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1.
Am J Med Genet A ; : e63817, 2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39031459

ABSTRACT

Exome sequencing (ES) has emerged as an essential tool in the evaluation of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) of unknown etiology. Genome sequencing (GS) offers advantages over ES due to improved detection of structural, copy number, repeat number and non-coding variants. However, GS is less commonly utilized due to higher cost and more intense analysis. Here, we present nine cases of pediatric NDD that were molecularly diagnosed with GS between 2017 and 2022, following non-diagnostic ES. All individuals presented with global developmental delay or regression. Other features present in our cohort included epilepsy, white matter abnormalities, brain malformation and dysmorphic features. Two cases were diagnosed on GS due to newly described gene-disease relationship or variant reclassification (MAPK8IP3, CHD3). Additional features missed on ES that were later detected on GS were: intermediate-size deletions in three cases who underwent ES that were not validated for CNV detection, pathogenic variants within the non-protein coding genes SNORD118 and RNU7-1, pathogenic variant within the promoter region of GJB1, and a coding pathogenic variant within BCAP31 which was not sufficiently covered on ES. GS following non-diagnostic ES led to the identification of pathogenic variants in this cohort of nine cases, four of which would not have been identified by reanalysis alone.

2.
Mol Genet Metab ; 142(4): 108521, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38964050

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Emerging therapies are most effective in the presymptomatic phase, and thus defining this window is critical. We hypothesize that early development delay may precede developmental plateau. With the advent of presymptomatic screening platforms and transformative therapies, it is essential to define the onset of neurologic disease. METHODS: The specific ages of gain and loss of developmental milestones were captured from the medical records of individuals affected by MLD. Milestone acquisition was characterized as: on target (obtained before the age limit of 90th percentile plus 2 standard deviations compared to a normative dataset), delayed (obtained after 90th percentile plus 2 standard deviations), or plateau (skills never gained). Regression was defined as the age at which skills were lost. LI-MLD was defined by age at onset before 2.5 years. RESULTS: Across an international cohort, 351 subjects were included (n = 194 LI-MLD subcohort). The median age at presentation of the LI-MLD cohort was 1.4 years (25th-75th %ile: 1.0-1.5). Within the LI-MLD cohort, 75/194 (39%) had developmental delay (or plateau) prior to MLD clinical presentation. Among the LI-MLD cohort with a minimum of 1.5 years of follow-up (n = 187), 73 (39.0%) subjects never attained independent ambulation. Within LI-MLD + delay subcohort, the median time between first missed milestone target to MLD decline was 0.60 years (maximum distance from delay to onset: 1.9 years). INTERPRETATION: Early developmental delay precedes regression in a subset of children affected by LI-MLD, defining the onset of neurologic dysfunction earlier than previously appreciated. The use of realworld data prior to diagnosis revealed an early deviation from typical development. Close monitoring for early developmental delay in presymptomatic individuals may help in earlier diagnosis with important consequences for treatment decisions.


Subject(s)
Age of Onset , Developmental Disabilities , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic , Humans , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/diagnosis , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/pathology , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Infant , Child , Adolescent , Cohort Studies , Disease Progression
3.
Mol Genet Metab ; 142(1): 108453, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38522179

ABSTRACT

Growing interest in therapeutic development for rare diseases necessitate a systematic approach to the collection and curation of natural history data that can be applied consistently across this group of heterogenous rare diseases. In this study, we discuss the challenges facing natural history studies for leukodystrophies and detail a novel standardized approach to creating a longitudinal natural history study using existing medical records. Prospective studies are uniquely challenging for rare diseases. Delays in diagnosis and overall rarity limit the timely collection of natural history data. When feasible, prospective studies are often cross-sectional rather than longitudinal and are unlikely to capture pre- or early- symptomatic disease trajectories, limiting their utility in characterizing the full natural history of the disease. Therapeutic development in leukodystrophies is subject to these same obstacles. The Global Leukodystrophy Initiative Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN) comprises of a network of research institutions across the United States, supported by a multi-center biorepository protocol, to map the longitudinal clinical course of disease across leukodystrophies. As part of GLIA-CTN, we developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that delineated all study processes related to staff training, source documentation, and data sharing. Additionally, the SOP detailed the standardized approach to data extraction including diagnosis, clinical presentation, and medical events, such as age at gastrostomy tube placement. The key variables for extraction were selected through face validity, and common electronic case report forms (eCRF) across leukodystrophies were created to collect analyzable data. To enhance the depth of the data, clinical notes are extracted into "original" and "imputed" encounters, with imputed encounter referring to a historic event (e.g., loss of ambulation 3 months prior). Retrospective Functional Assessments were assigned by child neurologists, using a blinded dual-rater approach and score discrepancies were adjudicated by a third rater. Upon completion of extraction, data source verification is performed. Data missingness was evaluated using statistics. The proposed methodology will enable us to leverage existing medical records to address the persistent gap in natural history data within this unique disease group, allow for assessment of clinical trajectory both pre- and post-formal diagnosis, and promote recruitment of larger cohorts.


