The Genetic Basis of the First Patient with Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch Syndrome in the Russian Federation.

Bi-allelic pathogenic variations within POLR3A have been associated with a spectrum of hereditary disorders. Among these, a less frequently observed condition is Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome (WRS), also known as neonatal progeroid syndrome. This syndrome typically manifests neonatally and is characterized by growth retardation, evident generalized lipodystrophy with distinctively localized fat accumulations, sparse scalp hair, and atypical facial features. Our objective was to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome (WRS). In this study, we present a clinical case of a 7-year-old female patient diagnosed with WRS. Utilizing whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified a novel missense variant c.3677T>C (p.Leu1226Pro) in the POLR3A gene (NM_007055.4) alongside two cis intronic variants c.1909+22G>A and c.3337-11T>C. Via the analysis of mRNA derived from fibroblasts, we reconfirmed the splicing-affecting nature of the c.3337-11T>C variant. Furthermore, our investigation led to the reclassification of the c.3677T>C (p.Leu1226Pro) variant as a likely pathogenic variant. Therefore, this is the first case demonstrating the molecular genetics of a patient with Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome from the Russian Federation. A limited number of clinical cases have been documented until this moment; therefore, broadening the linkage between phenotype and molecular changes in the POLR3A gene will significantly contribute to the comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of POLR3A-related disorders.

Blood ACE Phenotyping for Personalized Medicine: Revelation of Patients with Conformationally Altered ACE.

Background: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) metabolizes a number of important peptides participating in blood pressure regulation and vascular remodeling. Elevated blood ACE is a marker for granulomatous diseases and elevated ACE expression in tissues is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective and Methodology: We applied a novel approach -ACE phenotyping-to find a reason for conformationally impaired ACE in the blood of one particular donor. Similar conformationally altered ACEs were detected previously in 2-4% of the healthy population and in up to 20% of patients with uremia, and were characterized by significant increase in the rate of angiotensin I hydrolysis. Principal findings: This donor has (1) significantly increased level of endogenous ACE inhibitor in plasma with MW less than 1000; (2) increased activity toward angiotensin I; (3) M71V mutation in ABCG2 (membrane transporter for more than 200 compounds, including bilirubin). We hypothesize that this patient may also have the decreased level of free bilirubin in plasma, which normally binds to the N domain of ACE. Analysis of the local conformation of ACE in plasma of patients with Gilbert and Crigler-Najjar syndromes allowed us to speculate that binding of mAbs 1G12 and 6A12 to plasma ACE could be a natural sensor for estimation of free bilirubin level in plasma. Totally, 235 human plasma/sera samples were screened for conformational changes in soluble ACE. Conclusions/Significance: ACE phenotyping of plasma samples allows us to identify individuals with conformationally altered ACE. This type of screening has clinical significance because this conformationally altered ACE could not only result in the enhancement of the level of angiotensin II but could also serve as an indicator of free bilirubin levels.

The Presentation of Two Unrelated Clinical Cases from the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania with the Same Previously Undescribed Variant in the COL6A2 Gene.

Here, we described three affected boys from two unrelated families of Ossetian-Digor origin from the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania who were admitted to the Research Centre for Medical Genetics with unspecified muscular dystrophy. High-throughput sequencing was performed and revealed two novel frameshift variants in the COL6A2 gene (NM_001849.3) in a heterozygous state each in both cases: c.508_535delinsCTGTGG and c.1659_1660del (case 1) and c.1689del and c.1659_1660del (case 2). In two cases, the same nucleotide variant in the COL6A2 gene (c.1659_1660del) was observed. We have suggested that the variant c.1659_1660del may be common in the Ossetian-Digor population because two analyzed families have the same ancestry from the same subethnic group of Ossetians). The screening for an asymptomatic carriage of the nucleotide variant c.1659_1660del in 54 healthy donors from Ossetian-Digor population revealed that the estimated carrier frequency is 0.0093 (CI: 0.0002-0.0505), which is high for healthy carriers of the pathogenic variant. Molecular genetic, anamnestic data and clinical examination results allowed us to diagnose Ullrich muscular dystrophy in those affected boys. Genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity of muscular dystrophies complicate diagnosis. It is important to make a differential diagnosis of such conditions and use HTS methods to determine the most accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Manifestations of Various Molecular Cytogenetic Variants of Eight Cases of "8p Inverted Duplication/Deletion Syndrome".

