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Kazan HH, Karaca M, Akan G, Özgen Ö, Tuncel G, Özketen AÇ, Balcı MC, Körbeyli HK, Atalar F, Gökçay GF. Oxford nanopore sequencing-based assay for BTD gene screening: Design, clinical validation, and variant frequency assessment in the Turkish population. Gene 2024; 928:148782. [PMID: 39033936 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired recycling of the water-soluble vitamin biotin which leads to a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe, including mainly neurological and cutaneous symptoms. Biotin supplementation is a cornerstone of treatment, but diagnosis often relies on measuring serum enzyme activity, which needs to be confirmed by genetic analysis. Thus, molecular methods become necessary in the differential diagnosis of BTD. Accordingly, countries with a high-incidence have implemented next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques to newborn screening programs for BT. Nevertheless, NGS platforms, while well-established, present challenges in cost, labor, accessibility, and duration for newborn screening programs targeting BTD, therefore these limitations necessitate the exploration of alternative systems to ensure efficient and widespread screening. Here, third-generation sequencing platforms, notably Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT), present promising solutions to the associated challenges. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to develop an ONT-based assay for the screening of BTD gene. After designing and optimizing primers for long-PCR using reference DNA, we assessed the performance of the ONT assay in BTD patients previously diagnosed by enzyme assay and confirmed using Illumina-based sequencing. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the two methods, indicating the reliability of the ONT-based assay. Moreover, this first in-house single gene testing specifically tailored for BTD successfully detected previously known genetic variants with high sequencing depths, affirming the effectiveness of ONT-based sequencing in human genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Hüseyin Kazan
- Department of Medical Biology, Gulhane Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meryem Karaca
- Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Akan
- DESAM Institute, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Özge Özgen
- Rare Diseases Research Laboratory, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülten Tuncel
- DESAM Institute, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | | | - Mehmet Cihan Balcı
- Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Kutay Körbeyli
- Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatmahan Atalar
- Rare Diseases Research Laboratory, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Rare Diseases, Child Health Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gülden Fatma Gökçay
- Division of Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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2
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Schnabel-Besson E, Garbade SF, Gleich F, Grünert SC, Krämer J, Thimm E, Hennermann JB, Freisinger P, Burgard P, Gramer G, Morath MA, Tuncel AT, Keßler S, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Mütze U. Parental and child's psychosocial and financial burden living with an inherited metabolic disease identified by newborn screening. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 39189622 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) is one of the most effective measures of secondary prevention. While the benefit of NBS on the clinical long-term outcomes of children with inherited metabolic diseases (IMD) has been demonstrated, the potential burden of families living with an early diagnosed and treated child with an IMD has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this longitudinal questionnaire-based study on 369 families living with a child with an IMD was to investigate the psychosocial and financial burden following a true-positive NBS. The reported psychosocial burden differed between children and their parents, and was associated with the child's age, diagnosis, and treatment. At younger ages, parent-reported burden was higher for the parents than for the individual child, while it increased for children and decreased for parents as the child grew older. Furthermore, psychosocial burden increased if the child required a strict dietary treatment and was at risk of metabolic decompensation. Regardless of diagnosis and treatment, the developmental delay of their child independently increased the parental psychosocial burden. Financial burden was reported by 24% of all families, and was higher in low-income families and in families whose children required dietary treatment. In conclusion, a substantial psychosocial and financial burden was revealed for children and their families after true-positive NBS. Since this burden is likely to have a negative impact on the long-term individual health benefits of NBS, this study underlines the importance of regularly assessing the psychosocial and financial needs of these families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Schnabel-Besson
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Gleich
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah C Grünert
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Krämer
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical School, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva Thimm
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia B Hennermann
- Villa Metabolica, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Freisinger
- Children's Hospital Reutlingen, Klinikum am Steinenberg, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Peter Burgard
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gwendolyn Gramer
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department for Inborn Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marina A Morath
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Tunç Tuncel
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svenja Keßler
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg F Hoffmann
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Mütze
- Department of Pediatrics I, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Baple EL, Scott RH, Banka S, Buchanan J, Fish L, Wynn S, Wilkinson D, Ellard S, MacArthur DG, Stark Z. Exploring the benefits, harms and costs of genomic newborn screening for rare diseases. Nat Med 2024; 30:1823-1825. [PMID: 38898121 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Baple
- RILD Wellcome Wolfson Centre, University of Exeter Medical School, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.
- Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.
| | - Richard H Scott
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- Genomics England, London, UK.
