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Zhao J, Longo N, Lewis RG, Nicholas TJ, Boyden SE, Andrews A, Larson A, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Botto LD, Mao R. Novel molecular mechanism in Malan syndrome uncovered through genome sequencing reanalysis, exon-level Array, and RNA sequencing. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:e63516. [PMID: 38168088 PMCID: PMC11003828 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63516] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The NFIX gene encodes a DNA-binding protein belonging to the nuclear factor one (NFI) family of transcription factors. Pathogenic variants of NFIX are associated with two autosomal dominant Mendelian disorders, Malan syndrome (MIM 614753) and Marshall-Smith syndrome (MIM 602535), which are clinically distinct due to different disease-causing mechanisms. NFIX variants associated with Malan syndrome are missense variants mostly located in exon 2 encoding the N-terminal DNA binding and dimerization domain or are protein-truncating variants that trigger nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) resulting in NFIX haploinsufficiency. NFIX variants associated with Marshall-Smith syndrome are protein-truncating and are clustered between exons 6 and 10, including a recurrent Alu-mediated deletion of exons 6 and 7, which can escape NMD. The more severe phenotype of Marshall-Smith syndrome is likely due to a dominant-negative effect of these protein-truncating variants that escape NMD. Here, we report a child with clinical features of Malan syndrome who has a de novo NFIX intragenic duplication. Using genome sequencing, exon-level microarray analysis, and RNA sequencing, we show that this duplication encompasses exons 6 and 7 and leads to NFIX haploinsufficiency. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Malan Syndrome caused by an intragenic NFIX duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert G Lewis
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Thomas J Nicholas
- Department of Human Genetics, Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Steven E Boyden
- Department of Human Genetics, Utah Center for Genetic Discovery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ashley Andrews
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Austin Larson
- Section of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lorenzo D Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rong Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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2
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Bordini BJ, Walsh RD, Basel D, Deshmukh T. Attaining Diagnostic Excellence: How the Structure and Function of a Rare Disease Service Contribute to Ending the Diagnostic Odyssey. Med Clin North Am 2024; 108:1-14. [PMID: 37951644 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.06.013] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Patients with rare or otherwise undiagnosed disorders frequently find themselves on a diagnostic odyssey, the often-prolonged journey toward diagnosis that can be characterized by significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship, as well as by diagnostic errors and delays. The wider availability of clinical exome sequencing has helped end many diagnostic odysseys, though diagnostic success rates of around 35% for exome sequencing leave many patients undiagnosed. Diagnostic yields can be improved via the implementation of advanced genetic testing modalities, though both these modalities and exome sequencing perform significantly better when paired with high-quality phenotypic data. Diagnostic centers of excellence can improve outcomes for patients on a diagnostic odyssey by providing a process and environment that address shortfalls in diagnostic access while providing high-quality phenotyping. Features of successful undiagnosed and rare disease evaluation teams are discussed and an illustrative case is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Bordini
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, Nelson Service for Undiagnosed and Rare Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin.
| | - Ryan D Walsh
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin; Eye Institute - Froedtert Hospital, 925 North 87th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Donald Basel
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Chief, Division of Medical Genetics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9000 West Wisconsin Avenue MC716, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Tejaswini Deshmukh
- Department of Radiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin; Department of Pediatric Imaging, 9000 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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3
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Halley MC, Young JL, Tang C, Mintz KT, Lucas-Griffin S, Maghiro A, Ashley EA, Tabor HK. Genomics Research with Undiagnosed Children: Ethical Challenges at the Boundaries of Research and Clinical Care. J Pediatr 2023; 261:113537. [PMID: 37271495 PMCID: PMC10527480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perspectives of parents of undiagnosed children enrolled in genomic diagnosis research regarding their motivations for enrolling their children, their understanding of the potential burdens and benefits, and the extent to which their experiences ultimately aligned with or diverged from their original expectations. STUDY DESIGN In-depth interviews were conducted with parents, audio-recorded and transcribed. A structured codebook was applied to each transcript, after which iterative memoing was used to identify themes. RESULTS Fifty-four parents participated, including 17 (31.5%) whose child received a diagnosis through research. Themes describing parents' expectations and experiences of genomic diagnosis research included (1) the extent to which parents' motivations for participation focused on their hope that it would directly benefit their child, (2) the ways in which parents' frustrations regarding the research process confused the dual clinical and research goals of their participation, and (3) the limited clinical benefits parents ultimately experienced for their children. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that parents of undiagnosed children seeking enrollment in genomic diagnosis research are at risk of a form of therapeutic misconception-in this case, diagnostic misconception. These findings indicate the need to examine the processes and procedures associated with this research to communicate appropriately and balance the potential burdens and benefits of study participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan C Halley