Subject(s)
Rare Diseases , Humans , Rare Diseases/diagnosis , Rare Diseases/therapy , Rare Diseases/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , United States , Prospective Studies
4.
Neuropediatrics ; 53(2): 115-121, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35026854

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Heterozygous NOTCH3 variants are known to cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), with patients typically presenting in adulthood. We describe three patients presenting at an early age with a vascular leukoencephalopathy. Genome sequencing revealed bi-allelic variants in the NOTCH3 gene. METHODS: Clinical records and available MRI and CT scans of three patients from two unrelated families were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The patients presented at 9 to 14 months of age with developmental delay, seizures, or both. The disease course was characterized by cognitive impairment and variably recurrent strokes, migraine attacks, and seizures. MRI findings pointed at a small vessel disease, with extensive cerebral white matter abnormalities, atrophy, lacunes in the basal ganglia, microbleeds, and microcalcifications. The anterior temporal lobes were spared. Bi-allelic cysteine-sparing NOTCH3 variants in exons 1, 32, and 33 were found. INTERPRETATION: This study indicates that bi-allelic loss-of-function NOTCH3 variants may cause a vascular leukoencephalopathy, distinct from CADASIL.


Subject(s)
CADASIL , Leukoencephalopathies , Receptor, Notch3 , Adult , Alleles , CADASIL/diagnostic imaging , CADASIL/genetics , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/diagnostic imaging , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Mutation , Receptor, Notch3/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Seizures
5.
Pediatr Neurol ; 121: 11-19, 2021 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34111619

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A recurrent homozygous missense variant, c.160G>C;p.(Val54Leu) in HIKESHI, was found to cause a hypomyelinating leukodystrophy with high frequency in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. We provide extended phenotypic classification of this disorder based on clinical history of a further seven affected individuals, assess carrier frequency in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, and provide a neuropathological study. METHODS: Clinical information, neuroimaging, and biosamples were collected. Brain autopsy was performed for one case. RESULTS: Individuals with HIKESHI-related disease share common clinical features: early axial hypotonia evolving to dystonia or with progressive spasticity, hyperreflexia and clonus, feeding difficulties with poor growth, and nystagmus. Severe morbidity or death during febrile illness occurred in five of the nine affected individuals. Magnetic resonance images of seven patients were analyzed and demonstrated diffuse hypomyelination and thin corpus callosum. Genotyping data of more than 125,000 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals revealed a carrier frequency of 1 in 216. Gross pathology examination in one case revealed abnormal white matter. Microscopically, there was a near-total absence of myelin with a relative preservation of axons. The cerebral white matter showed several reactive astrocytes and microglia. CONCLUSIONS: We provide pathologic evidence for a primary disorder of the myelin in HIKESHI-related leukodystrophy. These findings are consistent with the hypomyelination seen in brain magnetic resonance imaging and with the clinical features of early-onset spastic/dystonic quadriplegia and nystagmus. The high carrier rate of the recurrent variant seen in the Ashkenazi Jewish population requires increased attention to screening and diagnosis of this condition, particularly in this population.


