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Perinelli MG, Naboni C, Balagura G, Amadori E, Vari MS, Capra V, Lentoiou C, Foiadelli T, Sirchia F, Luparia A, Marseglia G, Ramenghi LA, Striano P. Early Developmental Intervention and Enriched Environment in CDKL5 Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy: A Case Report. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200287. [PMID: 38660576 PMCID: PMC11042840 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Objectives CDKL5 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (CDKL5-DEE) is a rare X-linked dominant genetic disorder. Family-centered Early Intervention (EI) programs, which promote axonal plasticity and synaptic reorganization through exposure to an enriched environment, should be integrated into clinical practice. However, there is presently a dearth of dedicated EI protocols for patients with CDKL5-DEE and cerebral visual impairment (CVI). Methods We present a girl with a deletion of the CDKL5 gene (MIM*300203). At the age of 2 months, the child presented with severe epilepsy. The neurologic examination was abnormal, and she had severe CVI. At the first assessment, at 5 months old, her Developmental Quotient (DQ) on the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales III (GMDS-III) was equivalent to 3-month-old skills (95% CI). The child was enrolled in an EI program for 6 months. Results At 12 months of age, the DQ score was 91. There has been improvement in the neurovisual functions. The findings from the scales show a gradual improvement in neuromotor and psychomotor development, which is in contrast to the expected outcome of the disease. Discussion The case study shows that a family-centered EI and prompt assessment of CVI can promote and enhance neurodevelopment.
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Romano F, Haanpää MK, Pomianowski P, Peraino AR, Pollard JR, Di Feo MF, Traverso M, Severino M, Derchi M, Henzen E, Zara F, Faravelli F, Capra V, Scala M. Expanding the phenotype of UPF3B-related disorder: Case reports and literature review. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63534. [PMID: 38318947 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
UPF3B encodes the Regulator of nonsense transcripts 3B protein, a core-member of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway, protecting the cells from the potentially deleterious actions of transcripts with premature termination codons. Hemizygous variants in the UPF3B gene cause a spectrum of neuropsychiatric issues including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia/childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS). The number of patients reported to date is very limited, often lacking an extensive phenotypical and neuroradiological description of this ultra-rare syndrome. Here we report three subjects harboring UPF3B variants, presenting with variable clinical pictures, including cognitive impairment, central hypotonia, and syndromic features. Patients 1 and 2 harbored novel UPF3B variants-the p.(Lys207*) and p.(Asp429Serfs*27) ones, respectively-while the p.(Arg225Lysfs*229) variant, identified in Patient 3, was already reported in the literature. Novel features in our patients are represented by microcephaly, midface hypoplasia, and brain malformations. Then, we reviewed pertinent literature and compared previously reported subjects to our cases, providing possible insights into genotype-phenotype correlations in this emerging condition. Overall, the detailed phenotypic description of three patients carrying UPF3B variants is useful not only to expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of UPF3B-related disorders, but also to ameliorate the clinical management of affected individuals.
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Biancotto G, Rosti G, Madia F, Capra V, Scala M, Aleo E, Paladini D. Truncating variants in PAPSS2 gene: A cause of early prenatal onset brachyolmia? Prenat Diagn 2024. [PMID: 38768012 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Brachyolmia is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by a wide genetic and clinical heterogeneity. This condition is usually diagnosed postnatally, and very few cases of prenatal diagnosis have been described so far. Here, we report a case of a pregnant woman at 20 weeks' gestation referred to our center because of fetal short long bones. On targeted ultrasound, mild bowing of the femurs and fibulae and mild micrognathia were also observed. Exome sequencing analysis showed the presence in compound heterozygosity of two pathogenic variants-both truncating variants-in the 3-prime-phosphoadenosine 5-prime-phosphosulfate synthase 2 (PAPSS2) gene, known to cause brachyolmia type 4 (OMIM #612847). Of note, all of the few cases reported prenatally have indeed truncating variants. Hence, we speculate this kind of variant is likely responsible for a complete loss of function of the protein leading to an earlier and more severe phenotype.
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Vong KI, Lee S, Au KS, Crowley TB, Capra V, Martino J, Haller M, Araújo C, Machado HR, George R, Gerding B, James KN, Stanley V, Jiang N, Alu K, Meave N, Nidhiry AS, Jiwani F, Tang I, Nisal A, Jhamb I, Patel A, Patel A, McEvoy-Venneri J, Barrows C, Shen C, Ha YJ, Howarth R, Strain M, Ashley-Koch AE, Azam M, Mumtaz S, Bot GM, Finnell RH, Kibar Z, Marwan AI, Melikishvili G, Meltzer HS, Mutchinick OM, Stevenson DA, Mroczkowski HJ, Ostrander B, Schindewolf E, Moldenhauer J, Zackai EH, Emanuel BS, Garcia-Minaur S, Nowakowska BA, Stevenson RE, Zaki MS, Northrup H, McNamara HK, Aldinger KA, Phelps IG, Deng M, Glass IA, Morrow B, McDonald-McGinn DM, Sanna-Cherchi S, Lamb DJ, Gleeson JG. Risk of meningomyelocele mediated by the common 22q11.2 deletion. Science 2024; 384:584-590. [PMID: 38696583 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl1624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Meningomyelocele is one of the most severe forms of neural tube defects (NTDs) and the most frequent structural birth defect of the central nervous system. We assembled the Spina Bifida Sequencing Consortium to identify causes. Exome and genome sequencing of 715 parent-offspring trios identified six patients with chromosomal 22q11.2 deletions, suggesting a 23-fold increased risk compared with the general population. Furthermore, analysis of a separate 22q11.2 deletion cohort suggested a 12- to 15-fold increased NTD risk of meningomyelocele. The loss of Crkl, one of several neural tube-expressed genes within the minimal deletion interval, was sufficient to replicate NTDs in mice, where both penetrance and expressivity were exacerbated by maternal folate deficiency. Thus, the common 22q11.2 deletion confers substantial meningomyelocele risk, which is partially alleviated by folate supplementation.