Inverted duplication syndrome with an adjacent terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 8-inv dup del(8p)-is a rare complex structural chromosomal rearrangement with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Molecular cytogenetic variants of chromosomal imbalance depend on the mechanism of rearrangement formation. We analyzed the clinical-genetic and molecular cytogenetic characteristics of the 8p inverted duplication/deletion syndrome, as well as the genotype-phenotype correlation in eight unrelated cases with the rearrangement of inv dup del(8p). The main clinical manifestations in all cases are psychomotor and language delay, muscle hypotonia, and dysmorphic facial features. Malformations of the central nervous system, such as corpus callosum agenesis, were found in five cases. Seizures were reported in only one case. We found that the cause of the formation of the rearrangement was generally ectopic recombination (seven out of eight cases) and this was due to U-type exchange in only one case. Depending on the mechanism of formation, the characteristics of the genomic imbalance were different, which made it possible to identify two molecular cytogenetic variants in the cases we describe here. No association between molecular cytogenetic variants and clinical manifestations was found.

A novel mutation in the PEX26 gene in a family from Dagestan with members affected by Zellweger spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders that affect multiple organ systems. Approximately 80% of PBD patients are classifiedin the Zellweger syndrome spectrum, which is generally caused by mutations in the PEX1, PEX6, PEX10, PEX12, or PEX26 genes. METHODS: We present the clinical characteristics of three male members with cholestatic hepatopathy and developmental delay. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze 52 genes responsible for hereditary diseases with cholestasis. The variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples of 537 newborns from Dagestan were tested for the presence of that mutation. The frequency of the mutant allele in the population of Dagestan wasestimated using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. RESULTS: Symptoms of disease manifested from the first months of life as severe hepatic dysfunction and developmental delay. Physical examination showed jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, coagulopathy, and normal or slightly elevated level of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), similar to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. The level of C26 and ratio of C26/C22 in plasma were increased. A nucleotide variant in the PEX26 gene was identified: NM_017929.6:c.347 T>A, p.(Leu116Gln) in a homozygous state. Parents and healthy siblings were heterozygous for the mutant allele. This variant was not described in the Database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (dbSNP), it is not registered in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) v. 2020.1. The frequency of the mutant allele in the population of Dagestan is estimated to be less than 0.000931 (99% CI, 0.000929-0.000934). CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical cases from Dagestan describe the phenotype associated with the c.347 T>A,p.(Leu116Gln), variant in the PEX26 gene. We show that the onset of the clinical picture in patients with Zellweger syndrome spectrum could start with severe hepatic dysfunction and cholestasis. We suggest that biochemical screening of PBD in infants with cholestasis is necessary.

Genotype Phenotype Correlation and Variability in Microcephaly Associated With Chorioretinopathy or Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the natural history and phenotypic overlap of patients with microcephaly and a chorioretinopathy or familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) ocular phenotype caused by mutations in KIF11, TUBGCP4, or TUBGCP6. Methods: Patients diagnosed with congenital microcephaly and chorioretinopathy or FEVR were included. Molecular investigations consisted of targeted genetic sequencing. Data from medical records, ophthalmologic examination and imaging, electroretinography, and visual fields were analyzed for systemic and ophthalmic features and evidence of posterior segment disease progression. Results: Twelve patients from 9 families were included and had a median of 8 years of follow-up. Nine patients had KIF11 variants, two had heterozygous TUBGCP6 variants, and one had heterozygous variants in TUBGCP4. All patients had reduced visual function and multiple individuals and families showed features of both chorioretinopathy and FEVR. Progression of posterior segment disease was highly variable, with some degree of increased atrophy of the macula or peripheral retina or increased vitreoretinal traction observed in 9 of 12 patients. Conclusions: Microcephaly due to mutations in KIF11, TUBGCP4, or TUBGCP6 can be associated with retinal disease on a spectrum from chorioretinal atrophy to FEVR-like posterior segment changes. Visually significant disease progression can occur and patients should be monitored closely by a team experienced in ophthalmic genetics.

