GRID1/GluD1 homozygous variants linked to intellectual disability and spastic paraplegia impair mGlu1/5 receptor signaling and excitatory synapses.

The ionotropic glutamate delta receptor GluD1, encoded by the GRID1 gene, is involved in synapse formation, function, and plasticity. GluD1 does not bind glutamate, but instead cerebellin and D-serine, which allow the formation of trans-synaptic bridges, and trigger transmembrane signaling. Despite wide expression in the nervous system, pathogenic GRID1 variants have not been characterized in humans so far. We report homozygous missense GRID1 variants in five individuals from two unrelated consanguineous families presenting with intellectual disability and spastic paraplegia, without (p.Thr752Met) or with (p.Arg161His) diagnosis of glaucoma, a threefold phenotypic association whose genetic bases had not been elucidated previously. Molecular modeling and electrophysiological recordings indicated that Arg161His and Thr752Met mutations alter the hinge between GluD1 cerebellin and D-serine binding domains and the function of this latter domain, respectively. Expression, trafficking, physical interaction with metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1, and cerebellin binding of GluD1 mutants were not conspicuously altered. Conversely, upon expression in neurons of dissociated or organotypic slice cultures, we found that both GluD1 mutants hampered metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu1/5 signaling via Ca2+ and the ERK pathway and impaired dendrite morphology and excitatory synapse density. These results show that the clinical phenotypes are distinct entities segregating in the families as an autosomal recessive trait, and caused by pathophysiological effects of GluD1 mutants involving metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling and neuronal connectivity. Our findings unravel the importance of GluD1 receptor signaling in sensory, cognitive and motor functions of the human nervous system.

Bleeding phenotype and hemostatic evaluation by thrombin generation in children with Noonan syndrome: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the bleeding phenotype and to conduct a comprehensive hemostatic evaluation in individuals with Noonan syndrome (NS), a dominantly inherited disorder caused by pathogenic variants in genes associated with the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. METHODS: Children with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of NS underwent clinical evaluation, routine laboratory tests, platelet function testing, and thrombin generation (TG) assessment. RESULTS: The study included 24 children. The most frequently reported bleeding symptoms were easy bruising and epistaxis, while bleeding complications were observed in 15% of surgical procedures. Various hemostatic abnormalities were identified, including platelet dysfunction, von Willebrand disease, and clotting factor deficiencies. Abnormal platelet function was observed in 50% of the patients, and significantly lower TG parameters were found compared to controls. However, no significant correlation was observed between bleeding symptoms and TG results. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the bleeding diathesis in NS is multifactorial, involving both platelet dysfunction and deficiencies of plasma coagulation factors. The potential role of TG assay as an ancillary tool for predicting bleeding tendencies in individuals with NS undergoing surgery warrants further investigation.

Variants in SART3 cause a spliceosomopathy characterised by failure of testis development and neuronal defects.

Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T cells 3 (SART3) is an RNA-binding protein with numerous biological functions including recycling small nuclear RNAs to the spliceosome. Here, we identify recessive variants in SART3 in nine individuals presenting with intellectual disability, global developmental delay and a subset of brain anomalies, together with gonadal dysgenesis in 46,XY individuals. Knockdown of the Drosophila orthologue of SART3 reveals a conserved role in testicular and neuronal development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells carrying patient variants in SART3 show disruption to multiple signalling pathways, upregulation of spliceosome components and demonstrate aberrant gonadal and neuronal differentiation in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that bi-allelic SART3 variants underlie a spliceosomopathy which we tentatively propose be termed INDYGON syndrome (Intellectual disability, Neurodevelopmental defects and Developmental delay with 46,XY GONadal dysgenesis). Our findings will enable additional diagnoses and improved outcomes for individuals born with this condition.

Vici syndrome in Israel: Clinical and molecular insights.