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Accogli A, Park YN, Lenk GM, Severino M, Scala M, Denecke J, Hempel M, Lessel D, Kortüm F, Salpietro V, de Marco P, Guerrisi S, Torella A, Nigro V, Srour M, Turro E, Labarque V, Freson K, Piatelli G, Capra V, Kitzman JO, Meisler MH. Biallelic loss-of-function variants of SLC12A9 cause lysosome dysfunction and a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder. Genet Med 2024; 26:101097. [PMID: 38334070 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pathogenic variants of FIG4 generate enlarged lysosomes and neurological and developmental disorders. To identify additional genes regulating lysosomal volume, we carried out a genome-wide activation screen to detect suppression of enlarged lysosomes in FIG4-/- cells. METHODS The CRISPR-a gene activation screen utilized sgRNAs from the promoters of protein-coding genes. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting separated cells with correction of the enlarged lysosomes from uncorrected cells. Patient variants of SLC12A9 were identified by exome or genome sequencing and studied by segregation analysis and clinical characterization. RESULTS Overexpression of SLC12A9, a solute co-transporter, corrected lysosomal swelling in FIG4-/- cells. SLC12A9 (NP_064631.2) colocalized with LAMP2 at the lysosome membrane. Biallelic variants of SLC12A9 were identified in 3 unrelated probands with neurodevelopmental disorders. Common features included intellectual disability, skeletal and brain structural abnormalities, congenital heart defects, and hypopigmented hair. Patient 1 was homozygous for nonsense variant p.(Arg615∗), patient 2 was compound heterozygous for p.(Ser109Lysfs∗20) and a large deletion, and proband 3 was compound heterozygous for p.(Glu290Glyfs∗36) and p.(Asn552Lys). Fibroblasts from proband 1 contained enlarged lysosomes that were corrected by wild-type SLC12A9 cDNA. Patient variant p.(Asn552Lys) failed to correct the lysosomal defect. CONCLUSION Impaired function of SLC12A9 results in enlarged lysosomes and a recessive disorder with a recognizable neurodevelopmental phenotype.
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Pan X, Tao AM, Lu S, Ma M, Hannan SB, Slaugh R, Drewes Williams S, O'Grady L, Kanca O, Person R, Carter MT, Platzer K, Schnabel F, Abou Jamra R, Roberts AE, Newburger JW, Revah-Politi A, Granadillo JL, Stegmann APA, Sinnema M, Accogli A, Salpietro V, Capra V, Ghaloul-Gonzalez L, Brueckner M, Simon MEH, Sweetser DA, Glinton KE, Kirk SE, Wangler MF, Yamamoto S, Chung WK, Bellen HJ. De novo variants in FRYL are associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, and dysmorphic features. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:742-760. [PMID: 38479391 PMCID: PMC11023917 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
FRY-like transcription coactivator (FRYL) belongs to a Furry protein family that is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. The functions of FRYL in mammals are largely unknown, and variants in FRYL have not previously been associated with a Mendelian disease. Here, we report fourteen individuals with heterozygous variants in FRYL who present with developmental delay, intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, and other congenital anomalies in multiple systems. The variants are confirmed de novo in all individuals except one. Human genetic data suggest that FRYL is intolerant to loss of function (LoF). We find that the fly FRYL ortholog, furry (fry), is expressed in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system where it is present in neurons but not in glia. Homozygous fry LoF mutation is lethal at various developmental stages, and loss of fry in mutant clones causes defects in wings and compound eyes. We next modeled four out of the five missense variants found in affected individuals using fry knockin alleles. One variant behaves as a severe LoF variant, whereas two others behave as partial LoF variants. One variant does not cause any observable defect in flies, and the corresponding human variant is not confirmed to be de novo, suggesting that this is a variant of uncertain significance. In summary, our findings support that fry is required for proper development in flies and that the LoF variants in FRYL cause a dominant disorder with developmental and neurological symptoms due to haploinsufficiency.
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Scala M, Khan K, Beneteau C, Fox RG, von Hardenberg S, Khan A, Joubert M, Fievet L, Musquer M, Le Vaillant C, Holsclaw JK, Lim D, Berking AC, Accogli A, Giacomini T, Nobili L, Striano P, Zara F, Torella A, Nigro V, Cogné B, Salick MR, Kaykas A, Eggan K, Capra V, Bézieau S, Davis EE, Wells MF. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 cause a novel neurodevelopmental syndrome with facial dysmorphism and multisystem congenital abnormalities. Genet Med 2024; 26:101057. [PMID: 38158856 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We established the genetic etiology of a syndromic neurodevelopmental condition characterized by variable cognitive impairment, recognizable facial dysmorphism, and a constellation of extra-neurological manifestations. METHODS We performed phenotypic characterization of 6 participants from 4 unrelated families presenting with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and used exome sequencing to investigate the underlying genetic cause. To probe relevance to the neurodevelopmental phenotype and craniofacial dysmorphism, we established two- and three-dimensional human stem cell-derived neural models and generated a stable cachd1 zebrafish mutant on a transgenic cartilage reporter line. RESULTS Affected individuals showed mild cognitive impairment, dysmorphism featuring oculo-auriculo abnormalities, and developmental defects involving genitourinary and digestive tracts. Exome sequencing revealed biallelic putative loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 segregating with disease in all pedigrees. RNA sequencing in CACHD1-depleted neural progenitors revealed abnormal expression of genes with key roles in Wnt signaling, neurodevelopment, and organ morphogenesis. CACHD1 depletion in neural progenitors resulted in reduced percentages of post-mitotic neurons and enlargement of 3D neurospheres. Homozygous cachd1 mutant larvae showed mandibular patterning defects mimicking human facial dysmorphism. CONCLUSION Our findings support the role of loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 as the cause of a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome with facial dysmorphism and multisystem abnormalities.