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
| | - Jennifer L Young
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Charis Tang
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Kevin T Mintz
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Sawyer Lucas-Griffin
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | | | - Euan A Ashley
- Department of Genetics, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Holly K Tabor
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, CA
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4
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McKoane A, Sherman DK. Diagnostic uncertainty in patients, parents, and physicians: a compensatory control theory perspective. Health Psychol Rev 2023; 17:439-455. [PMID: 35672909 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2022.2086899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Medical diagnoses offer a structure by which psychological uncertainty can be attenuated, allowing patients to diminish psychological threats and focus on health prognosis. Yet when no diagnosis can be made, patients may experience diagnostic uncertainty - perceiving the medical field as unable to provide an accurate explanation of the cause of their health problems. This review examines the psychological threat that diagnostic uncertainty imposes on individuals' need for control and understanding, and the resulting consequences experienced by patients, parents of pediatric patients, and physicians. Using compensatory control theory as a framework, we propose a taxonomy of behaviors that people may adopt in order to regain control in the face of diagnostic uncertainty and to reaffirm that the world is not random and chaotic. To manage diagnostic uncertainty, people may bolster their personal agency, affiliate with external systems they see as acting in their interest, affirm clear connections between behaviors and outcomes, and affirm nonspecific epistemic structure. Diagnostic uncertainty is approached from the perspectives of patients, parents of pediatric patients, and physicians, demonstrating how each group responds in order to maintain a sense that the world has structure and is not random. Discussion centers on moderators, limitations, and implications for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley McKoane
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - David K Sherman
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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Crooke ST, Kim-McManus OS, Dalby K. A way forward for diagnosis of patients with extremely rare genetic mutations. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1190-1192. [PMID: 37460677 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01879-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia S Kim-McManus
- University of California San Diego Department of Neurosciences, Rady Children's Hospital Division of Pediatric Neurology, La Jolla, CA, USA
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6
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Rosenfeld LE, LeBlanc K, Nagy A, Ego BK, McCray AT. Participation in a national diagnostic research study: assessing the patient experience. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:73. [PMID: 37032333 PMCID: PMC10084693 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02695-5] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), a clinical research study funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to provide answers for patients with undiagnosed conditions and generate knowledge about underlying disease mechanisms. UDN evaluations involve collaboration between clinicians and researchers and go beyond what is possible in clinical settings. While medical and research outcomes of UDN evaluations have been explored, this is the first formal assessment of the patient and caregiver experience. METHODS We invited UDN participants and caregivers to participate in focus groups via email, newsletter, and a private participant Facebook group. We developed focus group questions based on research team expertise, literature focused on patients with rare and undiagnosed conditions, and UDN participant and family member feedback. In March 2021, we conducted, recorded, and transcribed four 60-min focus groups via Zoom. Transcripts were evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS The adult undiagnosed focus group described the UDN evaluation as validating and an avenue for access to medical providers. They also noted that the experience impacted professional choices and helped them rely on others for support. The adult diagnosed focus group described the healthcare system as not set up for rare disease. In the pediatric undiagnosed focus group, caregivers discussed a continued desire for information and gratitude for the UDN evaluation. They also described an ability to rule out information and coming to terms with not having answers. The pediatric diagnosed focus group discussed how the experience helped them focus on management and improved communication. Across focus groups, adults (undiagnosed/diagnosed) noted the comprehensiveness of the evaluation. Undiagnosed focus groups (adult/pediatric) discussed a desire for ongoing communication and care with the UDN. Diagnosed focus groups (adult/pediatric) highlighted the importance of the diagnosis they received in the UDN. The majority of the focus groups noted a positive future orientation after participation. CONCLUSION Our findings are consistent with prior literature focused on the patient experience of rare and undiagnosed conditions and highlight benefits from comprehensive evaluations, regardless of whether a diagnosis is obtained. Focus group themes also suggest areas for improvement and future research related to the diagnostic odyssey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E Rosenfeld
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Child, Youth, and Family Policy, Brandeis University, 415 South St., Waltham, MA, 02453, USA
| | - Kimberly LeBlanc
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Anna Nagy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Braeden K Ego
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 291 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alexa T McCray
