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Wiel LC, Bruno I, Barbi E, Sirchia F. From Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome to NSD2 haploinsufficiency: a shifting paradigm through the description of a new case and a review of the literature. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:72. [PMID: 35550183 PMCID: PMC9097050 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a well-defined disorder, whose core phenotype encompasses growth restriction, facial gestalt, intellectual disability and seizures. Nevertheless, great phenotypic variability exists due to the variable extent of the responsible 4p deletion. In addition, exome sequencing analyses, recently identified two genes, namely NSD2 and NELFA, whose loss-of-function variants contribute to a clinical spectrum consistent with atypical or partial WHS. The observation of patients exhibiting clinical features resembling WHS, with only mild developmental delay and without the typical dysmorphic features, carrying microdeletions sparing NSD2, has lead to the hypothesis that NSD2 is responsible for the intellectual disability and the facial gestalt of WHS. While presenting some of the typical findings of WHS (intellectual disability, facial gestalt, microcephaly, growth restriction and congenital heart defects), NSD2-deleted children tend to display a milder spectrum of skeletal abnormalities, usually consisting of clinodactyly, and do not exhibit seizures. We describe the clinical picture of a child with WHS due to a de novo mutation of NSD2 and discuss the clinical and diagnostic implications. Case presentation A 6-year-old boy was evaluated for a history of intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, neonatal hypotonia, and psychomotor delay. No episodes of seizure were reported. At physical examination, he displayed marphanoid habitus, muscle hypotrophy and facial dysmorphisms consisting in high frontal hairline, upslanting palpebral fissures and full lips with bifid ugula. Cryptorchidism, shawl scrotum, mild clinodactyly of the right little finger and bilateral syndactyly of the II and III toes with sandal gap were also noted. The radiographic essay demonstrated delayed bone age and echocardiography showed mild mitral prolapse. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed a heterozygous de novo variant of NSD2 (c.2523delG). Conclusions Full WHS phenotype likely arises from the cumulative effect of the combined haploinsufficiency of several causative genes mapping within the 4p16.3 region, as a contiguous genes syndrome, with slightly different phenotypes depending on the specific genes involved in the deletion. When evaluating children with pictures resembling WHS, in absence of seizures, clinicians should consider this differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Bruno
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa, 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.,Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Sirchia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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2
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Distinct Epileptogenic Mechanisms Associated with Seizures in Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3159-3169. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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3
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Battaglia A, Carey JC. The delineation of the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome over six decades: Illustration of the ongoing advances in phenotype analysis and cytogenomic technology. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:2748-2755. [PMID: 34002939 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Since Hirschhorn's description in 1961, the history and chronology of the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) elegantly demonstrates the remarkable advances in genetic technology over the last six decades that have paralleled the delineation of the phenotype. After mention in the Human Chromosome Newsletter of a child with a visible deletion of the top of a B chromosome group, 4-5, Hirschhorn and colleagues companioned their report with that of Wolf et al. in Humangenetik in 1965, and the condition was recognized and named. The 1960-1970s witnessed the description of many of the now classic chromosome disorders, including WHS, while HRB allowed for the recognition of chromosome syndromes with smaller deletions/duplications. FISH probes, developed in the next two decades, enabled the characterization of the critical region of WHS and improved clinical diagnosis with subtelomeric probes. Cytogenomic microarray in the early-mid 2000s led to both improved diagnosis of WHS patients and documentation of microdeletions of <5 megabases, helping to characterize the critical regions for specific component phenotypes (e.g., seizures, face). Recently exome sequencing technology has led to the discovery of WHS patients with WHSC1 loss of function variants, displaying some cardinal features of the phenotype (face, growth, and developmental delay).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatino Battaglia
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - John C Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Utah, USA
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4