Subject(s)
Carrier Proteins/genetics , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/pathology , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/physiopathology , Child , Corpus Callosum/diagnostic imaging , Corpus Callosum/pathology , Humans , Jews/genetics , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Whole Genome Sequencing
6.
Sci Adv ; 6(49)2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33268356

ABSTRACT

Although somatic mutations in Histone 3.3 (H3.3) are well-studied drivers of oncogenesis, the role of germline mutations remains unreported. We analyze 46 patients bearing de novo germline mutations in histone 3 family 3A (H3F3A) or H3F3B with progressive neurologic dysfunction and congenital anomalies without malignancies. Molecular modeling of all 37 variants demonstrated clear disruptions in interactions with DNA, other histones, and histone chaperone proteins. Patient histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) analysis revealed notably aberrant local PTM patterns distinct from the somatic lysine mutations that cause global PTM dysregulation. RNA sequencing on patient cells demonstrated up-regulated gene expression related to mitosis and cell division, and cellular assays confirmed an increased proliferative capacity. A zebrafish model showed craniofacial anomalies and a defect in Foxd3-derived glia. These data suggest that the mechanism of germline mutations are distinct from cancer-associated somatic histone mutations but may converge on control of cell proliferation.


Subject(s)
Histones , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Animals , Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics , Germ-Line Mutation , Histones/genetics , Histones/metabolism , Humans , Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics , Zebrafish/genetics , Zebrafish/metabolism , Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
8.
Am J Med Genet A ; 182(8): 1906-1912, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32573057

ABSTRACT

Leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of heritable disorders characterized by abnormal brain white matter signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and primary involvement of the cellular components of myelin. Previous estimates suggest the incidence of leukodystrophies as a whole to be 1 in 7,000 individuals, however the frequency of specific diagnoses relative to others has not been described. Next generation sequencing approaches offer the opportunity to redefine our understanding of the relative frequency of different leukodystrophies. We assessed the relative frequency of all 30 leukodystrophies (associated with 55 genes) in more than 49,000 exomes. We identified a relatively high frequency of disorders previously thought of as very rare, including Aicardi Goutières Syndrome, TUBB4A-related leukodystrophy, Peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, POLR3-related Leukodystrophy, Vanishing White Matter, and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease. Despite the relative frequency of these conditions, carrier-screening laboratories regularly test only 20 of the 55 leukodystrophy-related genes, and do not test at all, or test only one or a few, genes for some of the higher frequency disorders. Relative frequency of leukodystrophies previously considered very rare suggests these disorders may benefit from expanded carrier screening.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/genetics , Demyelinating Diseases/genetics , Nervous System Malformations/genetics , Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease/genetics , RNA Polymerase III/genetics , Tubulin/genetics , Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System/pathology , Demyelinating Diseases/epidemiology , Demyelinating Diseases/pathology , Exome/genetics , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Heterozygote , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Lysosomal Storage Diseases/epidemiology , Lysosomal Storage Diseases/genetics , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Myelin Sheath/genetics , Myelin Sheath/metabolism , Nervous System Malformations/pathology , Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease/epidemiology , Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease/pathology , White Matter/diagnostic imaging , White Matter/pathology
9.
Pediatr Neurol ; 109: 56-62, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32387008

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the X-linked gene WDR45 cause neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 5. Global developmental delay occurs at an early age with slow progression to dystonia, parkinsonism, and dementia due to progressive iron accumulation in the brain. METHODS: We present 17 new cases and reviewed 106 reported cases of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type 5. Detailed information related to developmental history and key time to event measures was collected. RESULTS: Within this cohort, there were 19 males. Most individuals were molecularly diagnosed by whole-exome testing. Overall 10 novel variants were identified across 11 subjects. All individuals were affected by developmental delay, most prominently in verbal skills. Most individuals experienced a decline in motor and cognitive skills. Although most individuals were affected by seizures, the spectrum ranged from provoked seizures to intractable epilepsy. The imaging findings varied as well, often evolving over time. The classic iron accumulation in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra was noted in half of our cohort and was associated with older age of image acquisition, whereas myelination abnormalities were associated with younger age. CONCLUSIONS: WDR45 mutations lead to a progressive and evolving disorder whose diagnosis is often delayed. Developmental delay and seizures predominate in early childhood, followed by a progressive decline of neurological function. There is variable expressivity in the clinical phenotypes of individuals with WDR45 mutations, suggesting that this gene should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of children with myelination abnormalities, iron deposition, developmental delay, and epilepsy depending on the age at evaluation.


