1
|
Vacca F, Yalcin B, Ansar M. Exploring the pathological mechanisms underlying Cohen syndrome. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1431400. [PMID: 39010945 PMCID: PMC11247020 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1431400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cohen Syndrome (CS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the VPS13B gene. It is characterized by multiple clinical features, including acquired microcephaly, developmental delay, intellectual disability, neutropenia, and retinal degeneration. VPS13B is part of the bridge-like lipid transport (BLTP) protein family, which in mammals also includes VPS13A, -C, and -D. The proteins of this family are peripheral membrane proteins with different sub-cellular localization, but all share similar structural features and have been proposed to act as lipid transport proteins at organellar membrane contact sites. VPS13B is localized at the Golgi apparatus and is essential for the maintenance of organelle architecture. Here we present a review of the experimental data on the function of the protein at the cellular level, discussing the potential link with disease phenotype and review the studies on animal models recapitulating features of the human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vacca
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile Des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- Inserm UMR1231, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Muhammad Ansar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile Des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics Disease Research and Treatment Centre, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Montillot C, Skutunova E, Ayushma, Dubied M, Lahmar A, Nguyen S, Peerally B, Prin F, Duffourd Y, Thauvin-Robinet C, Duplomb L, Wang H, Ansar M, Faivre L, Navarro N, Minocha S, Collins SC, Yalcin B. Characterization of Vps13b-mutant mice reveals neuroanatomical and behavioral phenotypes with females less affected. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106259. [PMID: 37573958 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B) is a large and highly conserved protein. Disruption of VPS13B causes the autosomal recessive Cohen syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by microcephaly and intellectual disability among other features, including developmental delay, hypotonia, and friendly-personality. However, the underlying mechanisms by which VPS13B disruption leads to brain dysfunction still remain unexplained. To gain insights into the neuropathogenesis of Cohen syndrome, we systematically characterized brain changes in Vps13b-mutant mice and compared murine findings to 235 previously published and 17 new patients diagnosed with VPS13B-related Cohen syndrome. We showed that Vps13b is differentially expressed across brain regions with the highest expression in the cerebellum, the hippocampus and the cortex with postnatal peak. Half of the Vps13b-/- mice die during the first week of life. The remaining mice have a normal lifespan and display the core phenotypes of the human disease, including microcephaly, growth delay, hypotonia, altered memory, and enhanced sociability. Systematic 2D and 3D brain histo-morphological analyses reveal specific structural changes in the brain starting after birth. The dentate gyrus is the brain region with the most prominent reduction in size, while the motor cortex is specifically thinner in layer VI. The fornix, the fasciculus retroflexus, and the cingulate cortex remain unaffected. Interestingly, these neuroanatomical changes implicate an increase of neuronal death during infantile stages with no progression in adulthood suggesting that VPS13B promotes neuronal survival early in life. Importantly, whilst both sexes were affected, some neuroanatomical and behavioral phenotypes were less pronounced or even absent in females. We evaluate sex differences in Cohen patients and conclude that females are less affected both in mice and patients. Our findings provide new insights about the neurobiology of VPS13B and highlight previously unreported brain phenotypes while defining Cohen syndrome as a likely new entity of non-progressive infantile neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Montillot
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Emilia Skutunova
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Ayushma
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Morgane Dubied
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, EPHE, Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Adam Lahmar
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Sylvie Nguyen
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Benazir Peerally
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Fabrice Prin
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Yannis Duffourd
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France; Unité Fonctionnelle Innovation en Diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Christel Thauvin-Robinet
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France; Unité Fonctionnelle Innovation en Diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France; Reference Center for Rare Diseases "Déficiences intellectuelles de causes rares", Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Laurence Duplomb
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Heng Wang
- DDC Clinic for Special Needs Children, Middlefield, OH 44062, USA
| | - Muhammad Ansar
- Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics Disease Research and Treatment Centre, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France; Reference Center for Rare Diseases "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes malformatifs", Dijon University Hospital, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Nicolas Navarro
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, EPHE, Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; EPHE, PSL University, Paris 75014, France
| | - Shilpi Minocha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Stephan C Collins
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- Université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Inserm Unit 1231, 21000 Dijon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Güneş N, Alkaya DU, Demirbilek V, Yalçınkaya C, Tüysüz B. Early Diagnostic Signs and the Natural History of Typical Findings in Cohen Syndrome. J Pediatr 2023; 252:93-100. [PMID: 36067876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical presentation and long-term clinical features of a molecularly confirmed cohort with Cohen syndrome. STUDY DESIGN Twelve patients with Cohen syndrome aged 0.2-13.9 years from 8 families with a median follow-up of 7 years were enrolled to the study. Genetic analyses were made by VPS13B and whole-exome sequencing analyses. RESULTS Biallelic VPS13B variants, including 3 nonsense, 1 frameshift, and 1 splice-site variant, and a multiexon deletion were detected. Prader-Willi syndrome-like features such as hypotonia, small hands, round face with full cheeks, almond-shaped eyes, and micrognathia were observed in all infantile patients. Beginning from age 4 years, it was noticed that the face gradually elongated and became oval. The typical facial features of Cohen syndrome such as a long face, beak-shaped nose, and open-mouth appearance with prominent upper central incisors became evident at age 9. Other Cohen syndrome features including retinopathy (11/11), neutropenia (11/12), truncal obesity (5/12), and myopia (5/11) were detected at the median ages of 7.8, 7, 7.5, and 5 years, respectively. Eleven patients aged older than 5 years at their last examination had severe speech delay. CONCLUSIONS A differential diagnosis of Cohen syndrome in the infancy should be made with Prader-Willi syndrome, and that the typical facial features for Cohen syndrome is prominent at age 9 years, when retinopathy, neutropenia, and truncal obesity become evident. Moreover, adding the severe speech delay to the diagnostic criteria should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Güneş