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Mekkawy MK, Kamel AK, Thomas MM, Ashaat EA, Zaki MS, Eid OM, Ismail S, Hammad SA, Megahed H, ElAwady H, Refaat KM, Hussien S, Helmy N, Abd Allah SG, Mohamed AM, El Ruby MO. Clinical and genetic characterization of ten Egyptian patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome and review of literature. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 9:e1546. [PMID: 33217222 PMCID: PMC8077161 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) (OMIM 194190) is a multiple congenital anomalies/intellectual disability syndrome. It is caused by partial loss of genetic material from the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome. Methods We studied the phenotype–genotype correlation. Results We present the clinical manifestations and cytogenetic results of 10 unrelated Egyptian patients with 4p deletions. Karyotyping, FISH and MLPA was performed for screening for microdeletion syndromes. Array CGH was done for two patients. All patients exhibited the cardinal clinical manifestation of WHS. FISH proved deletion of the specific WHS locus in all patients. MLPA detected microdeletion of the specific locus in two patients with normal karyotypes, while array CGH, performed for two patients, has delineated the extent of the deleted segments and the involved genes. LETM1, the main candidate gene for the seizure phenotype, was found deleted in the two patients tested by array CGH; nevertheless, one of them did not manifest seizures. The study emphasized the previous. Conclusion WHS is a contiguous gene syndrome resulting from hemizygosity of the terminal 2 Mb of 4p16.3 region. The Branchial fistula, detected in one of our patients is a new finding that, to our knowledge, was not reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona K Mekkawy
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa K Kamel
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal M Thomas
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy A Ashaat
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha S Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ola M Eid
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samira Ismail
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saida A Hammad
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hisham Megahed
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba ElAwady
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum unIversity, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Refaat
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shymaa Hussien
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nivine Helmy
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally G Abd Allah
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal M Mohamed
- Human Cytogenetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona O El Ruby
- Clinical Genetics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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5
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Neurodevelopmental disease genes implicated by de novo mutation and copy number variation morbidity. Nat Genet 2018; 51:106-116. [PMID: 30559488 PMCID: PMC6309590 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0288-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We combined de novo mutation (DNM) data from 10,927 individuals with developmental delay and autism to identify 253 candidate neurodevelopmental disease genes with an excess of missense and/or likely gene-disruptive (LGD) mutations. Of these genes, 124 reach exome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10-7) for DNM. Intersecting these results with copy number variation (CNV) morbidity data shows an enrichment for genomic disorder regions (30/253, likelihood ratio (LR) +1.85, P = 0.0017). We identify genes with an excess of missense DNMs overlapping deletion syndromes (for example, KIF1A and the 2q37 deletion) as well as duplication syndromes, such as recurrent MAPK3 missense mutations within the chromosome 16p11.2 duplication, recurrent CHD4 missense DNMs in the 12p13 duplication region, and recurrent WDFY4 missense DNMs in the 10q11.23 duplication region. Network analyses of genes showing an excess of DNMs highlights functional networks, including cell-specific enrichments in the D1+ and D2+ spiny neurons of the striatum.
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6
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Boczek NJ, Lahner CA, Nguyen TM, Ferber MJ, Hasadsri L, Thorland EC, Niu Z, Gavrilova RH. Developmental delay and failure to thrive associated with a loss-of-function variant in WHSC1 (NSD2). Am J Med Genet A 2018; 176:2798-2802. [PMID: 30345613 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.40498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a microdeletion syndrome characterized by distinctive facial features consisting of "Greek warrior helmet" appearance, prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, developmental disability, and seizures. This disorder is caused by heterozygous deletions on chromosome 4p16.3 often identified by cytogenetic techniques. Many groups have attempted to identify the critical region within this deletion to establish which genes are responsible for WHS. Herein, clinical whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a child with developmental delays, mild facial dysmorphisms, short stature, failure to thrive, and microcephaly, and revealed a de novo frameshift variant, c.1676_1679del (p.Arg559Tfs*38), in WHSC1 (NSD2). While WHSC1 falls within the WHS critical region, individuals with only disruption of this gene have only recently been described in the literature. Loss-of-function de novo variations in WHSC1 were identified in large developmental delay, autism, diagnostic, and congenital cardiac cohorts, as well as recent case reports, suggesting that de novo loss-of-function WHSC1 variants may be related to disease. These findings, along with our patient suggest that loss-of-function variation in WHSC1 may lead to a mild form of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and also may suggest that the developmental delays, facial dysmorphisms, and short stature seen in WHS may be due to disruption of WHSC1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Boczek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Carrie A Lahner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Thuy-Mi Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Matthew J Ferber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Linda Hasadsri
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Erik C Thorland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zhiyv Niu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ralitza H Gavrilova
- Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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7