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Schoch K, Ruegg MSG, Fellows BJ, Cao J, Uhrig S, Einsele-Scholz S, Biskup S, Hawarden SRA, Salpietro V, Capra V, Brown CM, Accogli A, Shashi V, Bicknell LS. A second hotspot for pathogenic exon-skipping variants in CDC45. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01583-1. [PMID: 38467731 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Biallelic pathogenic variants in CDC45 are associated with Meier-Gorlin syndrome with craniosynostosis (MGORS type 7), which also includes short stature and absent/hypoplastic patellae. Identified variants act through a hypomorphic loss of function mechanism, to reduce CDC45 activity and impact DNA replication initiation. In addition to missense and premature termination variants, several pathogenic synonymous variants have been identified, most of which cause increased exon skipping of exon 4, which encodes an essential part of the RecJ-orthologue's DHH domain. Here we have identified a second cohort of families segregating CDC45 variants, where patients have craniosynostosis and a reduction in height, alongside common facial dysmorphisms, including thin eyebrows, consistent with MGORS7. Skipping of exon 15 is a consequence of two different variants, including a shared synonymous variant that is enriched in individuals of East Asian ancestry, while other variants in trans are predicted to alter key intramolecular interactions in α/β domain II, or cause retention of an intron within the 3'UTR. Our cohort and functional data confirm exon skipping is a relatively common pathogenic mechanism in CDC45, and highlights the need for alternative splicing events, such as exon skipping, to be especially considered for variants initially predicted to be less likely to cause the phenotype, particularly synonymous variants.
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Stegmann JD, Kalanithy JC, Dworschak GC, Ishorst N, Mingardo E, Lopes FM, Ho YM, Grote P, Lindenberg TT, Yilmaz Ö, Channab K, Seltzsam S, Shril S, Hildebrandt F, Boschann F, Heinen A, Jolly A, Myers K, McBride K, Bekheirnia MR, Bekheirnia N, Scala M, Morleo M, Nigro V, Torella A, Pinelli M, Capra V, Accogli A, Maitz S, Spano A, Olson RJ, Klee EW, Lanpher BC, Jang SS, Chae JH, Steinbauer P, Rieder D, Janecke AR, Vodopiutz J, Vogel I, Blechingberg J, Cohen JL, Riley K, Klee V, Walsh LE, Begemann M, Elbracht M, Eggermann T, Stoppe A, Stuurman K, van Slegtenhorst M, Barakat TS, Mulhern MS, Sands TT, Cytrynbaum C, Weksberg R, Isidori F, Pippucci T, Severi G, Montanari F, Kruer MC, Bakhtiari S, Darvish H, Reutter H, Hagelueken G, Geyer M, Woolf AS, Posey JE, Lupski JR, Odermatt B, Hilger AC. Bi-allelic variants in CELSR3 are implicated in central nervous system and urinary tract anomalies. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:18. [PMID: 38429302 PMCID: PMC10907620 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-024-00398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
CELSR3 codes for a planar cell polarity protein. We describe twelve affected individuals from eleven independent families with bi-allelic variants in CELSR3. Affected individuals presented with an overlapping phenotypic spectrum comprising central nervous system (CNS) anomalies (7/12), combined CNS anomalies and congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) (3/12) and CAKUT only (2/12). Computational simulation of the 3D protein structure suggests the position of the identified variants to be implicated in penetrance and phenotype expression. CELSR3 immunolocalization in human embryonic urinary tract and transient suppression and rescue experiments of Celsr3 in fluorescent zebrafish reporter lines further support an embryonic role of CELSR3 in CNS and urinary tract formation.
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Balani A, Sidpra J, Sudhakar S, Biswas A, Öztekin Ö, Capra V, Catala M, Copp AJ, Kumar N, Johal N, Tahir MZ, Thompson D, Pang D, Mirsky DM, Ho ML, Huisman TAGM, Rossi A, Mankad K. International Consensus Statement on the Radiological Evaluation of Dysraphic Malformations of the Spine and Spinal Cord. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024:ajnr.A8117. [PMID: 38360788 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Dysraphic malformations of the spine and spinal cord (DMSSC) represent a spectrum of common congenital anomalies typically (though not exclusively) affecting the lower spinal segments. These may be responsible for varying degrees of neurologic, orthopedic, and urologic morbidity. With advances in neuroimaging, it is now possible to better diagnose and evaluate these disorders both prenatally and postnatally. Neuroimaging, performed at the right time and with technique optimization, is integral in guiding clinical management. However, the terminology used to describe these lesions has become increasingly confusing, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the essential radiologic features and their clinical weighting. This variability in radiologic practice risks unstructured decision making and increases the likelihood of suboptimal, less informed clinical management. In this manuscript, the first of a series of consensus statements, we outline a standardized international consensus statement for the radiologic evaluation of children with suspected DMSSC derived from a critical review of the literature, and the collective clinical experience of a multinational group of experts. We provide recommendations for plain radiography, sonography, CT, and MR imaging in the evaluation of DMSSC with an emphasis on technique of imaging and imaging protocols.