Subject(s)
Carrier Proteins/genetics , Demyelinating Diseases , Developmental Disabilities , Epilepsy , Iron Metabolism Disorders , Neuroaxonal Dystrophies , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Demyelinating Diseases/diagnosis , Demyelinating Diseases/etiology , Demyelinating Diseases/genetics , Demyelinating Diseases/physiopathology , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Developmental Disabilities/etiology , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Developmental Disabilities/physiopathology , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Epilepsy/etiology , Epilepsy/genetics , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Iron Metabolism Disorders/complications , Iron Metabolism Disorders/diagnosis , Iron Metabolism Disorders/genetics , Iron Metabolism Disorders/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Neuroaxonal Dystrophies/complications , Neuroaxonal Dystrophies/diagnosis , Neuroaxonal Dystrophies/genetics , Neuroaxonal Dystrophies/physiopathology , Phenotype , Exome Sequencing , Young Adult
10.
Ann Neurol ; 88(2): 264-273, 2020 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32342562

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Genome sequencing (GS) is promising for unsolved leukodystrophies, but its efficacy has not been prospectively studied. METHODS: A prospective time-delayed crossover design trial of GS to assess the efficacy of GS as a first-line diagnostic tool for genetic white matter disorders took place between December 1, 2015 and September 27, 2017. Patients were randomized to receive GS immediately with concurrent standard of care (SoC) testing, or to receive SoC testing for 4 months followed by GS. RESULTS: Thirty-four individuals were assessed at interim review. The genetic origin of 2 patient's leukoencephalopathy was resolved before randomization. Nine patients were stratified to the immediate intervention group and 23 patients to the delayed-GS arm. The efficacy of GS was significant relative to SoC in the immediate (5/9 [56%] vs 0/9 [0%]; Wild-Seber, p < 0.005) and delayed (control) arms (14/23 [61%] vs 5/23 [22%]; Wild-Seber, p < 0.005). The time to diagnosis was significantly shorter in the immediate-GS group (log-rank test, p = 0.04). The overall diagnostic efficacy of combined GS and SoC approaches was 26 of 34 (76.5%, 95% confidence interval = 58.8-89.3%) in <4 months, greater than historical norms of <50% over 5 years. Owing to loss of clinical equipoise, the trial design was altered to a single-arm observational study. INTERPRETATION: In this study, first-line GS provided earlier and greater diagnostic efficacy in white matter disorders. We provide an evidence-based diagnostic testing algorithm to enable appropriate clinical GS utilization in this population. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:264-273.


Subject(s)
Leukoencephalopathies/diagnosis , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Over Studies , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Prospective Studies , White Matter/pathology
11.
Ann Clin Transl Neurol ; 7(1): 144-152, 2020 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31912665

ABSTRACT

Genetic white matter disorders have heterogeneous etiologies and overlapping clinical presentations. We performed a study of the diagnostic efficacy of genome sequencing in 41 unsolved cases with prior exome sequencing, resolving an additional 14 from an historical cohort (n = 191). Reanalysis in the context of novel disease-associated genes and improved variant curation and annotation resolved 64% of cases. The remaining diagnoses were directly attributable to genome sequencing, including cases with small and large copy number variants (CNVs) and variants in deep intronic and technically difficult regions. Genome sequencing, in combination with other methodologies, achieved a diagnostic yield of 85% in this retrospective cohort.


Subject(s)
Leukoencephalopathies/diagnosis , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Registries , Whole Genome Sequencing , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/pathology , Male , Pedigree
12.
Am J Hum Genet ; 104(5): 925-935, 2019 05 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30982609

ABSTRACT

Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) plays key roles in regulating development and function of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, including microglia and osteoclasts. Mono-allelic mutations of CSF1R are known to cause hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we report seven affected individuals from three unrelated families who had bi-allelic CSF1R mutations. In addition to early-onset HDLS-like neurological disorders, they had brain malformations and skeletal dysplasia compatible to dysosteosclerosis (DOS) or Pyle disease. We identified five CSF1R mutations that were homozygous or compound heterozygous in these affected individuals. Two of them were deep intronic mutations resulting in abnormal inclusion of intron sequences in the mRNA. Compared with Csf1r-null mice, the skeletal and neural phenotypes of the affected individuals appeared milder and variable, suggesting that at least one of the mutations in each affected individual is hypomorphic. Our results characterized a unique human skeletal phenotype caused by CSF1R deficiency and implied that bi-allelic CSF1R mutations cause a spectrum of neurological and skeletal disorders, probably depending on the residual CSF1R function.


