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1.
Clin Epigenetics ; 16(1): 99, 2024 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39090763

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Imprinting disorders are rare diseases resulting from altered expression of imprinted genes, which exhibit parent-of-origin-specific expression patterns regulated through differential DNA methylation. A subgroup of patients with imprinting disorders have DNA methylation changes at multiple imprinted loci, a condition referred to as multi-locus imprinting disturbance (MLID). MLID is recognised in most but not all imprinting disorders and is also found in individuals with atypical clinical features; the presence of MLID often alters the management or prognosis of the affected person. Some cases of MLID are caused by trans-acting genetic variants, frequently not in the patients but their mothers, which have counselling implications. There is currently no consensus on the definition of MLID, clinical indications prompting testing, molecular procedures and methods for epigenetic and genetic diagnosis, recommendations for laboratory reporting, considerations for counselling, and implications for prognosis and management. The purpose of this study is thus to cover this unmet need. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted resulting in identification of more than 100 articles which formed the basis of discussions by two working groups focusing on clinical diagnosis (n = 12 members) and molecular testing (n = 19 members). Following eight months of preparations and regular online discussions, the experts from 11 countries compiled the preliminary documentation and determined the questions to be addressed during a face-to-face meeting which was held with the attendance of the experts together with four representatives of patient advocacy organisations. RESULTS: In light of available evidence and expert consensus, we formulated 16 propositions and 8 recommendations as interim guidance for the clinical and molecular diagnosis of MLID. CONCLUSIONS: MLID is a molecular designation, and for patients with MLID and atypical phenotypes, we propose the alternative term multi-locus imprinting syndrome. Due to the intrinsic variability of MLID, the guidelines underscore the importance of involving experts from various fields to ensure a confident approach to diagnosis, counselling, and care. The authors advocate for global, collaborative efforts in both basic and translational research to tackle numerous crucial questions that currently lack answers, and suggest reconvening within the next 3-5 years to evaluate the research advancements and update this guidance as needed.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation , Genomic Imprinting , Humans , Genomic Imprinting/genetics , DNA Methylation/genetics , Genetic Testing/methods
2.
Nat Rev Endocrinol ; 2024 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39147856

ABSTRACT

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumours that arise not only in adulthood but also in childhood and adolescence. Up to 70-80% of childhood PPGL are hereditary, accounting for a higher incidence of metastatic and/or multifocal PPGL in paediatric patients than in adult patients. Key differences in the tumour biology and management, together with rare disease incidence and therapeutic challenges in paediatric compared with adult patients, mandate close expert cross-disciplinary teamwork. Teams should ideally include adult and paediatric endocrinologists, oncologists, cardiologists, surgeons, geneticists, pathologists, radiologists, clinical psychologists and nuclear medicine physicians. Provision of an international Consensus Statement should improve care and outcomes for children and adolescents with these tumours.

3.
Kidney Int Rep ; 9(7): 2067-2083, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39081723

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) collects data from people living with rare kidney diseases across the UK, and is the world's largest, rare kidney disease registry. We present the clinical demographics and renal function of 25,880 prevalent patients and sought evidence of bias in recruitment to RaDaR. Methods: RaDaR is linked with the UK Renal Registry (UKRR, with which all UK patients receiving kidney replacement therapy [KRT] are registered). We assessed ethnicity and socioeconomic status in the following: (i) prevalent RaDaR patients receiving KRT compared with patients with eligible rare disease diagnoses receiving KRT in the UKRR, (ii) patients recruited to RaDaR compared with all eligible unrecruited patients at 2 renal centers, and (iii) the age-stratified ethnicity distribution of RaDaR patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was compared to that of the English census. Results: We found evidence of disparities in ethnicity and social deprivation in recruitment to RaDaR; however, these were not consistent across comparisons. Compared with either adults recruited to RaDaR or the English population, children recruited to RaDaR were more likely to be of Asian ethnicity (17.3% vs. 7.5%, P-value < 0.0001) and live in more socially deprived areas (30.3% vs. 17.3% in the most deprived Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, P-value < 0.0001). Conclusion: We observed no evidence of systematic biases in recruitment of patients into RaDaR; however, the data provide empirical evidence of negative economic and social consequences (across all ethnicities) experienced by families with children affected by rare kidney diseases.

