Clinical, genetic, and functional characterization of the glycine receptor ß-subunit A455P variant in a family affected by hyperekplexia syndrome.

Hyperekplexia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by exaggerated startle responses affecting newborns with the hallmark characteristics of hypertonia, apnea, and noise or touch-induced nonepileptic seizures. The genetic causes of the disease can vary, and several associated genes and mutations have been reported to affect glycine receptors (GlyRs); however, the mechanistic links between GlyRs and hyperekplexia are not yet understood. Here, we describe a patient with hyperekplexia from a consanguineous family. Extensive genetic screening using exome sequencing coupled with autozygome analysis and iterative filtering supplemented by in silico prediction identified that the patient carries the homozygous missense mutation A455P in GLRB, which encodes the GlyR ß-subunit. To unravel the physiological and molecular effects of A455P on GlyRs, we used electrophysiology in a heterologous system as well as immunocytochemistry, confocal microscopy, and cellular biochemistry. We found a reduction in glycine-evoked currents in N2A cells expressing the mutation compared to WT cells. Western blot analysis also revealed a reduced amount of GlyR ß protein both in cell lysates and isolated membrane fractions. In line with the above observations, coimmunoprecipitation assays suggested that the GlyR α1-subunit retained coassembly with ßA455P to form membrane-bound heteromeric receptors. Finally, structural modeling showed that the A455P mutation affected the interaction between the GlyR ß-subunit transmembrane domain 4 and the other helices of the subunit. Taken together, our study identifies and validates a novel loss-of-function mutation in GlyRs whose pathogenicity is likely to cause hyperekplexia in the affected individual.

Ancient founder mutation in RUBCN: a second unrelated family confirms Salih ataxia (SCAR15).

BACKGROUND: Homozygous frameshift mutation in RUBCN (KIAA0226), known to result in endolysosomal machinery defects, has previously been reported in a single Saudi family with autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia (Salih ataxia, SCAR15, OMIM # 615705). The present report describes the clinical, neurophysiologic, neuroimaging, and genetic findings in a second unrelated Saudi family with two affected children harboring identical homozygous frameshift mutation in the gene. It also explores and documents an ancient founder cerebellar ataxia mutation in the Arabian Peninsula. CASE PRESENTATION: The present family has two affected males (aged 6.5 and 17 years) with unsteady gait apparent since learning to walk at 2.5 and 3 years, respectively. The younger patient showed gait ataxia and normal reflexes. The older patient had saccadic eye movement, dysarthria, mild upper and lower limb and gait ataxia (on tandem walking), and enhanced reflexes in the lower limbs. Cognitive abilities were mildly impaired in the younger sibling (IQ 67) and borderline in the older patient (IQ 72). Nerve conduction studies were normal in both patients. MRI was normal at 2.5 years in the younger sibling. Brain MRI showed normal cerebellar volume and folia in the older sibling at the age of 6 years, and revealed minimal superior vermian atrophy at the age of 16 years. Autozygome and exome analysis showed both affected have previously reported homoallelic mutation in RUBCN (NM_014687:exon18:c.2624delC:p.A875fs), whereas the parents are carriers. Autozygosity mapping focused on smallest haplotype on chromosome 3 and mutation age analysis revealed the mutation occurred approximately 1550 years ago spanning about 62 generations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings validate the slowly progressive phenotype of Salih ataxia (SCAR15, OMIM # 615705) by an additional family. Haplotype sharing attests to a common founder, an ancient RUBCN mutation in the Arab population.

Correction: Arterial tortuosity syndrome: 40 new families and literature review.

In the published version of this paper the author Neus Baena's name was incorrectly given as Neus Baena Diez. This has now been corrected in both the HTML and PDF versions of the paper.

The many faces of peroxisomal disorders: Lessons from a large Arab cohort.