Introduction: Vici Syndrome is a rare, severe, neurodevelopmental/neurodegenerative disorder with multi-systemic manifestations presenting in infancy. It is mainly characterized by global developmental delay, seizures, agenesis of the corpus callosum, hair and skin hypopigmentation, bilateral cataract, and varying degrees of immunodeficiency, among other features. Vici Syndrome is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in EPG5, resulting in impaired autophagy. Thus far, the condition has been reported in less than a hundred individuals. Objective and Methods: We aimed to characterize the clinical and molecular findings in individuals harboring biallelic EPG5 variants, recruited from four medical centers in Israel. Furthermore, we aimed to utilize a machine learning-based tool to assess facial features of Vici syndrome. Results: Eleven cases of Vici Syndrome from five unrelated families, one of which was diagnosed prenatally with subsequent termination of pregnancy, were recruited. A total of five disease causing variants were detected in EPG5: two novel: c.2554-5A>G and c.1461delC; and 3 previously reported: c.3447G>A, c.5993C>G, and c.1007A>G, the latter previously identified in several patients of Ashkenazi-Jewish (AJ) descent. Amongst 140,491 individuals screened by the Dor Yeshorim Program, we show that the c.1007A>G variant has an overall carrier frequency of 0.45% (1 in 224) among AJ individuals. Finally, based on two-dimensional facial photographs of individuals with Vici syndrome (n = 19), a composite facial mask was created using the DeepGestalt algorithm, illustrating facial features typical of this disorder. Conclusion: We report on ten children and one fetus from five unrelated families, affected with Vici syndrome, and describe prenatal and postnatal characteristics. Our findings contribute to the current knowledge regarding the molecular basis and phenotypic features of this rare syndrome. Additionally, the deep learning-based facial gestalt adds to the clinician's diagnostic toolbox and may aid in facilitating identification of affected individuals.

PPP2R1A neurodevelopmental disorder is associated with congenital heart defects.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates numerous biological processes. PPP2R1A encodes the scaffolding "Aα" subunit of PP2A. To date, nearly 40 patients have been previously reported with 19 different pathogenic PPP2R1A variants, with phenotypes including intellectual disability, developmental delay, epilepsy, infant agenesis/dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, and dysmorphic features. Apart from a single case, severe congenital heart defects (CHD) have not been described. We report four new unrelated individuals with pathogenic heterozygous PPP2R1A variants and CHD and model the crystal structure of several variants to investigate mechanisms of phenotype disparity. Individuals 1 and 2 have a previously described variant (c.548G>A, p.R183Q) and similar phenotypes with severe ventriculomegaly, agenesis/dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, and severe CHD. Individual 3 also has a recurrent variant (c.544C>T, p.R182W) and presented with agenesis of corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, mild pulmonic stenosis, and small patent foramen ovale. Individual 4 has a novel variant (c.536C>A, p.P179H), ventriculomegaly, and atrial septal defect. To conclude, we propose expansion of the phenotype of PPP2R1A neurodevelopmental disorder to include CHD. Further, the R183Q variant has now been described in three individuals, all with severe neurologic abnormalities, severe CHD, and early death suggesting that this variant may be particularly deleterious.

Refining the Phenotypic Spectrum of KMT5B-Associated Developmental Delay.

The role of lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) and demethylases (KDMs) in the regulation of chromatin modification is well-established. Recently, deleterious heterozygous variants in KMT5B were implicated in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism spectrum disorder. We describe three unrelated patients with global developmental delay (GDD) or ID, macrocephaly and additional features. Using whole exome sequencing, each of the probands was found to harbor a distinct de novo heterozygous disease-causing variant in KMT5B: c.541C > G (p.His181Asp); c.833A > T (p.Asn278Ile); or c.391_394delAAAG (p.Lys131GlufsTer6). We discuss herein their clinical presentations, and compare them to those of previously reported patients. Furthermore, using a three-dimensional computational model of the KMT5B protein, we demonstrate the predicted structural effects of the two missense variants. Our findings support the role of de novo missense and nonsense variants in KMT5B-associated GDD/ID, and suggest that this gene should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders accompanied by macrocephaly and/or overgrowth.

