DNA Methylation Effects on Van der Woude Syndrome Phenotypic Variability.

OBJECTIVE: Van der Woude Syndrome (VWS) presents with combinations of lip pits (LP) and cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P, CPO). VWS phenotypic heterogeneity even amongst relatives, suggests that epigenetic factors may act as modifiers. IRF6, causal for 70% of VWS cases, and TP63 interact in a regulatory loop coordinating epithelial proliferation and differentiation in palatogenesis. We hypothesize that differential DNA methylation within IRF6 and TP63 regulatory regions underlie VWS phenotypic discordance. METHODS: DNA methylation of CpG sites in IRF6 and TP63 promoters and in an IRF6 enhancer element was compared amongst blood or saliva DNA samples of 78 unrelated cases. Analyses were done separately for blood and saliva, within each sex and in combination, and to address cleft type (CL/P ± LP vs. CPO ± LP) and phenotypic severity (any cleft + LP vs. any cleft only). RESULTS: For cleft type, blood samples showed higher IRF6 and TP63 promoter methylation on males with CPO ± LP compared to CL/P ± LP and on individuals with CPO ± LP compared to those with CL/P ± LP, respectively. Saliva samples showed higher IRF6 enhancer methylation on individuals with CPO ± LP compared to CL/P ± LP and contrary to above, lower TP63 promoter methylation on CPO ± LP compared to CL/P ± LP. For phenotypic severity, blood samples showed no differences; however, saliva samples showed higher IRF6 promoter methylation in individuals with any cleft + LP compared to those without lip pits. CONCLUSION: We observed differential methylation in IRF6 and TP63 regulatory regions associated with cleft type and phenotypic severity, indicating that epigenetic changes in IRF6 and TP63 can contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity in VWS.

Surgical Treatment of Lip Pits in Van der Woude Syndrome: A Preliminary Retrospective Study of 24 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by lower lip pits among patients with a lip and/or palate cleft. It is transmitted by an autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity. METHODS: The study group consisted of 24 consecutive patients (13 males and 11 females) with VWS operated on at a single center between 2009 and 2022. They suffered from: bilateral cleft lip and palate - 6 patients; unilateral cleft lip and palate - 9 patients; cleft lip - 1 patient; and isolated cleft palate - 8 patients. RESULTS: In 16 (66%) cases pits of lower lip occurred on both side of midline, while in 8 (34%) the pits were detected unilaterally. The primary cleft repairs were performed according to one-stage principle at the mean age of 8.6 months (SD 1.4, range 6-12). In all patients lower lip pits repairs were performed after the primary cleft repairs as a separate procedure at the mean age of 37 months (SD 11.3 range 14-85). The mean number of all primary repairs of the syndrome-both cleft defect and lower lip pits repairs-was 2.46. Nine patients (37.5%) required additional secondary corrections of the lower lip due to the poor aesthetic post-operative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The frequent need for secondary corrections of residual lower lip deformities indicates the considerable difficulties in obtaining a satisfactory outcome of the repairs to lip pits caused by VWS. The average number of the primary surgical interventions in evaluated material remained low.

Van Der Woude Syndrome: A Case Series at Chu D' Treichville, Abidjan, Cote D' Ivoire.

Background: Van der Woude syndrome (VWS), characterised mainly by lower lip pits and orofacial cleft (OFC), is the most common syndrome associated with an OFC. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant, high penetrance disorder with variable phenotypic expression and caused by the genetic mutation of the interferon regulatory factor 6 gene (IRF6). This study showcases the syndrome's variable phenotypic expressivity in six cases seen at Chu d' Treichvile, Abidjan, and Cote d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: A review of six cases at the above-named hospital. Data collected include age at presentation, gender, type of cleft, presence or absence of lip pits, and family history of VWS. Results: Six cases of VWS were reviewed with an age range from 2 to 39 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. Three of the patients had a bilateral cleft lip, one case of unilateral cleft lip and palate, another single case of cleft palate only while the sixth patient has no cleft deformity. All the patients have bilateral lower lip pits except one with a single median pit on the lower lip. There is a family history of VWS in three of the patients. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the variable expressivity of VWS as different forms of lower lip pits and OFC. The presence of lower lip pits should be a signal for examination of family members to identify other cases and those likely to have cleft babies. Genetic mapping to detect mutation of IRF6 genes will be of tremendous aid in the effective diagnosis of VWS.

DNA methylation differences in monozygotic twins with Van der Woude syndrome.