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, 10 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Division of Clinical Informatics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Yilmaz M, Potts DE, Geier C, Walter JE. Can we identify WHIM in infancy? Opportunities with the public newborn screening process. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:215-221. [PMID: 36210583 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) utilizing T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) has been implemented in all 50 states as of December 2018 and has been transformative for the clinical care of SCID patients. Though having high sensitivity for SCID, NBS-SCID has low specificity, therefore is able to detect other causes of lymphopenia in newborns including many inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). In a recent study, three of six newborns later diagnosed with Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome were found to have a low TRECs and lymphopenia at birth. This presents an opportunity to increase the detection and diagnosis of WHIM syndrome by NBS-SCID with immunological follow-up along with a combination of flow cytometry for immune cell subsets, absolute neutrophil count, and genetic testing, extending beyond the conventional bone marrow studies. Coupled with emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics and proteomics, dried blood spots used in NBS-SCID will promote earlier detection, diagnosis, and therefore treatment of IEIs such as WHIM syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Yilmaz
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - David Evan Potts
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Christoph Geier
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jolan E Walter
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Schuler BA, Nelson ET, Koziura M, Cogan JD, Hamid R, Phillips JA. Lessons learned: next-generation sequencing applied to undiagnosed genetic diseases. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e154942. [PMID: 35362483 PMCID: PMC8970663 DOI: 10.1172/jci154942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic disorders, when considered together, are relatively common. Despite advancements in genetics and genomics technologies as well as increased understanding of genomic function and dysfunction, many genetic diseases continue to be difficult to diagnose. The goal of this Review is to increase the familiarity of genetic testing strategies for non-genetics providers. As genetic testing is increasingly used in primary care, many subspecialty clinics, and various inpatient settings, it is important that non-genetics providers have a fundamental understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various genetic testing strategies as well as develop an ability to interpret genetic testing results. We provide background on commonly used genetic testing approaches, give examples of phenotypes in which the various genetic testing approaches are used, describe types of genetic and genomic variations, cover challenges in variant identification, provide examples in which next-generation sequencing (NGS) failed to uncover the variant responsible for a disease, and discuss opportunities for continued improvement in the application of NGS clinically. As genetic testing becomes increasingly a part of all areas of medicine, familiarity with genetic testing approaches and result interpretation is vital to decrease the burden of undiagnosed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce A. Schuler
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erica T. Nelson
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary Koziura
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joy D. Cogan
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rizwan Hamid
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - John A. Phillips
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics and
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Kohler JN, Glanton E, Boyd BM, Sillari CH, Marwaha S, Wheeler MT. Genetic counselor roles in the undiagnosed diseases network research study: Clinical care, collaboration, and curation. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:326-337. [PMID: 34374469 PMCID: PMC11305122 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors (GCs) are increasingly filling important positions on research study teams, but there is limited literature describing the roles of GCs in these settings. GCs on the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) study team serve in a variety of roles across the research network and provide an opportunity to better understand genetic counselor roles in research. To quantitatively characterize the tasks regularly performed and professional fulfillment derived from these tasks, two surveys were administered to UDN GCs in a stepwise fashion. Responses from the first, free-response survey elicited the scope of tasks which informed development of a second structured, multiple-select survey. In survey 2, respondents were asked to select which roles they performed. Across 19 respondents, roles in survey 2 received a total of 947 selections averaging approximately 10 selections per role. When asked to indicate what roles they performed, respondent selected a mean of 50 roles (range 22-70). Survey 2 data were analyzed via thematic coding of responses and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify patterns in responses. From the thematic analysis, 20 non-overlapping codes emerged in seven categories: clinical interaction and care, communication, curation, leadership, participant management, research, and team management. Three themes emerged from the categories that represented the roles of GCs in the UDN: clinical care, collaboration, and curation. Cluster analyses showed that responses were more similar among individuals at the same institution than between institutions. This study highlights the ways GCs apply their unique skill set in the context of a clinical translational research network. Additionally, findings from this study reinforce the wide applicability of core skills that are part of genetic counseling training. Clinical literacy, genomics expertise and analysis, interpersonal, psychosocial and counseling skills, education, professional practice skills, and an understanding of research processes make genetic counselors well suited for such roles and poised to positively impact research experiences and outcomes for participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennefer N Kohler
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily Glanton
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Color Genomics, Burlingame, CA, USA
| | - Brenna M Boyd
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Catherine H Sillari
