoglobins, Abnormal/genetics , Heterozygote , Humans , Phenotype , beta-Globins/genetics , beta-Thalassemia/diagnosis , beta-Thalassemia/genetics
9.
Am J Med Genet A ; 185(9): 2829-2845, 2021 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34056834

Mosaic KRAS variants and other RASopathy genes cause oculoectodermal, encephalo-cranio-cutaneous lipomatosis, and Schimmelpenning-Feuerstein-Mims syndromes, and a spectrum of vascular malformations, overgrowth and other associated anomalies, the latter of which are only recently being characterized. We describe eight individuals in total (six unreported cases and two previously reported cases) with somatic KRAS variants and variably associated features. Given the findings of somatic overgrowth (in seven individuals) and vascular or lymphatic malformations (in eight individuals), we suggest mosaic RASopathies (mosaic KRAS variants) be considered in the differential diagnosis for individuals presenting with asymmetric overgrowth and lymphatic or vascular anomalies. We expand the association with embryonal tumors, including the third report of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, as well as novel findings of Wilms tumor and nephroblastomatosis in two individuals. Rare or novel findings in our series include the presence of epilepsy, polycystic kidneys, and T-cell deficiency in one individual, and multifocal lytic bone lesions in two individuals. Finally, we describe the first use of targeted therapy with a MEK inhibitor for an individual with a mosaic KRAS variant. The purposes of this report are to expand the phenotypic spectrum of mosaic KRAS-related disorders, and to propose possible mechanisms of pathogenesis, and surveillance of its associated findings.


Abnormalities, Multiple/pathology , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Mosaicism , Mutation , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Vascular Malformations/pathology , Wilms Tumor/pathology , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Male , Phenotype , Vascular Malformations/genetics , Wilms Tumor/genetics
10.
Pediatr Dev Pathol ; 24(3): 235-240, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33538228

Mosaic RASopathies are an emerging group of disorders characterized by mosaic or post-zygotic activating mutations in genes of the RAS/MAPKinase signaling pathway. The phenotype is highly variable, ranging from limited or localized forms to cases with a syndromic presentation with extensive or multiorgan involvement, and also overlaps with other mosaic disorders. While there are several reports of malignancies in patients with mosaic RASopathies, specifically rhabdomyosarcoma and transitional urothelial carcinoma, the lifetime risk and molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of malignancies remain unclear. We report a 22-month-old boy with a somatic RASopathy due to an underlying KRAS p.G12D mutation who presented with a large unilateral epidermal nevus, asymmetric lower limb overgrowth with lytic and sclerotic bone lesions, capillary malformation, bilateral nephrogenic rests and Wilms tumors, and a novel complex renal vascular anomaly that resembles Fibro-Adipose Vascular Anomaly (FAVA). This report further expands the phenotypic spectrum of somatic RASopathies, and discusses the potential phenotypic and pathogenetic overlap with PIK3CA-related overgrowth disorders, specifically CLOVES. The occurrence of a secondary cancer hotspot mutation (FBXW7 p.R479G) in the Wilms tumor, but not the associated nephrogenic rest, moreover suggests that additional driver mutations are involved in the development of Wilms tumor in somatic overgrowth disorders.


Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney/abnormalities , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Vascular Malformations/genetics , Wilms Tumor/genetics , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Male , Nevus/genetics
11.
J Med Genet ; 58(10): 712-716, 2021 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32820033

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential disease association between variants in LMBRD2 and complex multisystem neurological and developmental delay phenotypes. METHODS: Here we describe a series of de novo missense variants in LMBRD2 in 10 unrelated individuals with overlapping features. Exome sequencing or genome sequencing was performed on all individuals, and the cohort was assembled through GeneMatcher. RESULTS: LMBRD2 encodes an evolutionary ancient and widely expressed transmembrane protein with no known disease association, although two paralogues are involved in developmental and metabolic disorders. Exome or genome sequencing revealed rare de novo LMBRD2 missense variants in 10 individuals with developmental delay, intellectual disability, thin corpus callosum, microcephaly and seizures. We identified five unique variants and two recurrent variants, c.1448G>A (p.Arg483His) in three cases and c.367T>C (p.Trp123Arg) in two cases. All variants are absent from population allele frequency databases, and most are predicted to be deleterious by multiple in silico damage-prediction algorithms. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that rare de novo variants in LMBRD2 can lead to a previously unrecognised early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder. Further investigation of individuals harbouring LMBRD2 variants may lead to a better understanding of the function of this ubiquitously expressed gene.


Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Motor Skills Disorders/diagnosis , Motor Skills Disorders/genetics , Mutation, Missense , Nervous System Malformations/diagnosis , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Proteins/genetics , Alleles , Amino Acid Substitution , Cohort Studies , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genotype , Humans , Phenotype
12.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 42(2): 137-143, 2020 Feb.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31679916

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Protocols based on immunohistochemical expression of MMR proteins in cancer are used to identify patients with LS. METHODS: The universal LS screening protocol of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (Calgary, AB) of all patients diagnosed between April 1, 2013 and April 1, 2015 with endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium was audited through a retrospective chart review. LS status and frequency of protocol compliance at each of the key steps were calculated (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 375 patients. MMR immunohistochemical testing was requested for 321 (85.6%). Expression of at least one protein was lost in 86 (26.8%). Twenty-one (6.5%) patients were eligible for genetic counselling because PMS2, MSH2, or MSH6 protein expression was lost in 19, and two patients had a family history of LS. Eleven (91.7%) of 12 (57.1%) who attended had germline testing, and six (54.5%) showed a mutation diagnostic of LS. LS status among the cohort of 375 patients was positive in six (1.6%), negative in 294 (78.4%), and unknown in 75 (20%) because of protocol non-compliance. LS was confirmed in six (2%) of the 321 women who completed the protocol. CONCLUSION: This is the first audit of a Canadian-based universal LS screening protocol of patients with endometrial cancer. The success of the protocol is endorsed by the 80% compliance and by the 2% prevalence of LS, which is within the published range.


Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/epidemiology , Endometrial Neoplasms/complications , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genetic Testing , Adult , Canada/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/complications , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/genetics , Female , Genetic Counseling , Guideline Adherence , Humans , Medical Audit , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies
14.
Genet Med ; 21(5): 1058-1064, 2019 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30245510

PURPOSE: Contiguous gene deletions are known to cause several neurodevelopmental syndromes, many of which are caused by recurrent events on chromosome 16. However, chromosomal microarray studies (CMA) still yield copy-number variants (CNVs) of unknown clinical significance. We sought to characterize eight individuals with overlapping 205-kb to 504-kb 16p13.3 microdeletions that are distinct from previously published deletion syndromes. METHODS: Clinical information on the patients and bioinformatic scores for the deleted genes were analyzed. RESULTS: All individuals in our cohort displayed developmental delay, intellectual disability, and various forms of seizures. Six individuals were microcephalic and two had strabismus. The deletion was absent in all 13 parents who were available for testing. The area of overlap encompasses seven genes including TBC1D24, ATP6V0C, and PDPK1 (also known as PDK1). Bi-allelic TBC1D24 pathogenic variants are known to cause nonsyndromic deafness, epileptic disorders, or DOORS syndrome (deafness, onychodystrophy, osteodystrophy, mental retardation, seizures). Sanger sequencing of the nondeleted TBC1D24 allele did not yield any additional pathogenic variants. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that 16p13.3 microdeletions resulting in simultaneous haploinsufficiencies of TBC1D24, ATP6V0C, and PDPK1 cause a novel rare contiguous gene deletion syndrome of microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and epilepsy.


3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases/genetics , Chromosome Deletion , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Epilepsy/genetics , Membrane Proteins/genetics , Microcephaly/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16 , Cohort Studies , Female , GTPase-Activating Proteins , Humans , Infant , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Male , Syndrome , Young Adult
15.
J Med Genet ; 55(9): 571-577, 2018 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30042185

The landscape of genetic testing in ovarian cancer patients has changed dramatically in recent years. The therapeutic benefits of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in treatment of BRCA1/2-related ovarian cancers has resulted in an increased demand and urgency for genetic testing results, while technological developments have led to widespread use of multi-gene cancer panels and development of tumour testing protocols. Traditional genetic counselling models are no longer sustainable and must evolve to match the rapid evolution of genetic testing technologies and developments in personalized medicine. Recently, representatives from oncology, clinical genetics, molecular genetics, pathology, and patient advocacy came together to create a national multi-disciplinary Canadian consortium. By aligning stakeholder interests, the BRCA Testing to Treatment (BRCA TtoT) Community of Practice aims to develop a national strategy for tumour and germline BRCA1/2 testing and genetic counselling in women with ovarian cancer. This article serves to provide an overview of the recent evolution of genetic assessment for BRCA1/2-associated gynecologic malignancies and outline a Canadian roadmap to facilitate change, improve genetic testing rates, and ultimately improve outcomes for hereditary ovarian cancer patients and their families.