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Ho KS, South ST, Lortz A, Hensel CH, Sdano MR, Vanzo RJ, Martin MM, Peiffer A, Lambert CG, Calhoun A, Carey JC, Battaglia A. Chromosomal microarray testing identifies a 4p terminal region associated with seizures in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. J Med Genet 2016; 53:256-63. [PMID: 26747863 PMCID: PMC4819617 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome involving variable size deletions of the 4p16.3 region. Seizures are frequently, but not always, associated with WHS. We hypothesised that the size and location of the deleted region may correlate with seizure presentation. Methods Using chromosomal microarray analysis, we finely mapped the breakpoints of copy number variants (CNVs) in 48 individuals with WHS. Seizure phenotype data were collected through parent-reported answers to a comprehensive questionnaire and supplemented with available medical records. Results We observed a significant correlation between the presence of an interstitial 4p deletion and lack of a seizure phenotype (Fisher's exact test p=3.59e-6). In our cohort, there were five individuals with interstitial deletions with a distal breakpoint at least 751 kbp proximal to the 4p terminus. Four of these individuals have never had an observable seizure, and the fifth individual had a single febrile seizure at the age of 1.5 years. All other individuals in our cohort whose deletions encompass the terminal 751 kbp region report having seizures typical of WHS. Additional examples from the literature corroborate these observations and further refine the candidate seizure susceptibility region to a region 197 kbp in size, starting 368 kbp from the terminus of chromosome 4. Conclusions We identify a small terminal region of chromosome 4p that represents a seizure susceptibility region. Deletion of this region in the context of WHS is sufficient for seizure occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen S Ho
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah T South
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andreas Peiffer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Christophe G Lambert
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Amy Calhoun
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John C Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Agatino Battaglia
- Stella Maris Clinical Research Institute for Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Pisa, Italy
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8
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Aquino SND, Machado RA, Paranaíba LMR, Coletta RD, Aguiar MJBD, Fernandes C, Martelli Júnior H. Uncommon oral cleft in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Braz Dent J 2015; 26:203-6. [PMID: 25831115 DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440201302377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a syndrome with craniofacial and systemic abnormalities, which is related to 4p deletion. A 3-month old girl with an undiagnosed syndrome was referred for evaluation of the cleft lip and palate. Hypotonia, short stature, cardiac malformation, hypertrophied clitoris, and atypical thumb of both hands was observed. Microcephaly, low-set ear, prominent glabella, downslanting palpebral fissures, a characteristic "Greek warrior helmet" appearance, micrognathia, ears with pits/tags and bilateral incomplete cleft lip apart from incomplete cleft palate were observed as craniofacial findings. With clinical diagnosis of WHS, blood was subjected to karyotyping, which showed a 4p15.2 deletion, consistent with the condition. Here is reported the case of this WHS patient with an uncommon oral cleft extending the phenotypic spectrum of the disorder. The child was referred to a multidisciplinary team to reparative surgery of the cleft lip and palate. The patient is on regular medical follow-up and will be further assisted by dentists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists. The genotype-phenotype correlation of the affected patient with previous WSH syndrome reports is described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato A Machado
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Dental School, UNICAMP - University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Lívia Maris R Paranaíba
- Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, UNIMONTES - State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Dental School, UNICAMP - University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos J Burle de Aguiar
- Special Genetics Service, Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Cassandro Fernandes
- Center for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies and School of Medicine, José do Rosário Vellano University, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Hercílio Martelli Júnior
- Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, UNIMONTES - State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, MG, Brazil
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Hart L, Rauch A, Carr AM, Vermeesch JR, O’Driscoll M. LETM1 haploinsufficiency causes mitochondrial defects in cells from humans with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: implications for dissecting the underlying pathomechanisms in this condition. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:535-45. [PMID: 24626991 PMCID: PMC4007405 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.014464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) represents an archetypical example of a contiguous gene deletion disorder - a condition comprising a complex set of developmental phenotypes with a multigenic origin. Epileptic seizures, intellectual disability, growth restriction, motor delay and hypotonia are major co-morbidities in WHS. Haploinsufficiency of LETM1, which encodes a mitochondrial inner-membrane protein functioning in ion transport, has been proposed as an underlying pathomechanism, principally for seizures but also for other core features of WHS, including growth and motor delay. Growing evidence derived from several model organisms suggests that reduced LETM1 expression is associated with some element of mitochondrial dysfunction. Surprisingly, LETM1-dependent mitochondrial functional deficits have not previously been described in cells from individuals with WHS. Here, using a unique panel of WHS-patient-derived cell lines with deletions of differing sizes, incorporating LETM1 or not, we show, for the first time, that LETM1 expression is reduced in mitochondria isolated from WHS-patient cells. Furthermore, we show that this is associated with distinct mitochondrial phenotypes, including altered intracellular [Ca(2+)] levels, dysfunctional mitochondrial transition-pore opening, hyperpolarization and superoxide leakage from resting mitochondria. Interestingly, we find that these phenotypes segregate with seizures in our WHS cohort. Our findings identify novel cellular phenotypes in WHS attributable to a 50% reduction in LETM1 expression level; these phenotypes could underlie and/or contribute to some of the core clinical features of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Hart
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK
- DNA Replication and Cell Cycle Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - Anita Rauch
- University of Zurich, Institute of Medical Genetics, Wagistrasse 12, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Antony M. Carr
- DNA Replication and Cell Cycle Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK
| | - Joris R. Vermeesch
- Center for Human Genetics, UZ Leuven, Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark O’Driscoll
- Human DNA Damage Response Disorders Group, Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK
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Zollino M, Orteschi D, Ruiter M, Pfundt R, Steindl K, Cafiero C, Ricciardi S, Contaldo I, Chieffo D, Ranalli D, Acquafondata C, Murdolo M, Marangi G, Asaro A, Battaglia D. Unusual 4p16.3 deletions suggest an additional chromosome region for the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome-associated seizures disorder. Epilepsia 2014; 55:849-57. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Zollino
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Daniela Orteschi
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Mariken Ruiter
- Department of Human Genetics; Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics; Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Steindl
- Institute of Medical Genetics; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - Concetta Cafiero
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Stefania Ricciardi
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Ilaria Contaldo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Daniela Chieffo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Domiziana Ranalli
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | | | - Marina Murdolo
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Alessia Asaro
- Institute of Medical Genetics; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
| | - Domenica Battaglia
- Department of Pediatric Neurology; Catholic University; University Hospital A. Gemelli; Roma Italy
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11
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Shimizu K, Wakui K, Kosho T, Okamoto N, Mizuno S, Itomi K, Hattori S, Nishio K, Samura O, Kobayashi Y, Kako Y, Arai T, Tsutomu OI, Kawame H, Narumi Y, Ohashi H, Fukushima Y. Microarray and FISH-based genotype-phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese patients with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 164A:597-609. [PMID: 24357569 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome of the distal 4p chromosome, characterized by craniofacial features, growth impairment, intellectual disability, and seizures. Although genotype-phenotype correlation studies have previously been published, several important issues remain to be elucidated including seizure severity. We present detailed clinical and molecular-cytogenetic findings from a microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based genotype-phenotype analysis of 22 Japanese WHS patients, the first large non-Western series. 4p deletions were terminal in 20 patients and interstitial in two, with deletion sizes ranging from 2.06 to 29.42 Mb. The new Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome critical region (WHSCR2) was deleted in all cases, and duplication of other chromosomal regions occurred in four. Complex mosaicism was identified in two cases: two different 4p terminal deletions; a simple 4p terminal deletion and an unbalanced translocation with the same 4p breakpoint. Seizures began in infancy in 33% (2/6) of cases with small (<6 Mb) deletions and in 86% (12/14) of cases with larger deletions (>6 Mb). Status epilepticus occurred in 17% (1/6) with small deletions and in 87% (13/15) with larger deletions. Renal hypoplasia or dysplasia and structural ocular anomalies were more prevalent in those with larger deletions. A new susceptible region for seizure occurrence is suggested between 0.76 and 1.3 Mb from 4 pter, encompassing CTBP1 and CPLX1, and distal to the previously-supposed candidate gene LETM1. The usefulness of bromide therapy for seizures and additional clinical features including hypercholesterolemia are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Shimizu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan; Division of Medical Genetics, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
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12