Subject(s)
Brain/abnormalities , Leukoencephalopathies/etiology , Mutation , Osteochondrodysplasias/etiology , Osteosclerosis/etiology , Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Alleles , Animals , Brain/metabolism , Brain/pathology , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/pathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Osteochondrodysplasias/pathology , Osteosclerosis/pathology , Phenotype , Receptors, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/physiology , Young Adult
13.
J Child Neurol ; 33(10): 642-650, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29882456

ABSTRACT

Leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies are a heterogeneous group of heritable disorders that affect the glial-axonal unit. As more patients with unsolved leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies undergo next generation sequencing, causative mutations in genes leading to central hypomyelination are being identified. Two such individuals presented with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy, and central hypomyelination with early respiratory failure. Whole exome sequencing identified biallelic mutations in the CNTNAP1 gene: homozygous c.1163G>C (p.Arg388Pro) and compound heterozygous c.967T>C (p.Cys323Arg) and c.319C>T (p.Arg107*). Sural nerve and quadriceps muscle biopsies demonstrated progressive, severe onion bulb and axonal pathology. By ultrastructural evaluation, septate axoglial paranodal junctions were absent from nodes of Ranvier. Serial brain magnetic resonance images revealed hypomyelination, progressive atrophy, and reduced diffusion in the globus pallidus in both patients. These 2 families illustrate severe progressive peripheral demyelinating neuropathy due to the absence of septate paranodal junctions and central hypomyelination with neurodegeneration in CNTNAP1-associated arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.


Subject(s)
Arthrogryposis/genetics , Axons/pathology , Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/genetics , Demyelinating Diseases/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Ranvier's Nodes/pathology , Arthrogryposis/complications , Arthrogryposis/diagnostic imaging , Axons/ultrastructure , Child , Demyelinating Diseases/complications , Demyelinating Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Neuroglia/pathology , Neuroglia/ultrastructure , Ranvier's Nodes/ultrastructure
14.
Pediatr Neurol ; 84: 21-26, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29859719

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We attempted to characterize the health-related quality of life in patients with genetically determined leukoencephalopathies as it relates to the severity of clinical features and the presence or absence of a precise molecular diagnosis. METHODS: Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory model (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Self- and Proxy-reports) on 59 patients diagnosed with genetically determined leukoencephalopathies. In total, 38 male and 21 female patients ranging from one to 32 years of age (mean nine years), as well as their parents, completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory health-related quality of life measures. In addition, participants completed detailed standardized clinical assessments or questionnaires. The correlation between health-related quality of life results and the severity of the clinical features, as well as the presence or absence of a molecular diagnosis, were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with more severe clinical features showed statistically significant lower total Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores. More specifically, lower health-related quality of life was noted in children with sialorrhea, gastrostomy, and dystonia and in children who use a wheelchair. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more severe clinical features experience a lower quality of life. Our study further highlights the importance of addressing both physical and psychosocial issues and discussing perception of quality of life with both parents and children. A larger multicenter prospective study will be needed to further define the burden of these diseases and to identify modifiable factors.


Subject(s)
Leukoencephalopathies , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Leukoencephalopathies/physiopathology , Leukoencephalopathies/psychology , Male , Quality of Life/psychology , Severity of Illness Index , Young Adult
15.
Am J Med Genet A ; 176(6): 1443-1448, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29696782

ABSTRACT

Early-onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEEs) are a genetically heterogeneous collection of severe epilepsies often associated with psychomotor regression. Mutations in SZT2, a known seizure threshold regulator gene, are a newly identified cause of EOEE. We present an individual with EOEE, macrocephaly, and developmental regression with compound heterozygous mutations in SZT2 as identified by whole exome sequencing. Serial imaging characterized the novel finding of progressive loss of central myelination. This case expands our clinical understanding of the SZT2-phenotype and emphasizes the role of this gene in the diagnostic investigation for EOEE and leukoencephalopathies.