Defects in the peroxisomes biogenesis and/or function result in peroxisomal disorders. In this study, we describe the largest Arab cohort to date (72 families) of clinically, biochemically and molecularly characterized patients with peroxisomal disorders. At the molecular level, we identified 43 disease-causing variants, half of which are novel. The founder nature of many of the variants allowed us to calculate the minimum disease burden for these disorders in our population ~1:30 000, which is much higher than previous estimates in other populations. Clinically, we found an interesting trend toward genotype/phenotype correlation in terms of long-term survival. Nearly half (40/75) of our peroxisomal disorders patients had documented survival beyond 1 year of age. Most unusual among the long-term survivors was a multiplex family in which the affected members presented as adults with non-specific intellectual disability and epilepsy. Other unusual presentations included the very recently described peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1 disorder as well as CRD, spastic paraparesis, white matter (CRSPW) syndrome. We conclude that peroxisomal disorders are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Our data also confirm the demonstration that milder forms of Zellweger spectrum disorders cannot be ruled out by the "gold standard" very long chain fatty acids assay, which highlights the value of a genomics-first approach in these cases.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome: 40 new families and literature review.

PURPOSE: We delineate the clinical spectrum and describe the histology in arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by tortuosity of the large and medium-sized arteries, caused by mutations in SLC2A10. METHODS: We retrospectively characterized 40 novel ATS families (50 patients) and reviewed the 52 previously reported patients. We performed histology and electron microscopy (EM) on skin and vascular biopsies and evaluated TGF-ß signaling with immunohistochemistry for pSMAD2 and CTGF. RESULTS: Stenoses, tortuosity, and aneurysm formation are widespread occurrences. Severe but rare vascular complications include early and aggressive aortic root aneurysms, neonatal intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and gastric perforation. Thus far, no reports unequivocally document vascular dissections or ruptures. Of note, diaphragmatic hernia and infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) are frequently observed. Skin and vascular biopsies show fragmented elastic fibers (EF) and increased collagen deposition. EM of skin EF shows a fragmented elastin core and a peripheral mantle of microfibrils of random directionality. Skin and end-stage diseased vascular tissue do not indicate increased TGF-ß signaling. CONCLUSION: Our findings warrant attention for IRDS and diaphragmatic hernia, close monitoring of the aortic root early in life, and extensive vascular imaging afterwards. EM on skin biopsies shows disease-specific abnormalities.

Matching two independent cohorts validates DPH1 as a gene responsible for autosomal recessive intellectual disability with short stature, craniofacial, and ectodermal anomalies.

Recently, Alazami et al. (2015) identified 33 putative candidate disease genes for neurogenetic disorders. One such gene was DPH1, in which a homozygous missense mutation was associated with a 3C syndrome-like phenotype in four patients from a single extended family. Here, we report a second homozygous missense variant in DPH1, seen in four members of a founder population, and associated with a phenotype initially reminiscent of Sensenbrenner syndrome. This postpublication "match" validates DPH1 as a gene underlying syndromic intellectual disability with short stature and craniofacial and ectodermal anomalies, reminiscent of, but distinct from, 3C and Sensenbrenner syndromes. This validation took several years after the independent discoveries due to the absence of effective methods for sharing both candidate phenotype and genotype data between investigators. Sharing of data via Web-based anonymous data exchange servers will play an increasingly important role toward more efficient identification of the molecular basis for rare Mendelian disorders.

Alteration of fatty-acid-metabolizing enzymes affects mitochondrial form and function in hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is considered one of the most heterogeneous groups of neurological disorders, both clinically and genetically. The disease comprises pure and complex forms that clinically include slowly progressive lower-limb spasticity resulting from degeneration of the corticospinal tract. At least 48 loci accounting for these diseases have been mapped to date, and mutations have been identified in 22 genes, most of which play a role in intracellular trafficking. Here, we identified mutations in two functionally related genes (DDHD1 and CYP2U1) in individuals with autosomal-recessive forms of HSP by using either the classical positional cloning or a combination of whole-genome linkage mapping and next-generation sequencing. Interestingly, three subjects with CYP2U1 mutations presented with a thin corpus callosum, white-matter abnormalities, and/or calcification of the basal ganglia. These genes code for two enzymes involved in fatty-acid metabolism, and we have demonstrated in human cells that the HSP pathophysiology includes alteration of mitochondrial architecture and bioenergetics with increased oxidative stress. Our combined results focus attention on lipid metabolism as a critical HSP pathway with a deleterious impact on mitochondrial bioenergetic function.