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Brunet T, Zott B, Lieftüchter V, Lenz D, Schmidt A, Peters P, Kopajtich R, Zaddach M, Zimmermann H, Hüning I, Ballhausen D, Staufner C, Bianzano A, Hughes J, Taylor RW, McFarland R, Devlin A, Mihaljević M, Barišić N, Rohlfs M, Wilfling S, Sondheimer N, Hewson S, Marinakis NM, Kosma K, Traeger-Synodinos J, Elbracht M, Begemann M, Trepels-Kottek S, Hasan D, Scala M, Capra V, Zara F, van der Ven AT, Driemeyer J, Apitz C, Krämer J, Strong A, Hakonarson H, Watson D, Mayr JA, Prokisch H, Meitinger T, Borggraefe I, Spiegler J, Baric I, Paolini M, Gerstl L, Wagner M. De novo variants in RNF213 are associated with a clinical spectrum ranging from Leigh syndrome to early-onset stroke. Genet Med 2024; 26:101013. [PMID: 37924258 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE RNF213, encoding a giant E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been recognized for its role as a key susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease. Case reports have also implicated specific variants in RNF213 with an early-onset form of moyamoya disease with full penetrance. We aimed to expand the phenotypic spectrum of monogenic RNF213-related disease and to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS Patients were identified through reanalysis of exome sequencing data of an unselected cohort of unsolved pediatric cases and through GeneMatcher or ClinVar. Functional characterization was done by proteomics analysis and oxidative phosphorylation enzyme activities using patient-derived fibroblasts. RESULTS We identified 14 individuals from 13 unrelated families with (de novo) missense variants in RNF213 clustering within or around the Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain. Individuals presented either with early-onset stroke (n = 11) or with Leigh syndrome (n = 3). No genotype-phenotype correlation could be established. Proteomics using patient-derived fibroblasts revealed no significant differences between clinical subgroups. 3D modeling revealed a clustering of missense variants in the tertiary structure of RNF213 potentially affecting zinc-binding suggesting a gain-of-function or dominant negative effect. CONCLUSION De novo missense variants in RNF213 clustering in the E3 RING or other regions affecting zinc-binding lead to an early-onset syndrome characterized by stroke or Leigh syndrome.
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Montalto S, Di Filippo M, Capra V, Manzitti C, Sementa AR, De Marco P, Ognibene M, Sertorio F, Sorrentino S. Abdominal rhabdoid tumor presenting with symptomatic spinal epidural compression in a newborn. A case report. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1337760. [PMID: 38283400 PMCID: PMC10811000 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1337760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of an abdominal tumor invading the spinal canal and causing symptoms of epidural compression is rare in an infant, and exceptional at birth. Peripheral neuroblastic tumors are by far the most common cause. Emergency chemotherapy is commonly curative, though permanent sequelae are possible. Although other malignancies may be involved, no case of rhabdoid tumors at birth has been reported. We describe the case of a neonate who presented symptoms of spinal epidural compression at birth secondary to a rhabdoid tumor. As expected with this highly malignant tumor, the patient experienced a rapidly progressive clinical course and died within three months of diagnosis.
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Accogli A, Shakya S, Yang T, Insinna C, Kim SY, Bell D, Butov KR, Severino M, Niceta M, Scala M, Lee HS, Yoo T, Stauffer J, Zhao H, Fiorillo C, Pedemonte M, Diana MC, Baldassari S, Zakharova V, Shcherbina A, Rodina Y, Fagerberg C, Roos LS, Wierzba J, Dobosz A, Gerard A, Potocki L, Rosenfeld JA, Lalani SR, Scott TM, Scott D, Azamian MS, Louie R, Moore HW, Champaigne NL, Hollingsworth G, Torella A, Nigro V, Ploski R, Salpietro V, Zara F, Pizzi S, Chillemi G, Ognibene M, Cooney E, Do J, Linnemann A, Larsen MJ, Specht S, Walters KJ, Choi HJ, Choi M, Tartaglia M, Youkharibache P, Chae JH, Capra V, Park SG, Westlake CJ. Variants in the WDR44 WD40-repeat domain cause a spectrum of ciliopathy by impairing ciliogenesis initiation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:365. [PMID: 38191484 PMCID: PMC10774338 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
WDR44 prevents ciliogenesis initiation by regulating RAB11-dependent vesicle trafficking. Here, we describe male patients with missense and nonsense variants within the WD40 repeats (WDR) of WDR44, an X-linked gene product, who display ciliopathy-related developmental phenotypes that we can model in zebrafish. The patient phenotypic spectrum includes developmental delay/intellectual disability, hypotonia, distinct craniofacial features and variable presence of brain, renal, cardiac and musculoskeletal abnormalities. We demonstrate that WDR44 variants associated with more severe disease impair ciliogenesis initiation and ciliary signaling. Because WDR44 negatively regulates ciliogenesis, it was surprising that pathogenic missense variants showed reduced abundance, which we link to misfolding of WDR autonomous repeats and degradation by the proteasome. We discover that disease severity correlates with increased RAB11 binding, which we propose drives ciliogenesis initiation dysregulation. Finally, we discover interdomain interactions between the WDR and NH2-terminal region that contains the RAB11 binding domain (RBD) and show patient variants disrupt this association. This study provides new insights into WDR44 WDR structure and characterizes a new syndrome that could result from impaired ciliogenesis.