Subject(s)
Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Mutation , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Spasms, Infantile/genetics , Amino Acid Transport Systems, Acidic/deficiency , Amino Acid Transport Systems, Acidic/genetics , Antiporters/deficiency , Antiporters/genetics , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Female , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/etiology , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/genetics , Heterozygote , Humans , Infant , Leukoencephalopathies/diagnostic imaging , Leukoencephalopathies/etiology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Megalencephaly/diagnostic imaging , Megalencephaly/genetics , Mitochondrial Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Mitochondrial Diseases/etiology , Mitochondrial Diseases/genetics , Psychomotor Disorders/diagnostic imaging , Psychomotor Disorders/etiology , Psychomotor Disorders/genetics , Spasms, Infantile/diagnostic imaging , Spasms, Infantile/etiology
16.
Mol Genet Metab ; 122(1-2): 18-32, 2017 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28863857

ABSTRACT

Leukodystrophies are a broad class of genetic disorders that result in disruption or destruction of central myelination. Although the mechanisms underlying these disorders are heterogeneous, there are many common symptoms that affect patients irrespective of the genetic diagnosis. The comfort and quality of life of these children is a primary goal that can complement efforts directed at curative therapies. Contained within this report is a systems-based approach to management of complications that result from leukodystrophies. We discuss the initial evaluation, identification of common medical issues, and management options to establish a comprehensive, standardized care approach. We will also address clinical topics relevant to select leukodystrophies, such as gallbladder pathology and adrenal insufficiency. The recommendations within this review rely on existing studies and consensus opinions and underscore the need for future research on evidence-based outcomes to better treat the manifestations of this unique set of genetic disorders.


Subject(s)
Demyelinating Diseases/therapy , Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases/therapy , Leukoencephalopathies/therapy , Lysosomal Storage Diseases/prevention & control , Lysosomal Storage Diseases/therapy , Adrenal Insufficiency/therapy , Adult , Child , Demyelinating Diseases/congenital , Female , Gallbladder/pathology , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/congenital , Male , Quality of Life
17.
Neurogenetics ; 18(4): 185-194, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28842795

ABSTRACT

An X-linked condition characterized by the combination of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy and spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (H-SMD) has been observed in only four families, with linkage to Xq25-27, and recent genetic characterization in two families with a common AIFM1 mutation. In our study, 12 patients (6 families) with H-SMD were identified and underwent comprehensive assessment accompanied by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Pedigree analysis in all families was consistent with X-linked recessive inheritance. Presentation typically occurred between 12 and 36 months. In addition to the two disease-defining features of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia and hypomyelination on MRI, common clinical signs and symptoms included motor deterioration, spasticity, tremor, ataxia, dysarthria, cognitive defects, pulmonary hypertension, nystagmus, and vision loss due to retinopathy. The course of the disease was slowly progressive. All patients had maternally inherited or de novo mutations in or near exon 7 of AIFM1, within a region of 70 bp, including synonymous and intronic changes. AIFM1 mutations have previously been associated with neurologic presentations as varied as intellectual disability, hearing loss, neuropathy, and striatal necrosis, while AIFM1 mutations in this small region present with a distinct phenotype implicating bone. Analysis of cell lines derived from four patients identified significant reductions in AIFM1 mRNA and protein levels in osteoblasts. We hypothesize that AIFM1 functions in bone metabolism and myelination and is responsible for the unique phenotype in this condition.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis Inducing Factor/genetics , Genes, X-Linked/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Mutation/genetics , Humans , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Male , Myelin Sheath/genetics , Myelin Sheath/metabolism , Osteochondrodysplasias/genetics , Pedigree , Phenotype , Sequence Analysis, DNA
18.
Pediatr Neurol ; 66: 59-62, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27843092