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Uludağ Alkaya
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Veysi Demirbilek
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Yalçınkaya
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beyhan Tüysüz
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hussain A, Acharya A, Bharadwaj T, Genomics UOWCFM, Leal SM, Khaliq A, Mir A, Schrauwen I. A Novel Variant in VPS13B Underlying Cohen Syndrome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:9993801. [PMID: 37090188 PMCID: PMC10115529 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9993801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B) cause Cohen syndrome (CS), a clinically diverse neurodevelopmental disorder. We used whole exome and Sanger sequencing to identify disease-causing variants in a Pakistani family with intellectual disability, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, neutropenia, truncal obesity, speech delay, motor delay, and insomnia. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense variant c.8841G > A: p.(W2947∗) in VPS13B (NM_017890.5) which segregated with the disease. Sleep disturbances are commonly seen in neurodevelopmental disorders and can exacerbate medical issues if left untreated. We demonstrate that individuals with Cohen syndrome may also be affected by sleep disturbances. In conclusion, we expand the genetic and phenotypic features of Cohen syndrome in the Pakistani population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Hussain
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 10032, USA
| | - Anushree Acharya
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 10032, USA
| | - Thashi Bharadwaj
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 10032, USA
| | | | - Suzanne M. Leal
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 10032, USA
- Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and the Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, 10032 NY, USA
| | - Abdul Khaliq
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Asif Mir
- Human Molecular Genetics Lab, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Isabelle Schrauwen
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim MJ, Lee RU, Oh J, Choi JE, Kim H, Lee K, Hwang SK, Lee JH, Lee JA, Kaang BK, Lim CS, Lee YS. Spatial Learning and Motor Deficits in Vacuolar Protein Sorting-associated Protein 13b ( Vps13b) Mutant Mouse. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:485-494. [PMID: 31495077 PMCID: PMC6751864 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.4.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13B (VPS13B), also known as COH1, is one of the VPS13 family members which is involved in transmembrane transport, Golgi integrity, and neuritogenesis. Mutations in the VPS13B gene are associated with Cohen syndrome and other cognitive disorders such as intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the patho-physiology of VPS13B-associated cognitive deficits is unclear, in part, due to the lack of animal models. Here, we generated a Vps13b exon 2 deletion mutant mouse and analyzed the behavioral phenotypes. We found that Vps13b mutant mice showed reduced activity in open field test and significantly shorter latency to fall in the rotarod test, suggesting that the mutants have motor deficits. In addition, we found that Vps13b mutant mice showed deficits in spatial learning in the hidden platform version of the Morris water maze. The Vps13b mutant mice were normal in other behaviors such as anxiety-like behaviors, working memory and social behaviors. Our results suggest that Vps13b mutant mice may recapitulate key clinical symptoms in Cohen syndrome such as intellectual disability and hypotonia. Vps13b mutant mice may serve as a useful model to investigate the pathophysiology of VPS13B-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Ro Un Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jihae Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Ja Eun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hyopil Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Behavioral Neural Circuitry and Physiology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Medicine, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Su-Kyeong Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jin-A Lee
- Department of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, Hannam University, Daejeon 34430, Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan 54538, Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodrigues JM, Fernandes HD, Caruthers C, Braddock SR, Knutsen AP. Cohen Syndrome: Review of the Literature. Cureus 2018; 10:e3330. [PMID: 30473963 PMCID: PMC6248805 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cohen syndrome was initially described as a syndrome including obesity, hypotonia, mental deficiency, and facial, oral, ocular and limb anomalies. Leukopenia, especially neutropenia, was later described as a feature of Cohen syndrome. Cohen syndrome is caused by an autosomal recessive (AR) mutation of the vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B, also referred to as COH1) gene on chromosome 8q22.2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Rodrigues
- Internal Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bismarck, USA
| | - Hermina D Fernandes
- Internal Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bismarck, USA
| | | | | | - Alan P Knutsen
- Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zou Z, Huang L, Lin S, He Z, Zhu H, Zhang Y, Fang Q, Luo Y. Prenatal diagnosis of posterior fossa anomalies: Additional value of chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with cerebellar hypoplasia. Prenat Diagn 2018; 38:91-98. [PMID: 29171036 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the relationship between copy number variations (CNVs) detected by high-resolution chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and the type of prenatal posterior fossa anomalies (PFAs), especially cerebellar hypoplasia (CH). METHODS This study involved 77 pregnancies with PFAs who underwent CMA. RESULTS Chromosomal aberrations including pathogenic CNVs and variants of unknown significance were detected in 31.2% (24/77) of all cases by CMA and in 18.5% (12/65) in fetuses with normal karyotypes. The high detection rate of clinically significant CNVs was evident in fetuses with cerebellar hypoplasia (54.6%, 6/11), vermis hypoplasia (33.3%, 1/3), and Dandy-Walker malformation (25.0%, 3/12). Compare with fetuses without other anomalies, cases with CH and additional malformations had the higher CMA detection rate (33.3% vs 88.9%). Three cases of isolated unilateral CH with intact vermis and normal CMA result had normal outcomes. The deletion of 5p15, 6q terminal deletion, and X chromosome aberrations were the most frequent genetic defects associated with cerebellar hypoplasia. CONCLUSION Among fetuses with PFA, those with cerebellar hypoplasia, vermis hypoplasia, or Dandy-Walker malformation are at the highest risk of clinically significant CNVs. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed the most frequent chromosomal aberrations associated with CH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linhuan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaobin Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wagner MW, Poretti A, Benson JE, Huisman TAGM. Neuroimaging Findings in Pediatric Genetic Skeletal Disorders: A Review. J Neuroimaging 2016; 27:162-209. [PMID: 28000960 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs) are a heterogeneous group characterized by an intrinsic abnormality in growth and (re-)modeling of cartilage and bone. A large subgroup of GSDs has additional involvement of other structures/organs beside the skeleton, such as the central nervous system (CNS). CNS abnormalities have an important role in long-term prognosis of children with GSDs and should consequently not be missed. Sensitive and specific identification of CNS lesions while evaluating a child with a GSD requires a detailed knowledge of the possible associated CNS abnormalities. Here, we provide a pattern-recognition approach for neuroimaging findings in GSDs guided by the obvious skeletal manifestations of GSD. In particular, we summarize which CNS findings should be ruled out with each GSD. The diseases (n = 180) are classified based on the skeletal involvement (1. abnormal metaphysis or epiphysis, 2. abnormal size/number of bones, 3. abnormal shape of bones and joints, and 4. abnormal dynamic or structural changes). For each disease, skeletal involvement was defined in accordance with Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. Morphological CNS involvement has been described based on extensive literature search. Selected examples will be shown based on prevalence of the diseases and significance of the CNS involvement. CNS involvement is common in GSDs. A wide spectrum of morphological abnormalities is associated with GSDs. Early diagnosis of CNS involvement is important in the management of children with GSDs. This pattern-recognition approach aims to assist and guide physicians in the diagnostic work-up of CNS involvement in children with GSDs and their management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias W Wagner
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Poretti
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jane E Benson
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Thierry A G M Huisman
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rafiq MA, Leblond CS, Saqib MAN, Vincent AK, Ambalavanan A, Khan FS, Ayaz M, Shaheen N, Spiegelman D, Ali G, Amin-ud-Din M, Laurent S, Mahmood H, Christian M, Ali N, Fennell A, Nanjiani Z, Egger G, Caron C, Waqas A, Ayub M, Rasheed S, Forgeot d'Arc B, Johnson A, So J, Brohi MQ, Mottron L, Ansar M, Vincent JB, Xiong L. Novel VPS13B Mutations in Three Large Pakistani Cohen Syndrome Families Suggests a Baloch Variant with Autistic-Like Features. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 16:41. [PMID: 26104215 PMCID: PMC4631108 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-015-0183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Cohen Syndrome (COH1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, principally identified by ocular, neural and muscular deficits. We identified three large consanguineous Pakistani families with intellectual disability and in some cases with autistic traits. Methods Clinical assessments were performed in order to allow comparison of clinical features with other VPS13B mutations. Homozygosity mapping followed by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing strategies were used to identify disease-related mutations. Results We identified two novel homozygous deletion mutations in VPS13B, firstly a 1 bp deletion, NM_017890.4:c.6879delT; p.Phe2293Leufs*24, and secondly a deletion of exons 37-40, which co-segregate with affected status. In addition to COH1-related traits, autistic features were reported in a number of family members, contrasting with the “friendly” demeanour often associated with COH1. The c.6879delT mutation is present in two families from different regions of the country, but both from the Baloch sub-ethnic group, and with a shared haplotype, indicating a founder effect among the Baloch population. Conclusion We suspect that the c.6879delT mutation may be a common cause of COH1 and similar phenotypes among the Baloch population. Additionally, most of the individuals with the c.6879delT mutation in these two families also present with autistic like traits, and suggests that this variant may lead to a distinct autistic-like COH1 subgroup. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-015-0183-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arshad Rafiq
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Currently at: Department of Physiology and Experimental Medicine (PEM), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Claire S Leblond
- CHUM Research Center - Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Canada. .,Currently at: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Muhammad Arif Nadeem Saqib
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, and Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Akshita K Vincent
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
| | - Amirthagowri Ambalavanan
- CHUM Research Center - Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Canada. .,Currently at: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Falak Sher Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, and Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- The Lahore Institute for Research and Development, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Naseema Shaheen
- University of Education, Township Campus, College Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Dan Spiegelman
- CHUM Research Center - Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Canada. .,Currently at: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Ghazanfar Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, P.O. Box 13100, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Amin-ud-Din
- Dept: zoology, University of Education, Lahore, Campus Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.