4.
Eur J Hum Genet ; 2024 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39085584

ABSTRACT

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD syndrome) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder with variable expression due to pathogenic constitutional variants in the FLCN gene. Patients with BHD syndrome are predisposed to benign cutaneous fibrofolliculomas/trichodischomas, pulmonary cysts with an associated risk of spontaneous pneumothorax, and renal cell carcinoma. A requirement for updated International consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of BHD syndrome was identified. Based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consensus within the fields of respiratory medicine, urology, radiology, dermatology, clinical oncology and clinical genetics, updated recommendations for diagnosis, surveillance and management in BHD syndrome were developed. With the widespread availability of FLCN genetic testing, clinical scenarios in which a diagnosis should be considered and criteria for genetic testing were defined. Following a clinical and/or molecular diagnosis of BHD syndrome, a multidisciplinary approach to disease management is required. Regular renal cancer surveillance is recommended in adulthood and life-long, but the evidence base for additional tumour surveillance is limited and further research warranted. Recommendations for the treatment of cutaneous, pulmonary and renal manifestations are provided. Awareness of BHD syndrome needs to be raised and better knowledge of the clinical settings in which the diagnosis should be considered should enable earlier diagnosis. Further details, including areas for future research topics are available at: https://www.genturis.eu/l=eng/Guidelines-and-pathways/Clinical-practice-guidelines.html .

5.
Drugs R D ; 24(2): 353-357, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38877280

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: PD-1 inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapies and are being used to treat an expanding array of cancers. To best serve patients, clinicians should be familiar with the spectrum of skin manifestations associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. Here, we report a unique case of hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) in a 64-year-old man treated with pembrolizumab; the presentation initially suggested a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) morphology, then evolved into a morphology more typical of hypertrophic lichen planus. This case underscores the need for caution in diagnosing eruptive SCCs associated with PD-1 inhibitor therapy. In such instances, maintaining a high suspicion for lichenoid reactions as sequelae of PD-1 inhibitor treatment and starting an empiric trial of therapy for lichenoid dermatitis may be warranted to ensure timely management of lesions. METHODS: We describe a case of hypertrophic lichen planus mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of PD-1 inhibitory therapy with pembrolizumab. A PubMed literature review was conducted to identify other cases and determine the incidence of lichenoid reactions imitating squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of PD-1 inhibitor use. RESULTS: Our case is one of the few available pieces of literature describing eruptive hypertrophic lichen planus imitating SCC in the setting of PD-1 inhibitor use. Initial skin nodule biopsy appeared histologically compatible with squamous cell carcinoma. Repeat biopsy of the skin lesions revealed histological features consistent with hypertrophic lichen planus. Over time, lower extremity lesions evolved into a more typical appearance of hypertrophic lichen planus. Treatment with topical 0.05% clobetasol ointment and oral acitretin 25 mg led to complete resolution of lesions within 2-3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the significance of maintaining vigilance for lichenoid reactions as potential sequelae of PD-1 inhibitor therapy. It highlights the variability in initial presentation and the potential for lesions to transform over time. Timely recognition and appropriate management, including high-potency topical corticosteroids and oral acitretin, are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes in patients experiencing such reactions. More studies are necessary to fully analyze the rate of HLP occurrence as a consequence of PD-1 inhibitor use.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Lichen Planus , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Lichen Planus/chemically induced , Lichen Planus/pathology , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/chemically induced , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
6.
Eur J Hum Genet ; 32(8): 887-894, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38802529

ABSTRACT

In a subset of patients with renal tumours, multiple primary lesions may occur. Predisposition to multiple primary renal tumours (MPRT) is a well-recognised feature of some inherited renal cancer syndromes. The diagnosis of MPRT should therefore provoke a thorough assessment for clinical and genetic evidence of disorders associated with predisposition to renal tumourigenesis. To better define the clinical and genetic characteristics of MPRT, a systematic literature review was performed for publications up to 3 April 2024. A total of 7689 patients from 467 articles were identified with MPRT. Compared to all patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), patients with MPRT were more likely to be male (71.8% versus 63%) and have an earlier age at diagnosis (<46 years, 32.4% versus 19%). In 61.1% of cases MPRT were synchronous. The proportion of cases with similar histology and the proportion of cases with multiple papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (16.1%) were higher than expected. In total, 14.9% of patients with MPRT had a family history of cancer or were diagnosed with a hereditary RCC associated syndrome with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease being the most common one (69.7%), followed by Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome (14.2%). Individuals with a known or likely genetic cause were, on average, younger (43.9 years versus 57.1 years). In rare cases intrarenal metastatic RCC can phenocopy MPRT. We review potential genetic causes of MPRT and their implications for management, suggest an approach to genetic testing for individuals presenting with MPRT and considerations in cases in which routine germline genetic testing does not provide a diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/genetics , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/diagnosis , von Hippel-Lindau Disease/genetics , von Hippel-Lindau Disease/pathology , von Hippel-Lindau Disease/complications
8.
Lancet ; 403(10433): 1279-1289, 2024 Mar 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38492578