Neurologic injury in isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: We review clinical, neuroimaging, and genetic information on six individuals with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD). METHODS: All patients were examined, and clinical records, biochemistry, neuroimaging, and sulfite oxidase gene (SUOX) sequencing were reviewed. RESULTS: Data was available on six individuals from four nuclear families affected by ISOD. Each individual began to seize within the first week of life. neurologic development was arrested at brainstem reflexes, and severe microcephaly developed rapidly. neuroimaging within days of birth revealed hypoplasia of the cerebellum and corpus callosum and damage to the supratentorial brain looking like severe hypoxic-ischemic injury that evolved into cystic hemispheric white matter changes. Affected individuals all had elevated urinary S-sulfocysteine and normal urinary xanthine and hypoxanthine levels diagnostic of ISOD. Genetic studies confirmed SUOX mutations in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: ISOD impairs systemic sulfite metabolism, and yet this genetic disease affects only the brain with damage that is commonly confused with the clinical and radiologic features of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.Lésions neurologiques dans le déficit isolé en sulfite oxydase.

Molecular characterization of Joubert syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a ciliopathy that is defined primarily by typical cerebellar structural and ocular motility defects. The genetic heterogeneity of this condition is significant with 16 genes identified to date. We have used a combination of autozygome-guided candidate gene mutation analysis and exome sequencing to identify the causative mutation in a series of 12 families. The autozygome approach identified mutations in RPGRIP1L, AHI1, TMEM237, and CEP290, while exome sequencing revealed families with truncating mutations in TCTN1 and C5ORF42. Our study, the largest comprehensive molecular series on JS, provides independent confirmation of the recently reported TCTN1, TMEM237, and C5ORF42 as bona fide JS disease genes, and expands the allelic heterogeneity of this disease.

A TCTN2 mutation defines a novel Meckel Gruber syndrome locus.

Meckel Gruber syndrome (MKS) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder that represents a severe form of ciliopathy in humans and is characterized by significant genetic heterogeneity. In this article, we describe the identification of a novel MKS locus MKS8 that we map to TCTN2, in a multiplex consanguineous family. TCTN2 is a paralog of the recently identified Tectonic 1, which has been shown to modulate sonic hedgehog signaling. Expression analysis at different developmental stages of the murine ortholog revealed a spatial and temporal pattern consistent with the MKS phenotype observed in our patient. The exclusion of this and the other seven MKS genes in our collection of consanguineous Arab MKS families confirms the existence of two additional MKS loci.

GABA transaminase deficiency. Case report and literature review.

GABA transaminase deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of early onset epileptic encephalopathies. This case was diagnosed post-mortem, but increased vigilance to this will allow for earlier diagnoses in other infants and families. This is a case study which involved diagnosis of a rare neurometabolic disorder in one of the babies in the family and eventual genetic counselling of the family. The family has been offered pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for future pregnancies. This case reporting has been approved by the hospital research and ethical committee.

Efficient identification of novel mutations in patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy.

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2 (LGMD2) is a genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in 15 known genes. DNA sequencing of all candidate genes can be expensive and laborious, whereas a selective sequencing approach often fails to provide a molecular diagnosis. We aimed to efficiently identify pathogenic mutations via homozygosity mapping in a population in which the genetics of LGMD2 has not been well characterized. Thirteen consanguineous families containing a proband with LGMD2 were recruited from Saudi Arabia, and for 11 of these families, selected individuals were genotyped at 10,204 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Linkage analysis excluded all but one or two known genes in ten of 11 genotyped families, and haplotype comparisons between families allowed further reduction in the number of candidate genes that were screened. Mutations were identified by DNA sequencing in all 13 families, including five novel mutations in four genes, by sequencing at most two genes per family. One family was reclassified as having a different myopathy based on genetic and clinical data after linkage analysis excluded all known LGMD2 genes. LGMD2 subtypes A and B were notably absent from our sample of patients, indicating that the distribution of LGMD2 mutations in Saudi Arabian families may be different than in other populations. Our data demonstrate that homozygosity mapping in consanguineous pedigrees offers a more efficient means of discovering mutations that cause heterogeneous disorders than comprehensive sequencing of known candidate genes.

A case of fetal valproate syndrome with new features expanding the phenotype.