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Romano F, Amadori E, Madia F, Severino M, Capra V, Rizzo R, Barone R, Corradi B, Maragliano L, Shams Nosrati MS, Falace A, Striano P, Zara F, Scala M. Case Report: Novel biallelic moderately damaging variants in RTTN in a patient with cerebellar dysplasia. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1326552. [PMID: 38178912 PMCID: PMC10764497 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1326552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotatin, encoded by the RTTN gene, is a centrosomal protein with multiple, emerging functions, including left-right specification, ciliogenesis, and neuronal migration. Recessive variants in RTTN are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly and malformations of cortical development known as "Microcephaly, short stature, and polymicrogyria with seizures" (MSSP, MIM #614833). Affected individuals show a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations like intellectual disability, poor/absent speech, short stature, microcephaly, and congenital malformations. Here, we report a subject showing a distinctive neuroradiological phenotype and harboring novel biallelic variants in RTTN: the c.5500A>G, p.(Asn1834Asp), (dbSNP: rs200169343, ClinVar ID:1438510) and c.19A>G, p.(Ile7Val), (dbSNP: rs201165599, ClinVar ID:1905275) variants. In particular brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a peculiar pattern, with cerebellar hypo-dysplasia, and multiple arachnoid cysts in the lateral cerebello-medullary cisterns, in addition to left Meckel cave. Thus, we compare his phenotypic features with current literature, speculating a possible role of newly identified RTTN variants in his clinical picture, and supporting a relevant variability in this emerging condition.
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Dainelli A, Iacomino M, Rossato S, Bugin S, Traverso M, Severino M, Gustincich S, Capra V, Di Duca M, Zara F, Scala M, Striano P. Refining the electroclinical spectrum of NPRL3-related epilepsy: A novel multiplex family and literature review. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1314-1330. [PMID: 37491868 PMCID: PMC10690669 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NPRL3-related epilepsy (NRE) is an emerging condition set within the wide GATOR-1 spectrum with a particularly heterogeneous and elusive phenotypic expression. Here, we delineated the genotype-phenotype spectrum of NRE, reporting an illustrative familial case and reviewing pertinent literature. METHODS Through exome sequencing (ES), we investigated a 12-year-old girl with recurrent focal motor seizures during sleep, suggestive of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), and a family history of epilepsy in siblings. Variant segregation analysis was performed by Sanger sequencing. All previously published NRE patients were thoroughly reviewed and their electroclinical features were analyzed and compared with the reported subjects. RESULTS In the proband, ES detected the novel NPRL3 frameshift variant (NM_001077350.3): c.151_152del (p.Thr51Glyfs*5). This variant is predicted to cause a loss of function and segregated in one affected brother. The review of 76 patients from 18 publications revealed the predominance of focal-onset seizures (67/74-90%), with mainly frontal and frontotemporal (32/67-47.7%), unspecified (19/67-28%), or temporal (9/67-13%) onset. Epileptic syndromes included familial focal epilepsy with variable foci (FFEVF) (29/74-39%) and SHE (11/74-14.9%). Fifteen patients out of 60 (25%) underwent epilepsy surgery, 11 of whom achieved complete seizure remission (11/15-73%). Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2A was the most frequent histopathological finding. SIGNIFICANCE We reported an illustrative NPRL3-related epilepsy (NRE) family with incomplete penetrance. This condition consists of a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical and neuroradiological features. Focal-onset motor seizures are predominant, and almost half of the cases fulfill the criteria for SHE or FFEVF. MRI-negative cases are prevalent, but the association with malformations of cortical developments (MCDs) is significant, especially FCD type 2a. The beneficial impact of epilepsy surgery in patients with MCD-related epilepsy further supports the inclusion of brain MRI in the workup of NRE patients.
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Boeri S, Scala M, Madia F, Perucco F, Vozzi D, Capra V, Zara F, Nobili L, Mancardi MM. MYT1L variant inherited by a mosaic father in a case of severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Epileptic Disord 2023; 25:874-879. [PMID: 37518898 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The MYT1L gene plays a critical role in brain development, promoting the differentiation and proliferation of cells, important for the formation of brain connections. MYT1L is also involved in regulating the development of the hypothalamus, which is a crucial actor in weight regulation. Genetic variants in the MYT1L are associated with a range of developmental disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphisms, and epilepsy. The specific role of MYT1L in epilepsy remains elusive and no patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) have been described so far. In this study, we report a patient with DEE presenting with severe refractory epilepsy, obesity, and behavioral abnormalities. Exome sequencing led to the identification of the heterozygous variant NM_001303052.2: c.1717G>A, p.(Gly573Arg) (chr2-1910340-C-T; GRCh38.p14) in the MYT1L gene. This variant was found to be inherited by the father, who was a mosaic and did not suffer from any neuropsychiatric disorders. Our observations expand the molecular and phenotype spectrum of MYT1L-related disorders, suggesting that affected individuals may present with severe epileptic phenotype leading to neurocognitive deterioration. Furthermore, we show that mosaic parents may not display the disease phenotype, with relevant implications for genetic counseling.