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics and Policy Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah Wynn
- Unique-Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, Oxted, UK
| | - Dominic Wilkinson
- Faculty of Philosophy, Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sian Ellard
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, South West Genomic Laboratory Hub, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Daniel G MacArthur
- Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and UNSW Sydney, 384 Victoria Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Genomics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Ashenden AJ, Chowdhury A, Anastasi LT, Lam K, Rozek T, Ranieri E, Siu CWK, King J, Mas E, Kassahn KS. The Multi-Omic Approach to Newborn Screening: Opportunities and Challenges. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:42. [PMID: 39051398 PMCID: PMC11270328 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening programs have seen significant evolution since their initial implementation more than 60 years ago, with the primary goal of detecting treatable conditions within the earliest possible timeframe to ensure the optimal treatment and outcomes for the newborn. New technologies have driven the expansion of screening programs to cover additional conditions. In the current era, the breadth of screened conditions could be further expanded by integrating omic technologies such as untargeted metabolomics and genomics. Genomic screening could offer opportunities for lifelong care beyond the newborn period. For genomic newborn screening to be effective and ready for routine adoption, it must overcome barriers such as implementation cost, public acceptability, and scalability. Metabolomics approaches, on the other hand, can offer insight into disease phenotypes and could be used to identify known and novel biomarkers of disease. Given recent advances in metabolomic technologies, alongside advances in genomics including whole-genome sequencing, the combination of complementary multi-omic approaches may provide an exciting opportunity to leverage the best of both approaches and overcome their respective limitations. These techniques are described, along with the current outlook on multi-omic-based NBS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. Ashenden
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
| | - Ayesha Chowdhury
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.C.); (L.T.A.)
| | - Lucy T. Anastasi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.C.); (L.T.A.)
| | - Khoa Lam
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Tomas Rozek
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
| | - Enzo Ranieri
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
| | - Carol Wai-Kwan Siu
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jovanka King
- Immunology Directorate, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Emilie Mas
- Department of Biochemical Genetics, SA Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia (T.R.)
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Karin S. Kassahn
- Department of Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.C.); (L.T.A.)
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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5
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Shah N, Brlek P, Bulić L, Brenner E, Škaro V, Skelin A, Projić P, Shah P, Primorac D. Genomic sequencing for newborn screening: current perspectives and challenges. Croat Med J 2024; 65:261-267. [PMID: 38868972 PMCID: PMC11157259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional newborn screening (NBS) serves as a critical tool in identifying conditions that may impact a child's health from an early stage. Newborn sequencing (NBSeq), the comprehensive analysis of an infant's genome, holds immense promise for revolutionizing health care throughout the lifespan. NBSeq allows for early detection of genetic disease risk and precision personalized medicine. The rapid evolution of DNA sequencing technologies and increasing affordability have spurred numerous endeavors to explore the potential of whole-genome sequencing in newborn screening. However, this transformative potential cannot be realized without challenges. Ethical aspects must be carefully navigated to safeguard individual rights and maintain public trust. Moreover, genomic data interpretation poses complex challenges due to its amount, the presence of variants of uncertain significance, and the dynamic nature of our understanding of genetics. Implementation hurdles, including cost, infrastructure, and specialized expertise, also present barriers to the widespread adoption of NBSeq. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, ethicists, and stakeholders across various sectors. Robust frameworks for informed consent, data protection, and governance are essential. Advances in bioinformatics, machine learning, and genomic interpretation are crucial for translation into actionable clinical insights. Scalability and improving downstream health care access are vital for equitability, particularly in underserved communities. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing technology and infrastructure, and upholding ethical principles, we can unlock the full potential of NBSeq as a tool for precision medicine and pave the way toward a future where every child has the opportunity for a healthier, genomics-informed start to life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petar Brlek
- Petar Brlek, St. Catherine Specialty Hospital, Ul. kneza Branimira 71E, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia,
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6