Germline variants in tumor suppressor FBXW7 lead to impaired ubiquitination and a neurodevelopmental syndrome.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are highly heterogenous conditions resulting from abnormalities of brain architecture and/or function. FBXW7 (F-box and WD-repeat-domain-containing 7), a recognized developmental regulator and tumor suppressor, has been shown to regulate cell-cycle progression and cell growth and survival by targeting substrates including CYCLIN E1/2 and NOTCH for degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. We used a genotype-first approach and global data-sharing platforms to identify 35 individuals harboring de novo and inherited FBXW7 germline monoallelic chromosomal deletions and nonsense, frameshift, splice-site, and missense variants associated with a neurodevelopmental syndrome. The FBXW7 neurodevelopmental syndrome is distinguished by global developmental delay, borderline to severe intellectual disability, hypotonia, and gastrointestinal issues. Brain imaging detailed variable underlying structural abnormalities affecting the cerebellum, corpus collosum, and white matter. A crystal-structure model of FBXW7 predicted that missense variants were clustered at the substrate-binding surface of the WD40 domain and that these might reduce FBXW7 substrate binding affinity. Expression of recombinant FBXW7 missense variants in cultured cells demonstrated impaired CYCLIN E1 and CYCLIN E2 turnover. Pan-neuronal knockdown of the Drosophila ortholog, archipelago, impaired learning and neuronal function. Collectively, the data presented herein provide compelling evidence of an F-Box protein-related, phenotypically variable neurodevelopmental disorder associated with monoallelic variants in FBXW7.

Cross-sectional Observations on the Natural History of Mucolipidosis Type IV.

Background and Objectives: Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is an ultra-rare lysosomal disorder initially described as a static neurodevelopmental condition. However, patient caregivers frequently report progressive muscular hypertonicity and functional decline. We evaluated a cohort of patients with MLIV to determine whether neurologic disability correlates with age. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, observational study of 26 patients with MLIV in the United States and Israel ranging in age from 2 to 40 years. Medical history was obtained from caregivers, and patients underwent a full neurologic examination. The Brief Assessment of Motor Function (BAMF), Gross Motor Function Classification System, and modified Ashworth scales were applied. Caregivers identified developmental skills on the Oregon Project for Visually Impaired and Blind Children checklist that their child had lost the ability to perform. Results: Three patients were clinically classified as mildly affected and the remaining 23 patients as typical, severely affected cases. Timing of first symptom onset ranged from 1.5 months to 8 years of age (median 7.25 months). Across typical patients, modified Ashworth scores demonstrated a positive age dependence illustrating worsening spasticity across the lifespan. Signs of extrapyramidal motor dysfunction were also qualitatively observed. In parallel, gross and fine motor function assessed with the BAMF and Gross Motor Function Classification System scales declined across age. All typical patients had restricted tongue mobility and lacked rotary jaw movement when chewing, but BAMF scores for deglutition declined only in the oldest patients. In contrast, scores for articulation were low in all patients and did not correlate with age. Finally, loss of developmental skills frequently occurred in early adolescence. Discussion: This cross-sectional natural history study of MLIV demonstrates worse motor function in older patients. These data support a neurodegenerative component of MLIV that manifests as developmental regression in the second decade of life. Whether the emergence of functional decline results from the cumulative, nonlinear interactions of steadily progressive neurodegenerative processes or reflects an inflection from impaired CNS development to degeneration is uncertain. However, understanding the relationship between CNS pathology and clinical course of disease will be imperative to guiding future interventional trials and optimizing patient care.

What Can We Learn from the Parents of Children Affected with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III-A in Israel?