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Bosch E, Popp B, Güse E, Skinner C, van der Sluijs PJ, Maystadt I, Pinto AM, Renieri A, Bruno LP, Granata S, Marcelis C, Baysal Ö, Hartwich D, Holthöfer L, Isidor B, Cogne B, Wieczorek D, Capra V, Scala M, De Marco P, Ognibene M, Jamra RA, Platzer K, Carter LB, Kuismin O, van Haeringen A, Maroofian R, Valenzuela I, Cuscó I, Martinez-Agosto JA, Rabani AM, Mefford HC, Pereira EM, Close C, Anyane-Yeboa K, Wagner M, Hannibal MC, Zacher P, Thiffault I, Beunders G, Umair M, Bhola PT, McGinnis E, Millichap J, van de Kamp JM, Prijoles EJ, Dobson A, Shillington A, Graham BH, Garcia EJ, Galindo MK, Ropers FG, Nibbeling EAR, Hubbard G, Karimov C, Goj G, Bend R, Rath J, Morrow MM, Millan F, Salpietro V, Torella A, Nigro V, Kurki M, Stevenson RE, Santen GWE, Zweier M, Campeau PM, Severino M, Reis A, Accogli A, Vasileiou G. Elucidating the clinical and molecular spectrum of SMARCC2-associated NDD in a cohort of 65 affected individuals. Genet Med 2023; 25:100950. [PMID: 37551667 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Coffin-Siris and Nicolaides-Baraitser syndromes are recognizable neurodevelopmental disorders caused by germline variants in BAF complex subunits. The SMARCC2 BAFopathy was recently reported. Herein, we present clinical and molecular data on a large cohort. METHODS Clinical symptoms for 41 novel and 24 previously published affected individuals were analyzed using the Human Phenotype Ontology. For genotype-phenotype correlations, molecular data were standardized and grouped into non-truncating and likely gene-disrupting (LGD) variants. Missense variant protein expression and BAF-subunit interactions were examined using 3D protein modeling, co-immunoprecipitation, and proximity-ligation assays. RESULTS Neurodevelopmental delay with intellectual disability, muscular hypotonia, and behavioral disorders were the major manifestations. Clinical hallmarks of BAFopathies were rare. Clinical presentation differed significantly, with LGD variants being predominantly inherited and associated with mildly reduced or normal cognitive development, whereas non-truncating variants were mostly de novo and presented with severe developmental delay. These distinct manifestations and non-truncating variant clustering in functional domains suggest different pathomechanisms. In vitro testing showed decreased protein expression for N-terminal missense variants similar to LGD. CONCLUSION This study improved SMARCC2 variant classification and identified discernible SMARCC2-associated phenotypes for LGD and non-truncating variants, which were distinct from other BAFopathies. The pathomechanism of most non-truncating variants has yet to be investigated.
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Engel C, Valence S, Delplancq G, Maroofian R, Accogli A, Agolini E, Alkuraya FS, Baglioni V, Bagnasco I, Becmeur-Lefebvre M, Bertini E, Borggraefe I, Brischoux-Boucher E, Bruel AL, Brusco A, Bubshait DK, Cabrol C, Cilio MR, Cornet MC, Coubes C, Danhaive O, Delague V, Denommé-Pichon AS, Di Giacomo MC, Doco-Fenzy M, Engels H, Cremer K, Gérard M, Gleeson JG, Heron D, Goffeney J, Guimier A, Harms FL, Houlden H, Iacomino M, Kaiyrzhanov R, Kamien B, Karimiani EG, Kraus D, Kuentz P, Kutsche K, Lederer D, Massingham L, Mignot C, Morris-Rosendahl D, Nagarajan L, Odent S, Ormières C, Partlow JN, Pasquier L, Penney L, Philippe C, Piccolo G, Poulton C, Putoux A, Rio M, Rougeot C, Salpietro V, Scheffer I, Schneider A, Srivastava S, Straussberg R, Striano P, Valente EM, Venot P, Villard L, Vitobello A, Wagner J, Wagner M, Zaki MS, Zara F, Lesca G, Yassaee VR, Miryounesi M, Hashemi-Gorji F, Beiraghi M, Ashrafzadeh F, Galehdari H, Walsh C, Novelli A, Tacke M, Sadykova D, Maidyrov Y, Koneev K, Shashkin C, Capra V, Zamani M, Van Maldergem L, Burglen L, Piard J. BRAT1-related disorders: phenotypic spectrum and phenotype-genotype correlations from 97 patients. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:1023-1031. [PMID: 37344571 PMCID: PMC10474045 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAT1 biallelic variants are associated with rigidity and multifocal seizure syndrome, lethal neonatal (RMFSL), and neurodevelopmental disorder associating cerebellar atrophy with or without seizures syndrome (NEDCAS). To date, forty individuals have been reported in the literature. We collected clinical and molecular data from 57 additional cases allowing us to study a large cohort of 97 individuals and draw phenotype-genotype correlations. Fifty-nine individuals presented with BRAT1-related RMFSL phenotype. Most of them had no psychomotor acquisition (100%), epilepsy (100%), microcephaly (91%), limb rigidity (93%), and died prematurely (93%). Thirty-eight individuals presented a non-lethal phenotype of BRAT1-related NEDCAS phenotype. Seventy-six percent of the patients in this group were able to walk and 68% were able to say at least a few words. Most of them had cerebellar ataxia (82%), axial hypotonia (79%) and cerebellar atrophy (100%). Genotype-phenotype correlations in our cohort revealed that biallelic nonsense, frameshift or inframe deletion/insertion variants result in the severe BRAT1-related RMFSL phenotype (46/46; 100%). In contrast, genotypes with at least one missense were more likely associated with NEDCAS (28/34; 82%). The phenotype of patients carrying splice variants was variable: 41% presented with RMFSL (7/17) and 59% with NEDCAS (10/17).
