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Haghshenas S, Foroutan A, Bhai P, Levy MA, Relator R, Kerkhof J, McConkey H, Skinner CD, Caylor RC, Tedder ML, Stevenson RE, Sadikovic B, Schwartz CE. Identification of a DNA methylation signature for Renpenning syndrome (RENS1), a spliceopathy. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:879-886. [PMID: 36797465 PMCID: PMC10400603 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01313-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenges and ambiguities in providing an accurate diagnosis for patients with neurodevelopmental disorders have led researchers to apply epigenetics as a technique to validate the diagnosis provided based on the clinical examination and genetic testing results. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis has recently been adapted for clinical testing of patients with genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. In this paper, preliminary data demonstrating a DNA methylation signature for Renpenning syndrome (RENS1 - OMIM 309500), which is an X-linked recessive neurodevelopmental disorder caused by variants in polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) is reported. The identified episignature was then utilized to construct a highly sensitive and specific binary classification model. Besides providing evidence for the existence of a DNA methylation episignature for Renpenning syndrome, this study increases the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms related to the disease. Moreover, the availability of more subjects in future may facilitate the establishment of an episignature that can be utilized for diagnosis in a clinical setting and for reclassification of variants of unknown clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegheh Haghshenas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Aidin Foroutan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Pratibha Bhai
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Michael A Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
| | - Charles E Schwartz
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, 29646, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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Brand BA, Blesson AE, Smith-Hicks CL. The Impact of X-Chromosome Inactivation on Phenotypic Expression of X-Linked Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070904. [PMID: 34356138 PMCID: PMC8305405 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 20% of genes located on the X chromosome are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) due to their expression and role in brain functioning. Given their location, several of these genes are either subject to or can escape X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). The degree to which genes are subject to XCI can influence the NDD phenotype between males and females. We provide a general review of X-linked NDD genes in the context of XCI and detailed discussion of the sex-based differences related to MECP2 and FMR1, two common X-linked causes of NDD that are subject to XCI. Understanding the effects of XCI on phenotypic expression of NDD genes may guide the development of stratification biomarkers in X-linked disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boudewien A Brand
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Alyssa E Blesson
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (B.A.B.); (A.E.B.)
| | - Constance L. Smith-Hicks
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Correspondence:
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