BRCA1 Protein/genetics , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , Genetic Counseling/trends , Genetic Testing/trends , Mutation , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Canada , Female , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Precision Medicine
16.
Prenat Diagn ; 37(6): 602-610, 2017 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28437579

OBJECTIVE: Trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 is a very rare cytogenetic anomaly that is difficult to diagnose because of tissue-limited mosaicism. This study aimed to further characterize the prenatal and post-natal findings associated with this anomaly, including the first reported chromosomal microarray finding. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of six cases of mos 46,X,der(Y)t(Y;1)(q12;q21)/46,XY, diagnosed both prenatally and post-natally. Detailed clinical features and pregnancy outcome were documented. RESULTS: Recurrent prenatal and post-natal features of our case series, as well as the previously reported cases, were described, suggesting a Fryns-like phenotype. A diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 1q is difficult to confirm post-natally in some cases because of the tissue provided for analysis, emphasizing the need to study multiple tissue types in cases of fetal loss with a suspected underlying chromosomal imbalance. CONCLUSION: The overlap of clinical features between mosaic trisomy 1q and Fryns syndrome emphasizes the need to obtain appropriate samples for genetic analysis. The present cases and a review of the literature suggest that partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 is a distinct de novo clinical entity with low recurrence risk. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 , Trisomy , Facies , Female , Hernia, Diaphragmatic , Humans , Limb Deformities, Congenital , Mosaicism , Phenotype , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies
17.
Pediatr Blood Cancer ; 63(12): 2240-2242, 2016 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27442759

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare childhood tumor, often associated with germline DICER1 mutations and a risk for development of other benign and malignant tumors, a constellation termed DICER1 syndrome. A 1-year-old male was diagnosed with Type I PPB and screened regularly thereafter for detection of intrathoracic and intraabdominal disease. Ten months after diagnosis of PPB, he presented with headaches and vomiting. He was diagnosed with atypical choroid plexus papilloma, a lesion not previously reported with PPB. The presence of central nervous system symptoms in patients with PPB or a phenotype suggestive of DICER1 syndrome should prompt early intracranial imaging.


Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms, Second Primary/diagnosis , Papilloma, Choroid Plexus/diagnosis , Pulmonary Blastoma/diagnosis , DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics , Humans , Infant , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Neoplasms, Second Primary/pathology , Papilloma, Choroid Plexus/pathology , Pulmonary Blastoma/pathology , Ribonuclease III/genetics
18.
Cancer Genet ; 209(7-8): 359-63, 2016.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27318443

The pediatric ocular tumor retinoblastoma readily metastasizes, but these lesions can masquerade as histologically similar pediatric small round blue cell tumors. Since 98% of retinoblastomas have RB1 mutations and a characteristic genomic copy number "signature", genetic analysis is an appealing adjunct to histopathology to distinguish retinoblastoma metastasis from second primary cancer in retinoblastoma patients. Here, we describe such an approach in two retinoblastoma cases. In patient one, allele-specific (AS)-PCR for a somatic nonsense mutation confirmed that a temple mass was metastatic retinoblastoma. In a second patient, a rib mass shared somatic copy number gains and losses with the primary tumor. For definitive diagnosis, however, an RB1 mutation was needed, but heterozygous promoter→exon 11 deletion was the only RB1 mutation detected in the primary tumor. We used a novel application of inverse PCR to identify the deletion breakpoint. Subsequently, AS-PCR designed for the breakpoint confirmed that the rib mass was metastatic retinoblastoma. These cases demonstrate that personalized molecular testing can confirm retinoblastoma metastases and rule out a second primary cancer, thereby helping to direct the clinical management.