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Buratti S, Mallamaci M, Tuo G, Severino M, Tortora D, Parodi C, Rossi A, Pasetti F, Castellan L, Capra V, Romano F, De Marco P, Pavanello M, Piatelli G, Paladini D, Calevo MG, Moscatelli A. Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in newborns: a retrospective study to describe a paradigm of treatment and identify risk factors of adverse outcome in a referral center. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1193738. [PMID: 37587977 PMCID: PMC10426803 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1193738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare cerebral vascular malformation associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Newborns with VGAM without adequate treatment may develop rapidly deteriorating high output heart failure (HOHF) and are at risk for severe neurological outcomes. Objective To describe the clinical course and management of newborns with VGAM, and identify which echocardiographic and neuroradiologic factors may be associated with severe heart failure at birth and adverse short term outcomes. Methods This is a single center retrospective cohort study including all consecutive newborns with VGAM admitted to Gaslini Children's Hospital between 2009 and 2022. We reviewed clinical data, intensive care support, fetal and neonatal cardiologic and neuroradiologic findings and we studied the association with severe HOHF, endovascular complications and death. Results Out of 40 newborns, 17 (42.5%) developed severe HOHF requiring early endovascular procedures. Medical treatment was focused on the main components of HOHF by providing inotropic support and peripheral vasodilation. Pulmonary vasodilators were avoided to reduce the negative effects of pulmonary overflow and prevent vascular remodeling. Reduction of the obligatory left to right shunt through the VGAM was possible only through endovascular treatment. Fetal cardiothoracic ratio was significantly associated with severe HOHF at birth and death. Cardiologic parameters of right ventricular overload, pulmonary hypertension and systemic steal were the leading findings associated with haemodynamic compromise at birth. The mediolateral diameter of the straight or falcine sinus at its shortest section (SS-MD), and arterial pseudofeeders were significantly associated with severe HOHF at birth in prenatal and postnatal assessments. None of the postnatal echocardiographic and MRI variables, nor a higher inotropic support were associated with major periprocedural complications or death. Mortality was due to palliation for congenital severe brain damage (4/40, 10%), or major periprocedural complications (3/40, 7.5%). None of the patients died due to HOHF and multiorgan failure. Overall survival at discharge was 82.5% (33/40). Conclusions The complexity of neonatal VGAM pathophysiology requires a multidisciplinary approach, specialized intensive care management, and early endovascular treatment to reduce mortality and optimize clinical outcomes. Cardiologic and neuroradiologic parameters are key to define risk stratification and treatment strategies.
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D'Onofrio G, Scala M, Severino M, Roberti R, Romano F, De Marco P, Iacomino M, Baldassari S, Uva P, Pavanello M, Gustincich S, Striano P, Zara F, Capra V. Expanding the phenotype associated with biallelic SLC20A2 variants. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:725-729. [PMID: 36977836 PMCID: PMC10326077 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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Amenta S, Marangi G, Orteschi D, Frangella S, Gurrieri F, Paccagnella E, Scala M, Romano F, Capra V, Nigro V, Zollino M. CHAMP1-related disorders: pathomechanisms triggered by different genomic alterations define distinct nosological categories. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:648-653. [PMID: 36797464 PMCID: PMC10250409 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01305-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function variants in CHAMP1 were recently described as cause of a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), autism, and distinctive facial characteristics. By exome sequencing (ES), we identified a truncating variant in CHAMP1, c.1858A > T (p.Lys620*), in a patient who exhibited a similar phenotype of severe ID and dysmorphisms. Whether haploinsufficiency or a dominant negative effect is the underlying pathomechanism in these cases is a question that still needs to be addressed. By array-CGH, we detected a 194 kb deletion in 13q34 encompassing CHAMP1, CDC16 and UPF3, in another patient who presented with borderline neurodevelopmental impairment and with no dysmorphisms. In a further patient suffering from early onset refractory seizures, we detected by ES a missense variant in CHAMP1, c.67 G > A (p.Gly23Ser). Genomic abnormalities were all de novo in our patients. We reviewed the clinical and the genetic data of patients reported in the literature with: loss-of-function variants in CHAMP1 (total 40); chromosome 13q34 deletions ranging from 1.1 to 4 Mb (total 7) and of the unique patient with a missense variant. We could infer that loss-of-function variants in CHAMP1 cause a homogeneous phenotype with severe ID, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and highly distinctive facial characteristics through a dominant negative effect. CHAMP1 haploinsufficiency results in borderline ID with negligible consequences on the quality of life. Missense variants give rise to a severe epileptic encephalopathy through gain-of-function mechanism, most likely. We tentatively define for the first time distinct categories among the CHAMP1-related disorder on the basis of pathomechanisms.