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shruti Marwaha
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Wheeler
- Center for Undiagnosed Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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10
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Fischer J, Di Donato N. Diagnostic pitfalls in patients with malformations of cortical development. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 37:123-128. [PMID: 35228169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.01.017] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCDs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric patient cohort. Correct diagnosis of the cause is essential for symptom management, disease prognosis and family counselling but is frequently hampered due to numerous potential pitfalls in the diagnostic process. This review highlights potential problems that either prevent the establishment of a diagnosis or are the sources of diagnostic errors. The focus is placed on hereditary causes of MCDs and strategies will be proposed to circumvent potential diagnostic pitfalls. Errors may occur during variant detection, filtering, or interpretation in relation to patient's phenotype. Based on detailed clinical assessment suitable targeted and untargeted methods to identify pathogenic variants with context-dependent filtering and evaluation approaches will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Fischer
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nataliya Di Donato
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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11
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Kumble S, Levy AM, Punetha J, Gao H, Ah Mew N, Anyane-Yeboa K, Benke PJ, Berger SM, Bjerglund L, Campos-Xavier B, Ciliberto M, Cohen JS, Comi AM, Curry C, Damaj L, Denommé-Pichon AS, Emrick L, Faivre L, Fasano MB, Fiévet A, Finkel RS, García-Miñaúr S, Gerard A, Gomez-Puertas P, Guillen Sacoto MJ, Hoffman TL, Howard L, Iglesias AD, Izumi K, Larson A, Leiber A, Lozano R, Marcos-Alcalde I, Mintz CS, Mullegama SV, Møller RS, Odent S, Oppermann H, Ostergaard E, Pacio-Míguez M, Palomares-Bralo M, Parikh S, Paulson AM, Platzer K, Posey JE, Potocki L, Revah-Politi A, Rio M, Ritter AL, Robinson S, Rosenfeld JA, Santos-Simarro F, Sousa SB, Wéber M, Xie Y, Chung WK, Brown NJ, Tümer Z. The clinical and molecular spectrum of QRICH1 associated neurodevelopmental disorder. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:266-282. [PMID: 34859529 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24308] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
De novo variants in QRICH1 (Glutamine-rich protein 1) has recently been reported in 11 individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The function of QRICH1 is largely unknown but it is likely to play a key role in the unfolded response of endoplasmic reticulum stress through transcriptional control of proteostasis. In this study, we present 27 additional individuals and delineate the clinical and molecular spectrum of the individuals (n = 38) with QRICH1 variants. The main clinical features were mild to moderate developmental delay/ID (71%), nonspecific facial dysmorphism (92%) and hypotonia (39%). Additional findings included poor weight gain (29%), short stature (29%), autism spectrum disorder (29%), seizures (24%) and scoliosis (18%). Minor structural brain abnormalities were reported in 52% of the individuals with brain imaging. Truncating or splice variants were found in 28 individuals and 10 had missense variants. Four variants were inherited from mildly affected parents. This study confirms that heterozygous QRICH1 variants cause a neurodevelopmental disorder including short stature and expands the phenotypic spectrum to include poor weight gain, scoliosis, hypotonia, minor structural brain anomalies, and seizures. Inherited variants from mildly affected parents are reported for the first time, suggesting variable expressivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smitha Kumble
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda M Levy
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jaya Punetha
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Review Analysis, GeneDx LLC, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas Ah Mew
- Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kwame Anyane-Yeboa
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Paul J Benke
- Division of Genetics, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, USA
| | - Sara M Berger
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lise Bjerglund
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Belinda Campos-Xavier
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Ciliberto
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Julie S Cohen
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne M Comi
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia Curry
- Deptartment of Pediatrics, Genetic Medicine, UCSF/Fresno, Fresno, California, USA
| | - Lena Damaj
- Service de pédiatrie et de génétique clinique, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Denommé-Pichon
- INSERM UMR1231 Equipe GAD, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle Innovation en Diagnostic génomique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Lisa Emrick
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Division of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, FHU TRANSLAD, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- Inserm UMR1231 GAD, Génétique des Anomalies du Développement, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Mary Beth Fasano
- Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alice Fiévet
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale multisites Seqoia-FMG2025, Paris, France
- Service Génétique des Tumeurs, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Richard S Finkel
- Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, Florida, USA
- Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sixto García-Miñaúr
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, U753), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amanda Gerard
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paulino Gomez-Puertas
- Molecular Modelling Group, Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Centre (CBMSO, CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Trevor L Hoffman
- Regional Department of Genetics, Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lillian Howard
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Alejandro D Iglesias