| | - Sandra Laurent
- CHUM Research Center - Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Canada. .,Currently at: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Huda Mahmood
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
| | | | - Nadir Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, and Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Alanna Fennell
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
| | | | - Gerald Egger
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, A-8010, Austria.
| | - Chantal Caron
- Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada. .,Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, and Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Ayub
- The Lahore Institute for Research and Development, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. .,Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Baudouin Forgeot d'Arc
- Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada. .,Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Research Centre, Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3 V2, Canada.
| | - Amelie Johnson
- Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Research Centre, Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3 V2, Canada.
| | - Joyce So
- The Fred A. Litwin Family Centre in Genetic Medicine, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. .,The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | - Laurent Mottron
- Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montreal, Canada. .,Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Research Centre, Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3 V2, Canada.
| | - Muhammad Ansar
- Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, and Pakistan Medical Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - John B Vincent
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry & Development Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lan Xiong
- CHUM Research Center - Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Canada. .,Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Research Centre, Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, rue Hochelaga, Montréal, QC, H1N 3 V2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zafeiriou DI, Ververi A, Dafoulis V, Kalyva E, Vargiami E. Autism spectrum disorders: the quest for genetic syndromes. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2013; 162B:327-66. [PMID: 23650212 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disabilities with various etiologies, but with a heritability estimate of more than 90%. Although the strong correlation between autism and genetic factors has been long established, the exact genetic background of ASD remains unclear. A number of genetic syndromes manifest ASD at higher than expected frequencies compared to the general population. These syndromes account for more than 10% of all ASD cases and include tuberous sclerosis, fragile X, Down, neurofibromatosis, Angelman, Prader-Willi, Williams, Duchenne, etc. Clinicians are increasingly required to recognize genetic disorders in individuals with ASD, in terms of providing proper care and prognosis to the patient, as well as genetic counseling to the family. Vice versa, it is equally essential to identify ASD in patients with genetic syndromes, in order to ensure correct management and appropriate educational placement. During investigation of genetic syndromes, a number of issues emerge: impact of intellectual disability in ASD diagnoses, identification of autistic subphenotypes and differences from idiopathic autism, validity of assessment tools designed for idiopathic autism, possible mechanisms for the association with ASD, etc. Findings from the study of genetic syndromes are incorporated into the ongoing research on autism etiology and pathogenesis; different syndromes converge upon common biological backgrounds (such as disrupted molecular pathways and brain circuitries), which probably account for their comorbidity with autism. This review paper critically examines the prevalence and characteristics of the main genetic syndromes, as well as the possible mechanisms for their association with ASD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Cohen syndrome (CS) (OMIM#216550) is an uncommon autosomal recessive developmental disorder that has been attributed to mutations in the COH1 gene in at least 200 patients of diverse ethnic background so far. The clinical heterogeneity of CS is evident when comparing patients of different ethnic backgrounds, especially when evaluating specific system phenotypes separately, such as the ophthalmic and central nervous systems. We reviewed the available clinical data on CS cohorts of patients who share a founder effect and demonstrated that most features associated so far with CS are less than those always present in the patients who share a founder mutation thus representing clinical heterogeneity. Furthermore, there is a wide clinical variability of CS in the distinct founder mutation cohorts, the Finnish, Greek/Mediterranean, Amish and Irish travelers. The Greek/Mediterranean founder mutation is correlated to a CS phenotype characterized by specific and persistent skeletal features, corneal changes, periodontal disease, a distinct neurocognitive phenotype for the high recurrence of autism and non-verbal communication and inconstant microcephaly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Douzgou
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Child Health, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | | |
Collapse
|