Fetal valproate syndrome (FVS) is a well-recognized constellation of dysmorphic features, and neurodevelopmental retardation that results from prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant valproic acid. In this report, we describe a case with typical features of FVS. A 23-year-old lady with post-traumatic epilepsy controlled by sodium valproate (Depakene) 500 mg twice daily throughout pregnancy as monotherapy, gave birth to a female baby with facial features characteristic of FVS, and severe radial ray reduction. She also had wide-spaced nipples and short neck, features not described before. Sodium valproate, a widely used anticonvulsant and mood regulator, is a well-recognized teratogen that can result in severe limb deformities, craniosynostosis, neural tube defects and neurodevelopmental retardation. Therefore, we recommend that valproic acid must be avoided during pregnancy, as new generation of anticonvulsant drugs have emerged into the market.

Mutation in GM2A Leads to a Progressive Chorea-dementia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of many cases of childhood-onset chorea remains undetermined, although advances in genomics are revealing both new disease-associated genes and variant phenotypes associated with known genes. METHODS: We report a Saudi family with a neurodegenerative course dominated by progressive chorea and dementia in whom we performed homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing. RESULTS: We identified a homozygous missense mutation in GM2A within a prominent block of homozygosity. This mutation is predicted to impair protein function. DISCUSSION: Although discovered more than two decades ago, to date, only five patients with this rare form of GM2 gangliosidosis have been reported. The phenotype of previously described GM2A patients has been typified by onset in infancy, profound hypotonia and impaired volitional movement, intractable seizures, hyperacusis, and a macular cherry red spot. Our findings expand the phenotypic spectrum of GM2A mutation-positive gangliosidosis to include generalized chorea without macular findings or hyperacusis and highlight how mutations in neurodegenerative disease genes may present in unexpected ways.

Epidemiology, prenatal management, and prevention of neural tube defects.

This review article discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, prenatal screening, diagnosis, prevention potentials, and epidemiologic impact of neural tube defects (NTDs). The average incidence of NTDs is 1/1000 births, with a marked geographic variation. In the developed countries, the incidence of NTDs has fallen over recent decades. However, it still remains high in the less-developed countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Far East (>1 to 11/1000 births). Recognized NTDs risks include maternal diabetes, obesity, lower socioeconomic status, hyperthermia, and exposure to certain teratogens during the periconceptional period. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation decreased the prevalence of NTDs by 50-70%, and an obligatory folic acid fortification of food was adopted in several countries to reach women with unplanned pregnancies and those facing social deprivation. Prevention of NTDs can be accelerated if more, especially low income countries, adopted fortification of the staple food in their communities.

Classification, clinical features, and genetics of neural tube defects.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) constitute a major health burden (0.5-2/1000 pregnancies worldwide), and remain a preventable cause of still birth, neonatal, and infant death, or significant lifelong handicaps. The malformations result from failure of the neural folds to fuse in the midline, and form the neural tube between the third and the fourth week of embryonic development. This review article discusses their classification, clinical features, and genetics. Most NTDs are sporadic and both genetic, and non-genetic environmental factors are involved in its etiology. Consanguinity was suggested to contribute to the high incidence of NTDs in several countries, including Saudi Arabia. Syndromes, often associated with chromosomal anomalies, account for <10% of all NTDs; but a higher proportion (20%) has been documented in Saudi Arabia. Genetic predisposition constitutes the major underlying risk factor, with a strong implication of genes that regulate folate one-carbon metabolism and planar cell polarity.

Infants of diabetic mothers. A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of infants born to diabetic mothers at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and compare the complications seen in these infants with infants of non-diabetic mothers. METHODS: This is a concurrent prospective cohort study of a population of newborn infants delivered at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for diabetic mothers between January 2011 and November 2011. RESULTS: A total of 601 infants were enrolled in the study consisting of 319 infants of non-diabetic mothers, and 282 infants of diabetic mothers. Infants of diabetic mothers showed significantly higher rates of associated complications and prolonged hospital stay reflected in their admission to the neonatal intensive care when compared with infants of non-diabetic mothers. There was no difference in rate of complications between infants of gestational diabetics and pre-gestational diabetics. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that diabetic pregnancies are associated with an increased incidence of neonatal complications. These seem to be related to the degree of maternal glycemic control. The higher rates of complications among our infants of diabetic mothers, particularly major congenital malformations call for those involved in the care of diabetic mothers to consolidate their efforts to facilitate early booking in specialist clinics.