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Kosuke Izumi
- Divison of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Austin Larson
- Section of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anja Leiber
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Eastern Switzerland St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Reymundo Lozano
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Iñigo Marcos-Alcalde
- Molecular Modelling Group, Severo Ochoa Molecular Biology Centre (CBMSO, CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Biosciences Research Institute, School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cassie S Mintz
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Rikke S Møller
- Department of Epilepsy Genetics and Personalized Treatment, The Danish Epilepsy Centre, Dianalund, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sylvie Odent
- CHU Rennes, Hôpital Sud, Service de Génétique Clinique, Univ Rennes, CNRS IGDR UMR 6290, Centre de référence Anomalies du développement CLAD-Ouest, ERN ITHACA, Rennes, France
| | - Henry Oppermann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elsebet Ostergaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marta Pacio-Míguez
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Palomares-Bralo
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, U753), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sumit Parikh
- Mitochondrial Medicine & Neurogenetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anna M Paulson
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Konrad Platzer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jennifer E Posey
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lorraine Potocki
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Precision Genomics Laboratory, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Marlene Rio
- Service de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Alyssa L Ritter
- Divison of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jill A Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor Genetics Laboratories, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fernando Santos-Simarro
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, U753), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sérgio B Sousa
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mathys Wéber
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, FHU TRANSLAD, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Yili Xie
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Maryland, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Natasha J Brown
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zeynep Tümer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Dai L, Zhang D, Wu Z, Guan X, Ma M, Li L, Zhang Y, Bai Y, Guo H. A Tiered Genetic Screening Strategy for the Molecular Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability in Chinese Patients. Front Genet 2021; 12:669217. [PMID: 34630504 PMCID: PMC8495063 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.669217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Intellectual disability (ID) is one of the most common developmental disabilities. To identify the genetic etiology of IDs in Chongqing, we conducted a multistage study in Chinese Han patients. Methods: We collected the clinical and etiological data of 1665 ID patients, including 1,604 from the disabled children evaluation center and 61 from the pediatric rehabilitation unit. Routine genetic screening results were obtained, including karyotype and candidate gene analysis. Then 105 idiopathic cases with syndromic and severe ID/developmental delay (DD) were selected and tested by chromosomal microarray (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) sequentially. The pathogenicity of the CNVs and SNVs were evaluated according to ACMG guidelines. Results: Molecular diagnosis was made by routine genetic screening in 216 patients, including 196 chromosomal syndromes. Among the 105 idiopathic patients, 49 patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNVs and 21 patients with VUS were identified by CMA. Twenty-six pathogenic CNVs underlying well-known syndromic cases, such as Williams-Beuren syndrome, were confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Nine novel mutations were identified by WES in thirty-fix CNV-negative ID cases. Conclusions: The study illustrated the genetic aberrations distribution of a large ID cohort in Chongqing. Compared with conventional or single methods, a tiered high-throughput diagnostic strategy was developed to greatly improve the diagnostic yields and extend the variation spectrum for idiopathic syndromic ID cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limeng Dai
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Danyan Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute/NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifeng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingying Guan
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfu Ma
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute/NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing, China
| | - Lianbing Li
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute/NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Bai
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Cappuccio G, Ceccatelli Berti C, Baruffini E, Sullivan J, Shashi V, Jewett T, Stamper T, Maitz S, Canonico F, Revah-Politi A, Kupchik GS, Anyane-Yeboa K, Aggarwal V, Benneche A, Bratland E, Berland S, D'Arco F, Alves CA, Vanderver A, Longo D, Bertini E, Torella A, Nigro V, D'Amico A, van der Knaap MS, Goffrini P, Brunetti-Pierri N. Bi-allelic KARS1 pathogenic variants affecting functions of cytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms are associated with a progressive and multisystem disease. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:745-761. [PMID: 33942428 PMCID: PMC8251883 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