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leukoencephalopathy with temporal lobe cysts may be associated with monogenetic conditions such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome or RNASET2 mutations and with congenital infections such as cytomegalovirus. In view of the fact that congenital cytomegalovirus is difficult to confirm outside the neonatal period, excluding a Mendelian disorder is extremely relevant, changing family planning and medical management in affected families. We performed diagnostic testing in individuals with leukoencephalopathy with temporal lobe cysts without a definitive diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. METHODS: We reviewed a large-scale biorepository of patients with unsolved leukodystrophies and identified two individuals with required for meiotic nuclear division 1 (RMND1) mutations and similar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, including temporal lobe cysts. Ten additional subjects with confirmed RMND1 mutations were identified as part of a separate disease specific cohort. Brain MRIs from all 12 individuals were reviewed for common neuroradiological features. RESULTS: MRI features in RMND1 mutations included temporal lobe swelling, with rarefaction and cystic evolution, enlarged tips of the temporal lobes, and multifocal subcortical white matter changes with confluent periatrial T2 signal hyperintensity. A combination of these features was present in ten of the 12 individuals reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of reported individuals with RMND1 mutations, a clinically recognizable phenotype of leukoencephalopathy with temporal lobe swelling, rarefaction, and cystic changes has emerged in a subset of individuals. Careful clinical phenotyping, including for lactic acidosis, deafness, and severe muscle involvement seen in RMND1 mutation positive individuals, and MRI pattern recognition will be important in differentiating these patients from children with congenital infections like cytomegalovirus.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cytomegalovirus Infections/congenital , Deafness/genetics , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Cysts/diagnostic imaging , Cytomegalovirus Infections/diagnostic imaging , Cytomegalovirus Infections/genetics , Deafness/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Infant , Leukoencephalopathies/diagnostic imaging , Mutation , Phenotype , Temporal Lobe/diagnostic imaging
19.
J Med Genet ; 54(5): 330-337, 2017 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27799409

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acyl-CoA binding domain containing protein 5 (ACBD5) is a peroxisomal membrane protein with a cytosolic acyl-CoA binding domain. Because of its acyl-CoA binding domain, ACBD5 has been assumed to function as an intracellular carrier of acyl-CoA esters. In addition, a role for ACBD5 in pexophagy has been suggested. However, the precise role of ACBD5 in peroxisomal metabolism and/or functioning has not yet been established. Previously, a genetic ACBD5 deficiency was identified in three siblings with retinal dystrophy and white matter disease. We identified a pathogenic mutation in ACBD5 in another patient and studied the consequences of the ACBD5 defect in patient material and in ACBD5-deficient HeLa cells to uncover this role. METHODS: We studied a girl who presented with progressive leukodystrophy, syndromic cleft palate, ataxia and retinal dystrophy. We performed biochemical, cell biological and molecular studies in patient material and in ACBD5-deficient HeLa cells generated by CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. RESULTS: We identified a homozygous deleterious indel mutation in ACBD5, leading to complete loss of ACBD5 protein in the patient. Our studies showed that ACBD5 deficiency leads to accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) due to impaired peroxisomal ß-oxidation. No effect on pexophagy was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigations strongly suggest that ACBD5 plays an important role in sequestering C26-CoA in the cytosol and thereby facilitates transport into the peroxisome and subsequent ß-oxidation. Accordingly, ACBD5 deficiency is a novel single peroxisomal enzyme deficiency caused by impaired VLCFA metabolism, leading to retinal dystrophy and white matter disease.


Subject(s)
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/deficiency , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/deficiency , Peroxisomes/metabolism , Acyl Coenzyme A/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Autophagy , Child, Preschool , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Female , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Genetic Complementation Test , HeLa Cells , Humans , Infant , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Skin/pathology
20.
Ann Neurol ; 79(6): 1031-1037, 2016 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27159321

ABSTRACT

Here we report whole exome sequencing (WES) on a cohort of 71 patients with persistently unresolved white matter abnormalities with a suspected diagnosis of leukodystrophy or genetic leukoencephalopathy. WES analyses were performed on trio, or greater, family groups. Diagnostic pathogenic variants were identified in 35% (25 of 71) of patients. Potentially pathogenic variants were identified in clinically relevant genes in a further 7% (5 of 71) of cases, giving a total yield of clinical diagnoses in 42% of individuals. These findings provide evidence that WES can substantially decrease the number of unresolved white matter cases. Ann Neurol 2016;79:1031-1037.


Subject(s)
DNA Mutational Analysis , Exome/genetics , Leukoencephalopathies/diagnosis , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , White Matter/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Leukoencephalopathies/pathology , Male , Mutation , Young Adult
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