Epidemiology of neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: To find the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs), and compare the findings with local and international data, and highlight the important role of folic acid supplementation and flour fortification with folic acid in preventing NTDs. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of data retrieved from the medical records of live newborn infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Security Forces Hospital (SFH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with NTDs spanning 14 years (1996-2009). All pregnant women on their first antenatal visit to the primary care clinic were prescribed folic acid 0.5 mg daily, or 5 mg if there is a family history of NTD. The pre-fortification prevalence is compared to post-fortification, before and after excluding syndromic, genetic, and chromosomal causes. The results were compared with reports from other parts of Saudi Arabia and internationally, through a literature search using MEDLINE. RESULTS: The prevalence of NTDs during the period was 1.2 per 1000 live births. The pre-fortification of flour with folic acid prevalence was 1.46 per 1000 live births. The post-fortification prevalence was 1.05 (p=0.103). After excluding syndromic, genetic, and chromosomal causes from calculation of the prevalence, there was a significant reduction in the prevalence, from 1.46 to 0.81 per 1000 live births (p=0.0088). Syndromic, genetic, and chromosomal causes were identified in 20 cases (19.4%). Only 2% of mothers received preconception folic acid, and only 10% of them received it during the first 4 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: Despite the implementation of fortification of flour with folic acid since 2001, the prevalence of NTDs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still high. This is due to the impact of genetic, syndromic, and chromosomal causes of NTD not preventable by folic acid. Other factors like unplanned pregnancy and lack of awareness of the role of folic acid in preventing nonsyndromic causes, play a significant role.

Sirenomelia and severe caudal regression syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cases of sirenomelia and severe caudal regression syndrome (CRS), to report the prevalence of sirenomelia, and compare our findings with the literature. METHODS: Retrospective data was retrieved from the medical records of infants with the diagnosis of sirenomelia and CRS and their mothers from 1989 to 2010 (22 years) at the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A perinatologist, neonatologist, pediatric neurologist, and radiologist ascertained the diagnoses. The cases were identified as part of a study of neural tube defects during that period. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE. RESULTS: During the 22-year study period, the total number of deliveries was 124,933 out of whom, 4 patients with sirenomelia, and 2 patients with severe forms of CRS were identified. All the patients with sirenomelia had single umbilical artery, and none were the infant of a diabetic mother. One patient was a twin, and another was one of triplets. The 2 patients with CRS were sisters, their mother suffered from type II diabetes mellitus and morbid obesity on insulin, and neither of them had a single umbilical artery. Other associated anomalies with sirenomelia included an absent radius, thumb, and index finger in one patient, Potter's syndrome, abnormal ribs, microphthalmia, congenital heart disease, hypoplastic lungs, and diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sirenomelia (3.2 per 100,000) is high compared with the international prevalence of one per 100,000. Both cases of CRS were infants of type II diabetic mother with poor control, supporting the strong correlation of CRS and maternal diabetes.

Genetic, chromosomal, and syndromic causes of neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the incidence, and describe the various forms of neural tube defects (NTDs) due to genetic, chromosomal, and syndromic causes. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of data retrieved from the medical records of newborn infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with NTDs and their mothers spanning 14 years (1996-2009) at the Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cases were ascertained by a perinatologist, neonatologist, geneticist, radiologist, and neurologist. The literature was reviewed via a MEDLINE search. Only liveborn babies were included. Permission from the Educational Committee at the Security Forces Hospital was obtained prior to the collection of data. RESULTS: Out of 103 infants with NTDs admitted during this period, 20 (19.4%) were found to have an underlying genetic syndromic, chromosomal and/or other anomalies. There were 5 cases of Meckel-Gruber syndrome, 2 Joubert syndrome, one Waardenburg syndrome, one Walker-Warburg syndrome, 2 chromosomal disorders, 2 caudal regression, one amniotic band disruption sequence, one associated with omphalocele, one with diaphragmatic hernia, and 4 with multiple congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of underlying genetic syndromic and/or chromosomal causes of NTDs in the Saudi Arabian population due to the high consanguinity rate. Identification of such association can lead to more accurate provisions of genetic counseling to the family including preimplantation genetic diagnosis or early termination of pregnancies associated with lethal conditions.