Neoplasms, Second Primary/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Retinal Neoplasms/genetics , Retinoblastoma Binding Proteins/genetics , Retinoblastoma/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics , Child, Preschool , Chromosome Breakage , Codon, Nonsense , Diagnosis, Differential , Fatal Outcome , Female , Gene Dosage , Humans , Infant , Male , Neoplasm Metastasis
19.
Respir Res ; 17: 22, 2016 Feb 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26928018

BACKGROUND: Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by dermatologic lesions, pulmonary manifestations, and renal tumors. The syndrome arises from germline mutations in the folliculin (FLCN) gene. We present findings from the single largest family BHD cohort described to date. Primary objectives were to characterize cystic lung changes on computed tomography (CT) chest scanning and identify features that stratify patients at higher risk of pneumothorax. Secondary objectives entailed description of the following: type and natural history of BHD-associated pneumothorax, pulmonary function characteristics, and relationship between cystic lung changes and pulmonary function. METHODS: The study was a retrospective chart review for a case series of a single family. Over 70 family members of a proband with documented BHD were identified, 68 of which consented to genetic testing. All those with confirmed BHD were offered a clinical assessment by the Medical Genetics and Pulmonary services which included a history, physical exam, complete pulmonary function tests, and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and abdomen. RESULTS: Thirty-six individuals had a heterozygous mutation in the FLCN gene (c.59delT). Of these, 100 % (28/28) had pulmonary cysts, 41 % (13/32) had spontaneous pneumothoraces, 26 % (8/31) had kidney cysts, 3 % (1/31) had renal tumors, and 53 % (18/34) had dermatologic manifestations. Recurrent pneumothoraces were common (40 %). Cyst size (OR 3.23, 95 % CI 1.35-7.73) and extent of lower lung zone disease (OR 6.43, 95 % CI 1.41-29.2) were the only findings associated with pneumothorax. The size or extent of cystic disease did not correlate with lung function results. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest single family cohort of patients with BHD syndrome documented to date. We found that all individuals had pulmonary cysts, pneumothoraces were common, and cyst size and lower lobe predominant disease were associated with pneumothorax. Lung function was generally preserved and not affected by a high cyst burden.


Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Cysts/diagnostic imaging , Pneumothorax/diagnostic imaging , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Adult , Aged , Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome/genetics , Cohort Studies , Cysts/genetics , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Humans , Middle Aged , Pneumothorax/genetics , Young Adult
20.
Histopathology ; 69(2): 288-97, 2016 Aug.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26799366

AIMS: Lynch syndrome screening in ovarian carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) protein in a retrospective cohort enriched for non-high-grade serous carcinomas and its association with outcome within histological types. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue microarrays representing 612 ovarian carcinomas were tested for mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6) by immunohistochemistry. dMMR was detected in 13.8% of endometrioid and 2.4% of clear cell carcinomas, but not in other histological types. Within endometrioid carcinomas, 11 of 25 dMMR cases showed abnormal MLH1/PMS2, 10 cases showed abnormal MSH2/MSH6, and four cases showed only abnormal MSH6, indicating that at least 7.7% of endometrioid carcinomas have dMMR probably related to Lynch syndrome. The four dMMR clear cell carcinomas showed abnormal MSH2/MSH6 in three cases and only abnormal MSH6 in one case, all probably related to Lynch syndrome. Within endometrioid carcinomas, dMMR was significantly associated with age <50 years, synchronous endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, a higher CA125 level at diagnosis, higher FIGO grade, absence of ARID1A, and at least 20 CD8-positive intraepithelial lymphocytes per high-power field, but was not associated with cancer-specific death. Age <50 years, higher CA125 levels at diagnosis and at least 20 CD8-positive intraepithelial lymphocytes per high-power field remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing, but their sensitivity for identifying dMMR remained insufficient. CONCLUSION: Our data support the policy of histotype-specific Lynch syndrome screening in ovarian carcinoma confined to endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas.


Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/metabolism , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , MutS Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism , Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/diagnosis , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism , Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology , Cohort Studies , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis/pathology , DNA Mismatch Repair , Female , Gene Frequency , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Microsatellite Instability , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Tissue Array Analysis
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