Sanfilippo Syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III), is a group of autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorders leading to tissue accumulation of heparan sulfate. MPS III is caused by deficiency in one of 4 enzymes involved in lysosomal degradation of heparan sulfate. Based on the relevant enzyme deficiency, 4 types have been recognized. MPS III constitutes a progressive neurodegenerative and systemic disorder. Parents of children diagnosed with MPS III were interviewed using a retrospective questionnaire based on the known clinical manifestations of MPS III. Eight patients from 4 unrelated families of varied ethnic origin were included. All children were diagnosed with MPS type III-A. Average age at diagnosis was 6.1 years. The most common early clinical manifestations leading to parental suspicion of illness were speech delay and coarse facial features. All children were reported to have global developmental delay, sleep disorders, recurrent infections, hyperactivity, and decreased hearing. The time from first medical inquiry until diagnosis was over 2 years on average, consistent with the delay in diagnosis described in the literature. MPS III children frequently undergo early and repeated ear, nose and throat surgeries, thus we suggest that a high index of suspicion is warranted in relevant clinical circumstances.

A multidisciplinary nephrogenetic referral clinic for children and adults-diagnostic achievements and insights.

BACKGROUND: Genetic kidney diseases contribute a significant portion of kidney diseases in children and young adults. Nephrogenetics is a rapidly evolving subspecialty; however, in the clinical setting, increased use of genetic testing poses implementation challenges. Consequently, we established a national nephrogenetics clinic to apply a multidisciplinary model. METHODS: Patients were referred from different pediatric or adult nephrology units across the country if their primary nephrologist suspected an undiagnosed genetic kidney disease. We determined the diagnostic rate and observed the effect of diagnosis on medical care. We also discuss the requirements of a nephrogenetics clinic in terms of logistics, recommended indications for referral, and building a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: Over 24 months, genetic evaluation was completed for a total of 74 unrelated probands, with an age range of 10 days to 72 years. The most common phenotypes included congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract, nephrotic syndrome or unexplained proteinuria, nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis, tubulopathies, and unexplained kidney failure. Over 80% of patients were referred due to clinical suspicion of an undetermined underlying genetic diagnosis. A molecular diagnosis was reached in 42/74 probands, yielding a diagnostic rate of 57%. Of these, over 71% of diagnoses were made via next generation sequencing (gene panel or exome sequencing). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a substantial fraction of genetic kidney etiologies among previously undiagnosed individuals which influenced subsequent clinical management. Our results support that nephrogenetics, a rapidly evolving field, may benefit from well-defined multidisciplinary co-management administered by a designated team of nephrologist, geneticist, and bioinformatician. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Whole-exome sequencing reveals a monogenic cause in 56% of individuals with laterality disorders and associated congenital heart defects.

BACKGROUND: The molecular basis of heterotaxy and congenital heart malformations associated with disruption of left-right asymmetry is broad and heterogenous, with over 25 genes implicated in its pathogenesis thus far. OBJECTIVE: We sought to elucidate the molecular basis of laterality disorders and associated congenital heart defects in a cohort of 30 unrelated probands of Arab-Muslim descent, using next-generation sequencing techniques. METHODS: Detailed clinical phenotyping followed by whole-exome sequencing (WES) was pursued for each of the probands and their parents (when available). Sanger sequencing was used for segregation analysis of disease-causing mutations in the families. RESULTS: Using WES, we reached a molecular diagnosis for 17 of the 30 probands (56.7%). Genes known to be associated with heterotaxy and/or primary ciliary dyskinesia, in which homozygous pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected, included CFAP53 (CCDC11), CFAP298 (C21orf59), CFAP300, LRRC6, GDF1, DNAAF1, DNAH5, CCDC39, CCDC40, PKD1L1 and TTC25. Additionally, we detected a homozygous disease causing mutation in DAND5, as a novel recessive monogenic cause for heterotaxy in humans. Three additional probands were found to harbour variants of uncertain significance. These included variants in DNAH6, HYDIN, CELSR1 and CFAP46. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to the current knowledge regarding monogenic causes of heterotaxy and its associated congenital heart defects and underscore the role of next-generation sequencing techniques in the diagnostic workup of such patients, and especially among consanguineous families.