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Andersen EF, Carey JC, Earl DL, Corzo D, Suttie M, Hammond P, South ST. Deletions involving genes WHSC1 and LETM1 may be necessary, but are not sufficient to cause Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 22:464-70. [PMID: 23963300 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a complex genetic disorder caused by the loss of genomic material from the short arm of chromosome 4. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies indicated that the loss of genes within 4p16.3 is necessary for expression of the core features of the phenotype. Within this region, haploinsufficiency of the genes WHSC1 and LETM1 is thought to be a major contributor to the pathogenesis of WHS. We present clinical findings for three patients with relatively small (<400 kb) de novo interstitial deletions that overlap WHSC1 and LETM1. 3D facial analysis was performed for two of these patients. Based on our findings, we propose that hemizygosity of WHSC1 and LETM1 is associated with a clinical phenotype characterized by growth deficiency, feeding difficulties, and motor and speech delays. The deletion of additional genes nearby WHSC1 and LETM1 does not result in a marked increase in the severity of clinical features, arguing against their haploinsufficiency. The absence of seizures and typical WHS craniofacial findings in our cohort suggest that deletion of distinct or additional 4p16.3 genes is necessary for expression of these features. Altogether, these results show that although loss-of-function for WHSC1 and/or LETM1 contributes to some of the features of WHS, deletion of additional genes is required for the full expression of the phenotype, providing further support that WHS is a contiguous gene deletion disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica F Andersen
- 1] Cytogenetics Department, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA [2] Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John C Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dawn L Earl
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Deyanira Corzo
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Suttie
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Peter Hammond
- Molecular Medicine Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Sarah T South
- 1] Cytogenetics Department, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA [2] Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA [3] Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Okamoto N, Ohmachi K, Shimada S, Shimojima K, Yamamoto T. 109 kb deletion of chromosome 4p16.3 in a patient with mild phenotype of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:1465-9. [PMID: 23637096 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome associated with growth retardation, developmental disabilities, epileptic seizures, and distinct facial features resulting from a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4. The Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Critical Region WHSCR2 includes the LETM1 gene and 5' end of the WHSC1 gene. A haploinsufficiency of WHSC1 is thought to be responsible for a number of WHS characteristics. We report on a 2-year-old male with severe growth retardation, microcephaly and a characteristic facial appearance. He had no internal anomalies and his developmental milestones were mildly delayed. An array-CGH analysis revealed loss of genomic copy numbers in the region 4p16.3, which included FGFR3, LETM1, and WHSC1. The size of the deletion was only 109 kb. The deletion included the important genes in WHSCR2. We suspect that haploinsufficiency of WHSC1 is the most probable cause of the growth deficiency, microcephaly, and characteristic facial features in WHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Okamoto
- Department of Medical Genetics, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka, Japan.
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Genotype-Phenotype Characterization of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome Confirmed by FISH: Case Reports. Case Rep Genet 2012; 2012:878796. [PMID: 23227376 PMCID: PMC3512217 DOI: 10.1155/2012/878796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a multiple malformation and contiguous gene syndrome resulting from the deletion encompassing a 4p16.3 region. A microscopically visible terminal deletion on chromosome 4p (4p16→pter) was detected in Case 1 with full blown features of WHS. The second case which had an interstitial microdeletion encompassing WHSC 1 and WHSC 2 genes at 4p16.3 presented with less striking clinical features of WHS and had an apparently “normal” karyotype. The severity of the clinical presentation was as a result of haploinsufficiency and interaction with surrounding genes as well as mutations in modifier genes located outside the WHSCR regions. The study emphasized that an individual with a strong clinical suspicion of chromosomal abnormality and a normal conventional cytogenetic study should be further investigated using molecular cytogenetic techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or array-comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH).
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Hannes F, Hammond P, Quarrell O, Fryns JP, Devriendt K, Vermeesch JR. A microdeletion proximal of the critical deletion region is associated with mild Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2012; 158A:996-1004. [PMID: 22438245 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the facial phenotype of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is caused by deletions of either Wolf-Hirschhorn critical regions 1 or 2 (WHSCR 1-2). Here, we identify a 432 kb deletion located 600 kb proximal to both WHSCR1-2 in a patient with a WHS facial phenotype. Seven genes are underlying this deletion region including FAM193a, ADD1, NOP14, GRK4, MFSD10, SH3BP2, TNIP2. The clinical diagnosis of WHS facial phenotype was confirmed by 3D facial analysis using dense surface modeling. Our results suggest that the WHSCR1-2 flanking sequence contributes directly or indirectly to the severity of WHS. Sequencing the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 and 2 genes did not reveal any mutations. Long range position effects of the deletion that could influence gene expression within the WHSCR were excluded in EBV cell lines derived from patient lymphoblasts. We hypothesize that either (1) this locus harbors regulatory sequences which affect gene expression in the WHSCR1-2 in a defined temporal and spatial developmental window or (2) that this locus is additive to deletions of WHSCR1-2 increasing the phenotypic expression.
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