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Individuals with rare kidney diseases account for 5-10% of people with chronic kidney disease, but constitute more than 25% of patients receiving kidney replacement therapy. The National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR) gathers longitudinal data from patients with these conditions, which we used to study disease progression and outcomes of death and kidney failure. METHODS: People aged 0-96 years living with 28 types of rare kidney diseases were recruited from 108 UK renal care facilities. The primary outcomes were cumulative incidence of mortality and kidney failure in individuals with rare kidney diseases, which were calculated and compared with that of unselected patients with chronic kidney disease. Cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were calculated for the following outcomes: median age at kidney failure; median age at death; time from start of dialysis to death; and time from diagnosis to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) thresholds, allowing calculation of time from last eGFR of 75 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or more to first eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (the therapeutic trial window). FINDINGS: Between Jan 18, 2010, and July 25, 2022, 27 285 participants were recruited to RaDaR. Median follow-up time from diagnosis was 9·6 years (IQR 5·9-16·7). RaDaR participants had significantly higher 5-year cumulative incidence of kidney failure than 2·81 million UK patients with all-cause chronic kidney disease (28% vs 1%; p<0·0001), but better survival rates (standardised mortality ratio 0·42 [95% CI 0·32-0·52]; p<0·0001). Median age at kidney failure, median age at death, time from start of dialysis to death, time from diagnosis to eGFR thresholds, and therapeutic trial window all varied substantially between rare diseases. INTERPRETATION: Patients with rare kidney diseases differ from the general population of individuals with chronic kidney disease: they have higher 5-year rates of kidney failure but higher survival than other patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3-5, and so are over-represented in the cohort of patients requiring kidney replacement therapy. Addressing unmet therapeutic need for patients with rare kidney diseases could have a large beneficial effect on long-term kidney replacement therapy demand. FUNDING: RaDaR is funded by the Medical Research Council, Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity.


Subject(s)
Kidney Failure, Chronic , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic , Renal Insufficiency , Humans , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Kidney , Kidney Failure, Chronic/epidemiology , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Kidney Failure, Chronic/etiology , Radar , Rare Diseases , Registries , Renal Insufficiency/epidemiology , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over
9.
Eur J Hum Genet ; 32(3): 361-364, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38282073

ABSTRACT

Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma) is a renal embryonal tumour that is frequently caused by constitutional variants in a small range of cancer predisposition genes. TRIM28 has recently been identified as one such gene. Previously, observational data strongly suggested a parent of origin effect, whereby Wilms tumour only occurred following maternal inheritance of a pathogenic genetic variant. However, here we report a child with bilateral Wilms tumour who had inherited a pathogenic TRIM28 variant from their father. This finding suggests that genetic counselling for paternally inherited pathogenic variants in TRIM28 should include discussion of a potential risk of Wilms tumour.


Subject(s)
Kidney Neoplasms , Wilms Tumor , Child , Humans , Male , Fathers , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 28/genetics , Wilms Tumor/genetics , Wilms Tumor/pathology
10.
Prenat Diagn ; 44(2): 187-195, 2024 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38056891

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Determine the incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing (PES) over chromosome microarray (CMA) and/or karyotype for urinary tract malformations (UTMs). METHOD: A prospective cohort study encompassing data from the English Genomic Medicine Service North Thames Laboratory Hub for fetuses with bilateral echogenic kidneys (BEKs) was combined with data from a systematic review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, MedRxiv and GreyLit were searched from 01/2010-02/2023 for studies reporting on the yield of PES over CMA or karyotype in fetuses with UTMs. Pooled incremental yield was determined using a random effects model. PROSPERO CRD42023364544. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (410 cases) were included. The incremental yield for multisystem UTMs, any isolated UTMs, and BEKs was 31% [95% CI, 18%-46%; I2  = 78%], 16% [95% CI, 6%-26%; I2  = 80%] and 51% [95% CI, 27%-75%; I2  = 34%]. The most common clinical diseases and syndromes identified, based on the variant genes detected, were Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS genes), dominant and recessive polycystic kidney diseases (PKD1, PKD2 and PKHD1) and renal cysts and diabetes syndrome (HNF1B). CONCLUSION: There was a notable incremental genetic diagnostic yield when PES was applied to multisystem UTMs and BEKs. There was a modest incremental yield when this technique was used for UTMs other than BEKs.