Broadening the phenotype of LRRK1 mutations - Features of malignant osteopetrosis and optic nerve atrophy with intrafamilial variable expressivity.

Osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia is a rare disorder which features osteosclerosis involving long bones, vertebrae, ribs, clavicles and the iliac crests. Additional features which have variably been reported include developmental delay, short stature, hypotonia and seizures. The disease is caused by pathogenic variants in the LRRK1 gene, and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. We report three siblings (ages 14 years, 11.5 years and 0.9 years), born to consanguineous parents of Arab-Muslim descent, harboring a homozygous pathogenic variant in the LRRK1 gene (Chr15:101068759 AGGGGCT>A, c.5965_5970del TGGGGC, p.Trp1989Gly1990del). The patients displayed variable degrees of skeletal dysplasia, with the oldest sibling most severely affected, and the youngest infant with minor skeletal involvement. Two of the siblings exhibited normal neurological development, while the youngest sibling exhibited global developmental delay. None of the siblings had seizures; however, two of them exhibited nystagmus. Optic nerve involvement has not previously been reported to be part of the clinical spectrum of this disease. The degree of optic nerve involvement did not correlate with the degree of skeletal involvement. This indicates both intra-familial variable expressivity along with a broadening of the spectrum of LRRK1-associated disease. These findings warrant reconsideration of therapeutic strategies, including the possibility of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as is performed in cases of malignant and intermediate forms of osteopetrosis.

Clinical impact of exome sequencing in the setting of a general pediatric ward for hospitalized children with suspected genetic disorders.

Background: Genetic conditions contribute a significant portion of disease etiologies in children admitted to general pediatric wards worldwide. While exome sequencing (ES) has improved clinical diagnosis and management over a variety of pediatric subspecialties, it is not yet routinely used by general pediatric hospitalists. We aim to investigate the impact of exome sequencing in sequencing-naive children suspected of having monogenic disorders while receiving inpatient care. Methods: We prospectively employed exome sequencing in children admitted to the general pediatric inpatient service at a large tertiary medical center in Israel. Genetic analysis was triggered by general and/or subspecialist pediatricians who were part of the primary inpatient team. We determined the diagnostic yield among children who were referred for exome sequencing and observed the effects of genetic diagnosis on medical care. Results: A total of fifty probands were evaluated and exome sequenced during the study period. The most common phenotypes included were neurodevelopmental (56%), gastrointestinal (34%), and congenital cardiac anomalies (24%). A molecular diagnosis was reached in 38% of patients. Among seven patients (37%), the molecular genetic diagnosis influenced subsequent clinical management already during admission or shortly following discharge. Conclusion: We identified a significant fraction of genetic etiologies among undiagnosed children admitted to the general pediatric ward. Our results support that early application of exome sequencing may be maximized by pediatric hospitalists' high index of suspicion for an underlying genetic etiology, prompting an in-house genetic evaluation. This framework should include a multidisciplinary co-management approach of the primary care team working alongside with subspecialties, geneticists and bioinformaticians.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with lysosomal storage disorders in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) comprise of 70 inherited inborn errors of metabolism. Affected individuals suffer from multi-systemic involvement with variable severity and rate of disease progression between different diseases. Some of the LSDs have established treatments, whether parenteral or oral therapies. The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic together with the lockdown on the wellbeing and medical management of patients with rare diseases, such as LSDs, is widely unknown. Herein, we describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated mandatory home lockdown on patients with LSDs in Israel. RESULTS: We present a prospective multi-center questionnaire study including 48 LSD patients from four medical centers in Israel. The study objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on individuals with LSDs in Israel, as reported by their caregivers. Secondary objectives were to assess the morbidity from SARS CoV-2 in LSD patients and the impact of changes in mood and behavior on compliance to treatment and to assess the relationship between changes in mood to changes in cognition and behavior. Thirty one of 38 patients (82%) who received any kind of regular treatment did not miss treatments. Among patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the in-hospital setting, 5 patients (20%) experienced treatment disruptions. Four patients had tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 virus infection by PCR. Seven out of the 48 patients (14%) described mood changes with cognitive and motor deterioration during the home quarantine. CONCLUSIONS: We observed high rates of treatment adherence and low morbidity through the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with LSDs in Israel. LSDs patients can be a model for patients with complex chronic diseases requiring routine treatments and surveillance during a pandemic or other disruption of daily routine.