Introduction: Van der Woude Syndrome (VWS) is an autosomal dominant disorder responsible for 2% of all syndromic orofacial clefts (OFCs) with IRF6 being the primary causal gene (70%). Cases may present with lip pits and either cleft lip, cleft lip with cleft palate, or cleft palate, with marked phenotypic discordance even among individuals carrying the same mutation. This suggests that genetic or epigenetic modifiers may play additional roles in the syndrome's etiology and variability in expression. We report the first DNA methylation profiling of 2 pairs of monozygotic twins with VWS. Our goal is to explore epigenetic contributions to VWS etiology and variable phenotypic expressivity by comparing DNAm profiles in both twin pairs. While the mutations that cause VWS in these twins are known, the additional mechanism behind their phenotypic risk and variability in expression remains unclear. Methods: We generated whole genome DNAm data for both twin pairs. Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were selected based on: (1) a coefficient of variation in DNAm levels in unaffected individuals < 20%, and (2) intra-twin pair absolute difference in DNAm levels >5% (delta beta > | 0.05|). We then divided the DMPs in two subgroups for each twin pair for further analysis: (1) higher methylation levels in twin A (Twin A > Twin B); and (2) higher methylation levels in twin B (Twin B >Twin A). Results and Discussion: Gene ontology analysis revealed a list of enriched genes that showed significant differential DNAm, including clef-associated genes. Among the cleft-associated genes, TP63 was the most significant hit (p=7.82E-12). Both twin pairs presented differential DNAm levels in CpG sites in/near TP63 (Twin 1A > Twin 1B and Twin 2A < Twin 2B). The genes TP63 and IRF6 function in a biological regulatory loop to coordinate epithelial proliferation and differentiation in a process that is critical for palatal fusion. The effects of the causal mutations in IRF6 can be further impacted by epigenetic dysregulation of IRF6 itself, or genes in its pathway. Our data shows evidence that changes in DNAm is a plausible mechanism that can lead to markedly distinct phenotypes, even among individuals carrying the same mutation.

Nonsyndromic Familial Congenital Lower Lip Pits.

Congenital pits on lower lips unassociated with any syndrome are a rare developmental malformation. Vermilion border of the lower lip is the most common site of occurrence. Mostly, these lip pits are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance. The females are more affected than males. This is a case report of a 7-year-old female child with nonsyndromic congenital lower lip pits, where two of her other family members were also affected.

Prevalence of commissural lip pits in population of central Gujarat: A hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Commissural lip pits (CLPs) fall among the rare congenital deformities recorded. CLP usually follows dominant hereditary pattern and may be associated with other congenital defects. CLP can appear as unilateral depression or bilateral depression. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence, age distribution, site and gender predilection of CLP in a central Gujarat population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outdoor patients over a period of 6 months were examined for clinical evidence of CLPs. RESULTS: A total of 14,403 patients were examined for the presence of CLP. CLP was identified in 381 patients with a prevalence of 2.65%. The occurrence of CLP was more in male patients. The maximum number of patients was in the age groups of 20-29 years. No significant statistical difference was observed in the distribution of CLP. Unilaterally distributed CLP was more common on the left side. CONCLUSION: Our study showed 2.65% prevalence of isolated CLPs with a male predilection. There was almost equal distribution of unilateral and bilateral CLP. In unilateral cases, the left side was affected the most. Although literature says lip pits can be an associated feature of certain syndromes, there were no syndromic patients in our study.

Van der Woude syndrome presenting as a single median lower lip pit with associated dental, orofacial and limb deformities: a rare case report.

Although it is a rare developmental malformation, van der Woude syndrome is the most common form of syndromic orofacial clefting, accounting for approximately 2% of all cleft cases. The lower lip pits with or without a cleft lip or palate is characteristic of the syndrome. Findings, such as hypodontia, limb deformities, popliteal webs, ankylogossia, ankyloblepheron, and genitourinary and cardiovascular abnormalities, are rarely associated with the syndrome. This paper reports a rare case of van der Woude syndrome in a 10-year-old male patient with a single median lower lip pit and a repaired bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate that were associated with microstomia, hypodontia, and clubbing of the left foot with syndactyly of the second to fifth lesser toes of the same foot.

A Novel Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 Mutation in an Asian Family With Van der Woude Syndrome.

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by orofacial clefting and lip pits. Mutations in the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 6 gene (IRF6) have been identified in individuals with VWS. We performed direct sequencing of the gene for molecular investigation of a proband with Bangladeshi-Malay ancestry. A novel transition mutation (c.113T>C), which resulted in an amino acid substitution (p.Ile38Thr) in the deoxyribonucleic acid-binding domain was detected. Testing of family members showed that the mutation segregated with the VWS phenotype for members of her immediate family. Although there is some phenotypic variability, all of the affected members are of the female gender.