Subject(s)
Kidney , Polycystic Kidney Diseases , Humans , Pregnancy , Female , Cohort Studies , Prospective Studies , Karyotyping , Kidney/diagnostic imaging , Kidney/abnormalities
11.
Lancet Child Adolesc Health ; 8(1): 75-84, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38006895

ABSTRACT

Children with Alagille syndrome and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) experience debilitating pruritus, for which there have been few effective treatment options. In the past 2 years, the ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitors maralixibat and odevixibat have been approved for the management of cholestatic pruritus in these individuals, representing an important step forward in improving their quality of life. Emerging data suggest these drugs might also improve event-free survival, therefore potentially altering the typical disease course currently seen in these disorders. This Review will discuss how genetic advances have clarified the molecular basis of cholestatic disorders, facilitating the development of new therapeutic options that have only been evaluated in children. We focus specifically on the newly licensed IBAT inhibitors for patients with Alagille syndrome and PFIC and explore the next steps for these drugs in relation to other paediatric and adult cholestatic disorders, recognising that they have the potential to benefit a wider group of patients with gastrointestinal and liver disease.


Subject(s)
Alagille Syndrome , Cholestasis , Child , Humans , Alagille Syndrome/drug therapy , Quality of Life , Cholestasis/drug therapy , Pruritus/drug therapy
12.
Nat Rev Endocrinol ; 20(3): 168-184, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38097671

ABSTRACT

Adult and paediatric patients with pathogenic variants in the gene encoding succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) subunit B (SDHB) often have locally aggressive, recurrent or metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Furthermore, SDHB PPGLs have the highest rates of disease-specific morbidity and mortality compared with other hereditary PPGLs. PPGLs with SDHB pathogenic variants are often less differentiated and do not produce substantial amounts of catecholamines (in some patients, they produce only dopamine) compared with other hereditary subtypes, which enables these tumours to grow subclinically for a long time. In addition, SDHB pathogenic variants support tumour growth through high levels of the oncometabolite succinate and other mechanisms related to cancer initiation and progression. As a result, pseudohypoxia and upregulation of genes related to the hypoxia signalling pathway occur, promoting the growth, migration, invasiveness and metastasis of cancer cells. These factors, along with a high rate of metastasis, support early surgical intervention and total resection of PPGLs, regardless of the tumour size. The treatment of metastases is challenging and relies on either local or systemic therapies, or sometimes both. This Consensus statement should help guide clinicians in the diagnosis and management of patients with SDHB PPGLs.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms , Paraganglioma , Pheochromocytoma , Adult , Humans , Child , Pheochromocytoma/genetics , Pheochromocytoma/therapy , Pheochromocytoma/diagnosis , Paraganglioma/genetics , Paraganglioma/therapy , Germ-Line Mutation/genetics , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/therapy , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Succinate Dehydrogenase/genetics
13.
Clin Geriatr Med ; 40(1): 117-130, 2024 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38000856

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on bacterial infections that commonly affect geriatric patients. The elderly population is at a higher risk of contracting bacterial infections due to weakened immune systems and comorbidities. The article explores the cause, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options of these infections. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of bacterial infections. The article highlights the importance of preventing these infections through proper hygiene and wound care. This article aims to provide an understanding of bacterial infections in geriatric patients and inform health-care providers on the most effective ways to manage and prevent these infections.


Subject(s)
Bacterial Infections , Skin Diseases, Bacterial , Soft Tissue Infections , Humans , Aged , Soft Tissue Infections/diagnosis , Soft Tissue Infections/epidemiology , Soft Tissue Infections/therapy , Skin Diseases, Bacterial/drug therapy , Skin Diseases, Bacterial/epidemiology , Skin Diseases, Bacterial/microbiology , Skin , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Bacterial Infections/etiology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
14.
Eur J Hum Genet ; 31(9): 1040-1047, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37407733

ABSTRACT

HNRNPU encodes a multifunctional RNA-binding protein that plays critical roles in regulating pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA stability, and translation. Aberrant expression and dysregulation of HNRNPU have been implicated in various human diseases, including cancers and neurological disorders. We applied a next generation sequencing based assay (EPIC-NGS) to investigate genome-wide methylation profiling for >2 M CpGs for 7 individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with HNRNPU germline pathogenic loss-of-function variants. Compared to healthy individuals, 227 HNRNPU-associated differentially methylated positions were detected. Both hyper- and hypomethylation alterations were identified but the former predominated. The identification of a methylation episignature for HNRNPU-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) implicates HNPRNPU-related chromatin alterations in the aetiopathogenesis of this disorder and suggests that episignature profiling should have clinical utility as a predictor for the pathogenicity of HNRNPU variants of uncertain significance. The detection of a methylation episignaure for HNRNPU-associated NDD is consistent with a recent report of a methylation episignature for HNRNPK-associated NDD.