A single center experience with publicly funded clinical exome sequencing for neurodevelopmental disorders or multiple congenital anomalies.

Exome sequencing (ES) is an important diagnostic tool for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and/or multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). However, the cost of ES limits the test's accessibility for many patients. We evaluated the yield of publicly funded clinical ES, performed at a tertiary center in Israel, over a 3-year period (2018-2020). Probands presented with (1) moderate-to-profound global developmental delay (GDD)/intellectual disability (ID); or (2) mild GDD/ID with epilepsy or congenital anomaly; and/or (3) MCA. Subjects with normal chromosomal microarray analysis who met inclusion criteria were included, totaling 280 consecutive cases. Trio ES (proband and parents) was the default option. In 252 cases (90.0%), indication of NDD was noted. Most probands were males (62.9%), and their mean age at ES submission was 9.3 years (range 1 month to 51 years). Molecular diagnosis was reached in 109 probands (38.9%), mainly due to de novo variants (91/109, 83.5%). Disease-causing variants were identified in 92 genes, 15 of which were implicated in more than a single case. Male sex, families with multiple-affected members and premature birth were significantly associated with lower ES yield (p < 0.05). Other factors, including MCA and coexistence of epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, microcephaly or abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, were not associated with the yield. To conclude, our findings support the utility of clinical ES in a real-world setting, as part of a publicly funded genetic workup for individuals with GDD/ID and/or MCA.

Kidney and urinary tract findings among patients with Kabuki (make-up) syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder caused mainly by de novo pathogenic variants in KMT2D or KDM6A, characterized by recognizable facial features, intellectual disability, and multi-systemic involvement, including short stature, microcephaly, hearing loss, cardiac defects, and additional congenital anomalies. While congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) are known manifestations of this disorder, studies focused solely on kidney involvement are scarce, and its prevalence is most likely underestimated. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and nature of CAKUT and other renal manifestations, in a cohort of KS patients followed at a single tertiary center. METHODS: All patients who were evaluated at the Sheba Medical Center and received a clinical and/or molecular diagnosis of KS, over a 16-year period (2004-2020), were included. Digital medical records, including ultrasound studies, were reviewed by a team of pediatric nephrologists. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included in the study, at ages ranging from the neonatal period to 20 years. In eight patients, a pathogenic variant in KMT2D was established. CAKUT were detected in 8/13 (61.5%) of patients and varied from hypospadias, hydronephrosis, or double collecting systems to pelvic kidney, kidney asymmetry, horseshoe kidney, or kidney agenesis. One patient experienced kidney failure necessitating transplantation at 20 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the high prevalence of CAKUT and genitourinary involvement in patients with KS and suggest that assessment by pediatric nephrology specialists is warranted as part of the routine multidisciplinary evaluation of newly diagnosed patients. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Ophthalmic manifestations in Kabuki (make-up) syndrome: A single-center pediatric cohort and systematic review of the literature.