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Cabrita Pinto RL, Viaggi S, Canale E, Martinez Popple M, Capra V, Conteduca G, Testa B, Coviello D, Covone AE. Exome Analysis Reveals Novel Missense and Deletion Variants in the CC2D2A Gene as Causative of Joubert Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040810. [PMID: 37107568 PMCID: PMC10137517 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The CC2D2A gene is essential for primary cilia formation, and its disruption has been associated with Joubert Syndrome-9 (JBTS9), a ciliopathy with typical neurodevelopmental features. Here, we describe an Italian pediatric patient with typical features of Joubert Syndrome (JBTS): “Molar Tooth Sign”, global developmental delay, nystagmus, mild hypotonia, and oculomotor apraxia. Whole exome sequencing and segregation analysis identified in our infant patient a novel heterozygous germline missense variant c.3626C > T; p.(Pro1209Leu) inherited from the father and a novel 7.16 kb deletion inherited from the mother. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing a novel missense and deletion variant involving exon 30 of the CC2D2A gene.
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Ognibene M, Scala M, Iacomino M, Schiavetti I, Madia F, Traverso M, Guerrisi S, Di Duca M, Caroli F, Baldassari S, Tappino B, Romano F, Uva P, Vozzi D, Chelleri C, Piatelli G, Diana MC, Zara F, Capra V, Pavanello M, De Marco P. Moyamoya Vasculopathy in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Pediatric Patients: The Role of Rare Variants of RNF213. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061916. [PMID: 36980803 PMCID: PMC10047491 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in NF1 gene, coding for neurofibromin 1. NF1 can be associated with Moyamoya disease (MMD), and this association, typical of paediatric patients, is referred to as Moyamoya syndrome (MMS). MMD is a cerebral arteriopathy characterized by the occlusion of intracranial arteries and collateral vessel formation, which increase the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic events. RNF213 gene mutations have been associated with MMD, so we investigated whether rare variants of RNF213 could act as genetic modifiers of MMS phenotype in a pediatric cohort of 20 MMS children, 25 children affected by isolated MMD and 47 affected only by isolated NF1. By next-generation re-sequencing (NGS) of patients' DNA and gene burden tests, we found that RNF213 seems to play a role only for MMD occurrence, while it does not appear to be involved in the increased risk of Moyamoya for MMS patients. We postulated that the loss of neurofibromin 1 can be enough for the excessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, causing Moyamoya arteriopathy associated with NF1. Further studies will be crucial to support these findings and to elucidate the possible role of other genes, enhancing our knowledge about pathogenesis and treatment of MMS.
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Nishikawa M, Scala M, Umair M, Ito H, Waqas A, Striano P, Zara F, Costain G, Capra V, Nagata KI. Gain-of-function p.F28S variant in RAC3 disrupts neuronal differentiation, migration and axonogenesis during cortical development, leading to neurodevelopmental disorder. J Med Genet 2023; 60:223-232. [PMID: 35595279 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2022-108483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAC3 encodes a Rho family small GTPase that regulates the behaviour and organisation of actin cytoskeleton and intracellular signal transduction. Variants in RAC3 can cause a phenotypically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with structural brain anomalies and dysmorphic facies. The pathomechanism of this recently discovered genetic disorder remains unclear. METHODS We investigated an early adolescent female with intellectual disability, drug-responsive epilepsy and white matter abnormalities. Through exome sequencing, we identified the novel de novo variant (NM_005052.3): c.83T>C (p.Phe28Ser) in RAC3. We then examined the pathophysiological significance of the p.F28S variant in comparison with the recently reported disease-causing p.Q61L variant, which results in a constitutively activated version of RAC3. RESULTS In vitro analyses revealed that the p.F28S variant was spontaneously activated by substantially increased intrinsic GTP/GDP-exchange activity and bound to downstream effectors tested, such as PAK1 and MLK2. The variant suppressed the differentiation of primary cultured hippocampal neurons and caused cell rounding with lamellipodia. In vivo analyses using in utero electroporation showed that acute expression of the p.F28S variant caused migration defects of excitatory neurons and axon growth delay during corticogenesis. Notably, defective migration was rescued by a dominant negative version of PAK1 but not MLK2. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that RAC3 is critical for brain development and the p.F28S variant causes morphological and functional defects in cortical neurons, likely due to the hyperactivation of PAK1.
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Aruta G, Fiaschi P, Ceraudo M, Piatelli G, Capra V, Bianconi A, Rossi A, Secci F, Pavanello M. Practical Algorithm for the management of multisutural craniosynostosis with associated Chiari malformation and/or hydrocephalus. Pediatr Neurosurg 2023:000529129. [PMID: 36720214 DOI: 10.1159/000529129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The association between multisutural craniosynostosis with Chiari malformation (CM), venous hypertension and hydrocephalus is widely described in the literature, especially in children with pediatric craniofacial syndromes. Some efforts have been done in the last years to understand the complex pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this association and several theories have been proposed. However, whatever the pathophysiological mechanism, it is still unclear what is the best management and treatment of CM and hydrocephalus in multisutural craniosynostosis patients. The aim of this study is to report our twenty-five years'experience in treating pediatric patients affected by these rare pathologies, in order to propose a simple and effective therapeutic flow-chart for their management. We collected data of each patient that underwent a cranial vault remodelling for a complex craniosynostosis in our institution in the last 25 years. We recorded data concerning type of craniosynostosis and craniofacial syndromes, presence of ventriculomegaly and Chiari Malformation (CM) at presentation and clinical and radiological follow-up. Therefore, we evaluated the final outcomes (improved, stable, deteriorated) of these patients and created a practical flow-chart that could help physicians to choose the best surgical treatment when different pathological conditions, as CM I or hydrocephalus, affect complex craniosynostosis children. Despite the proposed algorithm comes from a clinical experience on 85% successfully treated patients with multiple craniosynostosis, more extensive and deep studies are needed to better understand CM and hydrocephalus development in such conditions.
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