Subject(s)
Epigenome , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Humans , DNA Methylation , Germ Cells , Germ-Line Mutation , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics
15.
Cureus ; 15(5): e39498, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37362479

ABSTRACT

Prurigo pigmentosa is an important cause of reticular pruritic rash that has been under-reported in the United States. To ensure proper patient care, it is important for dermatologists to be aware of its presentations and associated factors. Here, we present an uncommon case of prurigo pigmentosa induced by a ketogenic diet and discuss the links between this condition and the state of ketosis, a relationship every provider should be conscious of.

16.
Nat Rev Dis Primers ; 9(1): 33, 2023 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37386011

ABSTRACT

Imprinting disorders (ImpDis) are congenital conditions that are characterized by disturbances of genomic imprinting. The most common individual ImpDis are Prader-Willi syndrome, Angelman syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Individual ImpDis have similar clinical features, such as growth disturbances and developmental delay, but the disorders are heterogeneous and the key clinical manifestations are often non-specific, rendering diagnosis difficult. Four types of genomic and imprinting defect (ImpDef) affecting differentially methylated regions (DMRs) can cause ImpDis. These defects affect the monoallelic and parent-of-origin-specific expression of imprinted genes. The regulation within DMRs as well as their functional consequences are mainly unknown, but functional cross-talk between imprinted genes and functional pathways has been identified, giving insight into the pathophysiology of ImpDefs. Treatment of ImpDis is symptomatic. Targeted therapies are lacking owing to the rarity of these disorders; however, personalized treatments are in development. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of ImpDis, and improving diagnosis and treatment of these disorders, requires a multidisciplinary approach with input from patient representatives.

17.
Hum Mol Genet ; 32(22): 3123-3134, 2023 11 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37166351

ABSTRACT

Germline pathogenic variants in two genes encoding the lysine-specific histone methyltransferase genes SETD1A and SETD2 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) characterized by developmental delay and congenital anomalies. The SETD1A and SETD2 gene products play a critical role in chromatin-mediated regulation of gene expression. Specific methylation episignatures have been detected for a range of chromatin gene-related NDDs and have impacted clinical practice by improving the interpretation of variant pathogenicity. To investigate if SETD1A and/or SETD2-related NDDs are associated with a detectable episignature, we undertook targeted genome-wide methylation profiling of > 2 M CpGs using a next-generation sequencing-based assay. A comparison of methylation profiles in patients with SETD1A variants (n = 6) did not reveal evidence of a strong methylation episignature. A review of the clinical and genetic features of the SETD2 patient group revealed that, as reported previously, there were phenotypic differences between patients with truncating mutations (n = 4, Luscan-Lumish syndrome; MIM:616831) and those with missense codon 1740 variants [p.Arg1740Trp (n = 4) and p.Arg1740Gln (n = 2)]. Both SETD2 subgroups demonstrated a methylation episignature, which was characterized by hypomethylation and hypermethylation events, respectively. Within the codon 1740 subgroup, both the methylation changes and clinical phenotype were more severe in those with p.Arg1740Trp variants. We also noted that two of 10 cases with a SETD2-NDD had developed a neoplasm. These findings reveal novel epigenotype-genotype-phenotype correlations in SETD2-NDDs and predict a gain-of-function mechanism for SETD2 codon 1740 pathogenic variants.