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in KMT2D or KDM6A, and manifesting with multi-systemic involvement, including recognizable facial features, developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies. Ophthalmological involvement has been described in varying rates in several studies. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and nature of ophthalmological findings in a cohort of KS patients in Israel. Medical records of all patients diagnosed with KS in our tertiary center between 2004 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included physical examination findings, molecular analysis as well as comprehensive ophthalmic characteristics including visual acuity, ocular alignment and motility, ocular adnexa, anterior segments and dilated fundus exams. Finally, an updated systematic review of the literature was performed. Thirteen unrelated patients were included in the study, diagnosed at an age raging from the first months of life to 20 years. Of these, three (23%) showed significant ophthalmological abnormalities, beyond the characteristic structural findings of long palpebral fissures and lower eyelid eversion. These included bilateral posterior colobomata in the first patient; bilateral ptosis, hypermetropia, esotropia, blue sclera and anisocoria in the second; and bilateral congenital cataracts in the third. To conclude, our findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation as part of the routine multidisciplinary assessment of children suspected/diagnosed with KS.

EIF3F-related neurodevelopmental disorder: refining the phenotypic and expanding the molecular spectrum.

BACKGROUND: An identical homozygous missense variant in EIF3F, identified through a large-scale genome-wide sequencing approach, was reported as causative in nine individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by variable intellectual disability, epilepsy, behavioral problems and sensorineural hearing-loss. To refine the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of EIF3F-related neurodevelopmental disorder, we examined independent patients. RESULTS: 21 patients were homozygous and one compound heterozygous for c.694T>G/p.(Phe232Val) in EIF3F. Haplotype analyses in 15 families suggested that c.694T>G/p.(Phe232Val) was a founder variant. All affected individuals had developmental delays including delayed speech development. About half of the affected individuals had behavioral problems, altered muscular tone, hearing loss, and short stature. Moreover, this study suggests that microcephaly, reduced sensitivity to pain, cleft lip/palate, gastrointestinal symptoms and ophthalmological symptoms are part of the phenotypic spectrum. Minor dysmorphic features were observed, although neither the individuals' facial nor general appearance were obviously distinctive. Symptoms in the compound heterozygous individual with an additional truncating variant were at the severe end of the spectrum in regard to motor milestones, speech delay, organic problems and pre- and postnatal growth of body and head, suggesting some genotype-phenotype correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study refines the phenotypic and expands the molecular spectrum of EIF3F-related syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.

Further delineation of BCAP31-linked intellectual disability: description of 17 new families with LoF and missense variants.

The BCAP31 gene, located at Xq28, encodes BAP31, which plays a role in ER-to-Golgi anterograde transport. To date, BCAP31 pathogenic variants have been reported in 12 male cases from seven families (six loss of function (LoF) and one missense). Patients had severe intellectual disability (ID), dystonia, deafness, and central hypomyelination, delineating a so-called deafness, dystonia and cerebral hypomyelination syndrome (DDCH). Female carriers are mostly asymptomatic but may present with deafness. BCAP31 is flanked by the SLC6A8 and ABCD1 genes. Contiguous deletions of BCAP31 and ABCD1 and/or SLC6A8 have been described in 12 patients. Patients with deletions including BCAP31 and SLC6A8 have the same phenotype as BCAP31 patients. Patients with deletions of BCAP31 and ABCD1 have contiguous ABCD1 and DXS1375E/BCAP31 deletion syndrome (CADDS), and demonstrate a more severe neurological phenotype with cholestatic liver disease and early death. We report 17 novel families, 14 with intragenic BCAP31 variants (LoF and missense) and three with a deletion of BCAP31 and adjacent genes (comprising two CADDS patients, one male and one symptomatic female). Our study confirms the phenotype reported in males with intragenic LoF variants and shows that males with missense variants exhibit a milder phenotype. Most patients with a LoF pathogenic BCAP31 variant have permanent or transient liver enzyme elevation. We further demonstrate that carrier females (n = 10) may have a phenotype comprising LD, ID, and/or deafness. The male with CADDS had a severe neurological phenotype, but no cholestatic liver disease, and the symptomatic female had moderate ID and cholestatic liver disease.