KARS1 encodes a lysyl‐transfer RNA synthetase (LysRS) that links lysine to its cognate transfer RNA. Two different KARS1 isoforms exert functional effects in cytosol and mitochondria. Bi‐allelic pathogenic variants in KARS1 have been associated to sensorineural hearing and visual loss, neuropathy, seizures, and leukodystrophy. We report the clinical, biochemical, and neuroradiological features of nine individuals with KARS1‐related disorder carrying 12 different variants with nine of them being novel. The consequences of these variants on the cytosol and/or mitochondrial LysRS were functionally validated in yeast mutants. Most cases presented with severe neurological features including congenital and progressive microcephaly, seizures, developmental delay/intellectual disability, and cerebral atrophy. Oculo‐motor dysfunction and immuno‐hematological problems were present in six and three cases, respectively. A yeast growth defect of variable severity was detected for most variants on both cytosolic and mitochondrial isoforms. The detrimental effects of two variants on yeast growth were partially rescued by lysine supplementation. Congenital progressive microcephaly, oculo‐motor dysfunction, and immuno‐hematological problems are emerging phenotypes in KARS1‐related disorder. The data in yeast emphasize the role of both mitochondrial and cytosolic isoforms in the pathogenesis of KARS1‐related disorder and supports the therapeutic potential of lysine supplementation at least in a subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Camilla Ceccatelli Berti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Baruffini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Jennifer Sullivan
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamison Jewett
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tara Stamper
- Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Silvia Maitz
- Clinical Pediatric Genetics Unit, Pediatrics Clinics, MBBM Foundation, Hospital San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Canonico
- Department of Neuroradiology, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST di Monza, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriel S Kupchik
- Division of Medical Genetics, Maimonides Children's Hospital of Brooklyn at Maimonides Medical Center, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kwame Anyane-Yeboa
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Genomic Medicine Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vimla Aggarwal
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andreas Benneche
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eirik Bratland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Siren Berland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Felice D'Arco
- Department of Paediatric Neuroradiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Cesar A Alves
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniela Longo
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy.,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra D'Amico
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paola Goffrini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.,Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
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14
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Cope H, Spillmann R, Rosenfeld JA, Brokamp E, Signer R, Schoch K, Kelley EG, Sullivan JA, Macnamara E, Lincoln S, Golden‐Grant K, Orengo JP, Clark G, Burrage LC, Posey JE, Punetha J, Robertson A, Cogan J, Phillips JA, Martinez‐Agosto J, Shashi V. Missed diagnoses: Clinically relevant lessons learned through medical mysteries solved by the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1397. [PMID: 32730690 PMCID: PMC7549585 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resources within the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), such as genome sequencing (GS) and model organisms aid in diagnosis and identification of new disease genes, but are currently difficult to access by clinical providers. While these resources do contribute to diagnoses in many cases, they are not always necessary to reach diagnostic resolution. The UDN experience has been that participants can also receive diagnoses through the thoughtful and customized application of approaches and resources that are readily available in clinical settings. METHODS The UDN Genetic Counseling and Testing Working Group collected case vignettes that illustrated how clinically available methods resulted in diagnoses. The case vignettes were classified into three themes; phenotypic considerations, selection of genetic testing, and evaluating exome/GS variants and data. RESULTS We present 12 participants that illustrate how clinical practices such as phenotype-driven genomic investigations, consideration of variable expressivity, selecting the relevant tissue of interest for testing, utilizing updated testing platforms, and recognition of alternate transcript nomenclature resulted in diagnoses. CONCLUSION These examples demonstrate that when a diagnosis is elusive, an iterative patient-specific approach utilizing assessment options available to clinical providers may solve a portion of cases. However, this does require increased provider time commitment, a particular challenge in the current practice of genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Cope
- Division of Medical GeneticsDepartment of PediatricsDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Rebecca Spillmann
- Division of Medical GeneticsDepartment of PediatricsDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Jill A. Rosenfeld
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Elly Brokamp
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Rebecca Signer
- Department of Human GeneticsUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical GeneticsDepartment of PediatricsDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Emily G. Kelley
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Jennifer A. Sullivan
- Division of Medical GeneticsDepartment of PediatricsDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - Ellen Macnamara
- Undiagnosed Diseases ProgramCommon FundOffice of the DirectorNational Institutes of HealthNIHBethesdaMDUSA
| | - Sharyn Lincoln
- Division of Genetics and GenomicsDepartment of PediatricsBoston Children’s HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | - James P. Orengo
- Department of NeurologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Gary Clark
- Department of NeurologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Lindsay C. Burrage
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Jennifer E. Posey
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Jaya Punetha
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Amy Robertson
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Joy Cogan
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - John A. Phillips
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomic MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical GeneticsDepartment of PediatricsDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
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