Van der Woude syndrome presenting as a single median lower lip pit with associated dental, orofacial and limb deformities: a rare case report

Although it is a rare developmental malformation, van der Woude syndrome is the most common form of syndromic orofacial clefting, accounting for approximately 2% of all cleft cases. The lower lip pits with or without a cleft lip or palate is characteristic of the syndrome. Findings, such as hypodontia, limb deformities, popliteal webs, ankylogossia, ankyloblepheron, and genitourinary and cardiovascular abnormalities, are rarely associated with the syndrome. This paper reports a rare case of van der Woude syndrome in a 10-year-old male patient with a single median lower lip pit and a repaired bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate that were associated with microstomia, hypodontia, and clubbing of the left foot with syndactyly of the second to fifth lesser toes of the same foot.

A case of vander woude syndrome with rare phenotypic expressions.

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare developmental disorder with an autosomal dominant inheritance. The prevalence of VWS varies from 1:100,000 to 1:40,000 still born or live births. It has variable expressivity and generally expressed as orofacial manifestations like lower lip pits, cleft lip and/or cleft palate, hypodontia, cleft or bifid uvula, ankyloglossia and some extraoral anomalies involving hand, foot and genitalia. Thorough family history, clinical examination and genetic counseling helps in correct diagnosis of VWS as Popliteal pterygium syndrome has overlapping clinical manifestations. Most cases of Van der Woude syndrome have been associated with mutations and genetic changes. The current case has classical features of VWS with some rare features like undescended small testis and unreported finding of syndactyly of second and third toe adds on to the existing knowledge of VWS presentation.

Novel lip pit phenotypes and mutations of IRF6 in Van der Woude syndrome patients from Pakistan.

The role of interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene mutations in causing Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) and poplyteal pterygium syndrome has been described in different populations worldwide. The former is one of the major syndromes of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) with the distinct phenotype of presence of pits with or without sinuses on the lower lip. We identified seven probands with VWS from Punjab province of Pakistan and recognized two previously unreported lip pit phenotypes. The mutational analysis of IRF6 in this cohort revealed four novel and two previously reported mutations. The newly identified mutations include three frameshifts (c.635delG; c.21_33del13; c.627delC) and one transition mutation (c.2T>C) affecting the first codon of IRF6. Together with a past epidemiological study on VWS in Pakistan, the frequency of this syndrome among CL/P individuals from Punjab was calculated to be 1.17%.

Lower lip pits: van der woude or kabuki syndrome?

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome with characteristic facial features. Despite more than 350 documented cases and recent correlation of MLL2 mutations as a genetic cause, its full clinical spectrum is still being defined. This report describes two patients who were initially diagnosed with Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) based on the presence of lower lip pits. However, this finding can occur with KS, albeit infrequently. For patients with lower lip pits, a thorough evaluation should be made to distinguish between VWS and KS, as there are differences in long-term prognosis.

Vander Woude's syndrome: The rarest of the rare.

One of the most common developmental defects seen in south India is cleft lip and palate. Among them a few are associated with lip pits and termed as Vander Woude's syndrome. The early diagnosis of this rare syndrome is very necessary followed by a multidisciplinary approach. It is also necessary to differentiate this syndrome from the other syndromes which may present similar features. A case report of the same is presented here requiring a multidisciplinary approach for a functional and esthetically pleasing outcome.

A Case of Van der Woude Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Van der Woude syndrome is a rare developmental malformation characterized by pits in the lower lip, usually bilateral and located on either side of the midline, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, cleft uvula. This malformation have autosomal dominant inheritance with 80% to 100% penetrance and variable expressivity. Lip pits are also found in association with ankyloblepharon, popliteal pterygium, syndactyly, missing teeth etc. The treatment of lower lip fistulas is simple surgical excision. We experienced a patient with Van der Woude syndrome, who had bilateral lower lip pits with a submucous cleft palate. So we present Van der Woude syndrome and discuss the treatment with a review of literature.

A Case Report of Van der Woude Syndrome

Van der Woude syndrome is a rare developmental malformation characterized by pits in the lower lip, usually bilateral and located on either side of the midline. Van der Woude syndrome is accompanied with cleft lip with or without cleft palate, bifid uvula and hypodontia or missing incisors and premolars. It was first described by Van der Woude in 1954. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant syndrome with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 100,000~200,000 live births. The syndrome affects both sexes with variable expressivity and estimated penetrance close to 100%. The treatment of choice, but only for esthetic purposes is surgical excision. We experienced a case of newborn baby who had two pits in the lower lip of the midline and left side, with complete cleft lip and palate on the Rt. side. The midline sinus showed papilla like protrusion. The orifice was situated to the lip pit on the midline and the tract was about 4 mm in length. The lip pits were excised under general anesthesia with Millard II rotation advancement flap for cleft lip and primary rhinoplasty at 5 months. Histologic finding from excised lip pits showed multiple mucin-producing minor salivary glands with epithelial hyperplasia. And so we could diagnose Van der Woude syndrome. There was no reccurrence or developmental abnormality postoperatively after 1 year follow-up.