Subject(s)
Chromatin , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Humans , Chromatin/genetics , DNA Methylation/genetics , Mutation , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Genetic Association Studies , Codon
18.
Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol ; 11(5): 345-361, 2023 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37011647

ABSTRACT

Patients with germline SDHD pathogenic variants (encoding succinate dehydrogenase subunit D; ie, paraganglioma 1 syndrome) are predominantly affected by head and neck paragangliomas, which, in almost 20% of patients, might coexist with paragangliomas arising from other locations (eg, adrenal medulla, para-aortic, cardiac or thoracic, and pelvic). Given the higher risk of tumour multifocality and bilaterality for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) because of SDHD pathogenic variants than for their sporadic and other genotypic counterparts, the management of patients with SDHD PPGLs is clinically complex in terms of imaging, treatment, and management options. Furthermore, locally aggressive disease can be discovered at a young age or late in the disease course, which presents challenges in balancing surgical intervention with various medical and radiotherapeutic approaches. The axiom-first, do no harm-should always be considered and an initial period of observation (ie, watchful waiting) is often appropriate to characterise tumour behaviour in patients with these pathogenic variants. These patients should be referred to specialised high-volume medical centres. This consensus guideline aims to help physicians with the clinical decision-making process when caring for patients with SDHD PPGLs.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms , Paraganglioma , Pheochromocytoma , Humans , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/genetics , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/therapy , Germ-Line Mutation/genetics , Paraganglioma/diagnosis , Paraganglioma/genetics , Paraganglioma/therapy , Pheochromocytoma/diagnosis , Pheochromocytoma/genetics , Pheochromocytoma/therapy , Succinate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Practice Guidelines as Topic
19.
Clin Epigenetics ; 15(1): 35, 2023 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36859312

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Imprinting disorders (ImpDis) comprise diseases which are caused by aberrant regulation of monoallelically and parent-of-origin-dependent expressed genes. A characteristic molecular change in ImpDis patients is aberrant methylation signatures at disease-specific loci, without an obvious DNA change at the specific differentially methylated region (DMR). However, there is a growing number of reports on multilocus imprinting disturbances (MLIDs), i.e. aberrant methylation at different DMRs in the same patient. These MLIDs account for a significant number of patients with specific ImpDis, and several reports indicate a central role of pathogenic maternal effect variants in their aetiology by affecting the maturation of the oocyte and the early embryo. Though several studies on the prevalence and the molecular causes of MLID have been conducted, homogeneous datasets comprising both genomic and methylation data are still lacking. RESULTS: Based on a cohort of 36 MLID patients, we here present both methylation data obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS, ImprintSeq) approaches and whole-exome sequencing (WES). The compilation of methylation data did not reveal a disease-specific MLID episignature, and a predisposition for the phenotypic modification was not obvious as well. In fact, this lack of epigenotype-phenotype correlation might be related to the mosaic distribution of imprinting defects and their functional relevance in specific tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the higher sensitivity of NGS-based approaches, we suggest that ImprintSeq might be offered at reference centres in case of ImpDis patients with unusual phenotypes but MLID negative by conventional tests. By WES, additional MLID causes than the already known maternal effect variants could not be identified, neither in the patients nor in the maternal exomes. In cases with negative WES results, it is currently unclear to what extent either environmental factors or undetected genetic variants contribute to MLID.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation , Genomics , Genotype , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
20.
J Med Genet ; 60(4): 317-326, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36849229

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome caused by pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants in the FLCN gene. Patients with BHD syndrome have an increased risk of fibrofolliculomas, pulmonary cysts, pneumothorax and renal cell carcinoma. There is debate regarding whether colonic polyps should be added to the criteria. Previous risk estimates have mostly been based on small clinical case series. METHODS: A comprehensive review was conducted to identify studies that had recruited families carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in FLCN. Pedigree data were requested from these studies and pooled. Segregation analysis was used to estimate the cumulative risk of each manifestation for carriers of FLCN pathogenic variants. RESULTS: Our final dataset contained 204 families that were informative for at least one manifestation of BHD (67 families informative for skin manifestations, 63 for lung, 88 for renal carcinoma and 29 for polyps). By age 70 years, male carriers of the FLCN variant have an estimated 19% (95% CI 12% to 31%) risk of renal tumours, 87% (95% CI 80% to 92%) of lung involvement and 87% (95% CI 78% to 93%) of skin lesions, while female carriers had an estimated 21% (95% CI 13% to 32%) risk of renal tumours, 82% (95% CI 73% to 88%) of lung involvement and 78% (95% CI 67% to 85%) of skin lesions. The cumulative risk of colonic polyps by age 70 years old was 21% (95% CI 8% to 45%) for male carriers and 32% (95% CI 16% to 53%) for female carriers. CONCLUSIONS: These updated penetrance estimates, based on a large number of families, are important for the genetic counselling and clinical management of BHD syndrome.


Subject(s)
Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome , Carcinoma, Renal Cell , Colonic Polyps , Kidney Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome/genetics , Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome/pathology , Penetrance , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/epidemiology , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/genetics
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