Pathomechanisms of a CLCN1 Mutation Found in a Russian Family Suffering From Becker's Myotonia.

Objective: Myotonia congenita (MC) is a rare muscle disease characterized by sarcolemma over-excitability inducing skeletal muscle stiffness. It can be inherited either as an autosomal dominant (Thomsen's disease) or an autosomal recessive (Becker's disease) trait. Both types are caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CLCN1 gene, encoding for ClC-1 chloride channel. We found a ClC-1 mutation, p.G411C, identified in Russian patients who suffered from a severe form of Becker's disease. The purpose of this study was to provide a solid correlation between G411C dysfunction and clinical symptoms in the affected patient. Methods: We provide clinical and genetic information of the proband kindred. Functional studies include patch-clamp electrophysiology, biotinylation assay, western blot analysis, and confocal imaging of G411C and wild-type ClC-1 channels expressed in HEK293T cells. Results: The G411C mutation dramatically abolished chloride currents in transfected HEK cells. Biochemical experiments revealed that the majority of G411C mutant channels did not reach the plasma membrane but remained trapped in the cytoplasm. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduced the degradation rate of G411C mutant channels, leading to their expression at the plasma membrane. However, despite an increase in cell surface expression, no significant chloride current was recorded in the G411C-transfected cell treated with MG132, suggesting that this mutation produces non-functional ClC-1 chloride channels. Conclusion: These results suggest that the molecular pathophysiology of G411C is linked to a reduced plasma membrane expression and biophysical dysfunction of mutant channels, likely due to a misfolding defect. Chloride current abolition confirms that the mutation is responsible for the clinical phenotype.

Epidemiology of Hereditary Diseases in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.

Prevalence and allelic heterogeneity of hereditary diseases (HDs) could vary significantly in different human populations. Current knowledge of HDs distribution in populations is generally limited to either European data or analyses of isolated populations which were performed several decades ago. Thus, an acknowledgement of the HDs prevalence in different modern open populations is important. The study presents the results of a genetic epidemiological study of hereditary diseases (HDs) in the population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR). Clinical screening of a population of 410,367 people for the identification of HDs was conducted. The population surveyed is represented by five major ethnic groups-Karachays, Russians, Circassians, Abazins, Nogais. The study of the populations was carried out in accordance with the proprietary protocol of genetic epidemiological examination designed to identify >3500 HDs easily diagnosed during clinical examination by qualified specialists specializing in the HDs. The protocol consists of the population genetic and medical genetic sections and is intended for comprehensive population analysis based on the data on different genetic systems, including the genes of HDs, DNA polymorphisms, demographic data collected during hospital-based survey. 8950 families (with 10,125 patients) with presumably the HDs were initially identified as a result of the survey and data collection through various sources of registration (from 1156 medical workers from 163 medical institutions). A diagnosis of hereditary pathology was established in 1849 patients (from 1295 families). Two hundred and thirty nosological forms were revealed (in 1857 patients from 1295 families). The total prevalence of HDs was 1:221. Differences between populations and ethnic groups were identified: 1:350 in Russians, 1:195 in Karachays, 1:199 in Circassians, 1:218 in Abazins, 1:135 in Nogais. Frequent diseases were determined, the presence of marked genetic heterogeneity was identified during the confirmatory DNA diagnosis. To explain the reasons for the differentiation of populations by load of HD, a correlation analysis was carried out between the FST (random inbreeding) in populations and HDs load values. This analysis showed genetic drift is probably one of the leading factors determining the differentiation of KChR populations by HDs load. For the first time, the size of the load and spectrum of HDs in the populations of the KChR are determined. We have demonstrated genetic drift to be one of the main factors of the population dynamics in studied population. A significant genetic heterogeneity of HDs, both allelic and locus, was revealed in KChR.

Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 4 with PNKP Common "Portuguese" and Novel Mutations in Two Belarusian Families.

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 4 (AOA4) is a rare autosomal recessive, PNKP -related disorder delineated in 2015 in Portugal. We diagnosed AOA4 by next generation sequencing (NGS) followed by Sanger's sequencing in three boys from two unrelated Belarusian families. In both families, one of the heterozygous PNKP mutations was c.1123G>T, common in Portuguese patients; biallelic mutations, c.1270_1283dup14 and c.1029+2T>C, respectively, were novel. These are the first reported AOA4 Slavic cases and the first with a "Portuguese" PNKP mutation outside Portugal. Distinction in two brothers was microcephaly but their disease was not severe in contrast to PNKP -related "microcephaly, seizures, and developmental delay" and reported cases with features of both phenotypes.

Study of the genetic load and diversity of hereditary diseases in the Russian population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.

The genetic load and diversity of monogenic hereditary diseases (HD) in the Russian population of Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KCHR), living in 10 administrative and municipal divisions, were studied. The total size of the population surveyed was 410,367 people, including 134,756 Russians. In total, 385 patients from 281 families were registered among Russians of KCHR. Genetic load of AD, AR, and X-linked diseases (3.01 ± 0.32, 1.98 ± 0.26, and 1.23 ± 0.29, respectively) are more than twice higher in cities and municipal centers than in corresponding rural regions (1.00 ± 0.10, 0.89 ± 0.09, and 0.42 ± 0.09, respectively). The diversity of HD was 96 nosological forms: 56 diseases with AD type of inheritance (193 patients from 126 families), 28 clinical forms with AR (152 patients out of 124 families) and 12 diseases with the X-linked type of inheritance (40 affected from 31 families). A comparative analysis of the diversity of AD and AR HD with the previously studied populations and ethnic groups of the European part of Russia (Russians of 7 regions, 5 peoples of the Volga-Ural region, and 5 populations of the North Caucasus) was conducted, showing that Russians in the KCHR preserved genetic load with other Russian populations and its difference from the same mutation pool of Karachays and Circassians.

Two novel COL6A3 mutations disrupt extracellular matrix formation and lead to myopathy from Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy spectrum.

Here we present a case report of collagen VI related myopathy in a patient, 8 y.o. boy, with intermediate phenotype between severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and milder Bethlem myopathy. Whole exome sequencing revealed two novel single nucleotide variants in COL6A3 gene: paternal p.Glu2402Ter, resulting in premature translation termination codon and degradation of mRNA from this allele probably due to nonsense-mediated decay, and maternal p.Arg1660Cys leading to amino-acid substitution in N2-terminal domain. COL6A3 expression analysis of proband's fibroblasts reveals functional homozygosity of the latter variant. Paternal fibroblasts showed only WT allele expression, which could lead to a reduction in mature transcript level, while maternal fibroblasts expressed both alleles. Functional assay of immunofluorescent staining of COL6A3 protein in fibroblasts culture reveals profound changes in COL6A3 localization and reduction of protein level in studied cultures when comparing with the controls. This study not only broadens the allelic spectrum of pathogenic COL6A3 variants in myopathy but also gives an additional support to Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy clinical continuum.

Primary microcephaly case from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic poses an additional support for microcephaly and Seckel syndrome spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Primary microcephaly represents an example of clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. Here we describe a case of primary microcephaly from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, which was initially diagnosed with Seckel syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: Clinical exome sequencing of the proband revealed a novel homozygous single nucleotide deletion in ASPM gene, c.1386delC, resulting in preterm termination codon. Population screening reveals allele frequency to be less than 0.005. Mutations in this gene were not previously associated with Seckel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our case represents an additional support for the clinical continuum between Seckel Syndrome and primary microcephaly.