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Shao X, Steiner R, Peterson AL. Newborn screening for lipid disorders. Curr Opin Lipidol 2024; 35:149-156. [PMID: 38408035 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Newborn screening is one of the most successful public health programs of the last century and offers unparalleled access to universal screening for a variety of metabolic and other disorders. Interest in development of newborn screening for lipid disorders has intensified in recent years. Screening newborns for lipid disorders has important implications for the health of the newborn as well as their relatives, and in the case of more common lipid disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia, could have important public health implications. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have demonstrated feasibility of measuring biomarkers for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia from newborn screening dried blood spot specimens. Another lipid disorder, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, is currently amenable to newborn screening utilizing currently available assays. New research in next-generation sequencing as a primary screen in newborns will also identify both common and rare lipid disorders in newborns. SUMMARY Historically, newborn screening for lipid disorders was not done for many reasons, but new research has developed testing methods that may successfully identify common and rare lipid disorders. This will impact the health of the newborn but could also impact family members and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqiang Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism
| | - Robert Steiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism
| | - Amy L Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Phanthunane C, Pongcharoen S, Pannarunothai S, Roboon J, Phanthunane P, Nontarak J. Precision medicine in Asia enhanced by next-generation sequencing: Implications for Thailand through a scoping review and interview study. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13868. [PMID: 38924657 PMCID: PMC11197108 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) significantly enhances precision medicine (PM) by offering personalized approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unmet medical needs. Little is known about the current situation of PM in Asia. Thus, we aimed to conduct an overview of the progress and gaps in PM in Asia and enrich it with in-depth insight into the possibilities of future PM in Thailand. This scoping review focused on Asian countries starting with non-cancer studies, including rare and undiagnosed diseases (RUDs), non-communicable diseases (NCDs), infectious diseases (IDs), and pharmacogenomics, with a focus on NGS. Subsequent in-depth interviews with experts in Thailand were performed, and a thematic analysis served as the main qualitative methodology. Out of 2898 searched articles, 387 studies were included after the review. Although most of the studies focused on cancer, 89 (23.0%) studies were related to RUDs (17.1%), NCDs (2.8%), IDs (1.8%), and pharmacogenomics (1.3%). Apart from medicine and related sciences, the studies were mostly composed of PM (61.8%), followed by genetics medicine and bioinformatics. Interestingly, 28% of articles were conducted exclusively within the fields of medicine and related sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration. The experts emphasized the need for sustainability-driven political will, nurturing collaboration, reinforcing computational infrastructure, and expanding the bioinformatic workforce. In Asia, developments of NGS have made remarkable progress in PM. Thailand has extended PM beyond cancer and focused on clinical implementation. We summarized the PM challenges, including equity and efficiency targeting, guided research funding, sufficient sample size, integrated collaboration, computational infrastructure, and sufficient trained human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chumut Phanthunane
- Division of Medical OncologyChulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal AcademyBangkokThailand
| | - Sutatip Pongcharoen
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineNaresuan UniversityPhitsanulokThailand
| | | | - Jureepon Roboon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical ScienceNaresuan UniversityPhitsanulokThailand
- Centre of Excellence in Medical BiotechnologyNaresuan UniversityPhitsanulokThailand
| | - Pudtan Phanthunane
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Business, Economics and CommunicationsNaresuan UniversityPhitsanulokThailand
| | - Jiraluck Nontarak
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public HealthMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
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Wang D, Zhang J, Yang R, Zhang D, Wang M, Yu C, Yang J, Huang W, Liu S, Tang S, He X. Disease spectrum, prevalence, genetic characteristics of inborn errors of metabolism in 21,840 hospitalized infants in Chongqing, China, 2017-2022. Front Genet 2024; 15:1395988. [PMID: 38863445 PMCID: PMC11165094 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1395988] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are uncommon. Although some studies have explored the distribution and characteristics of IEMs in newborns, the impact of these disorders on hospitalized newborns remains unclear. In this study, we gathered data from 21,840 newborn patients admitted for various medical conditions at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2017 and December 2022. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), and genetic analysis were used to elucidate the disease spectrum, incidence rate, and genetic characteristics of IEMs in hospitalized newborns. The results revealed that the incidence of IEMs in hospitalized newborns was 1/377 (58/21,840), with a higher incidence in full-term infants (1/428) than in premature infants (1/3,120). Among the diagnosed genetic metabolic diseases, organic acid metabolism disorders (1/662), amino acid metabolism disorders (1/950), and fatty acid oxidation disorders (1/10,920) were the most prevalent. Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), especially the isolated form, emerged as the most common IEM, while neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) were prevalent in premature infants. Of the 58 confirmed cases of IEMs, 72 variants were identified, of which 31.94% (23/72) had not been reported previously. This study contributes to understanding the incidence and clinical features of IEMs in hospitalized newborns, offering more efficient strategies for screening and diagnosing these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjuan Wang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dayong Zhang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaowen Yu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingli Yang
- Department of Neonatology, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenxia Huang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi Tang
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Center for Clinical Molecular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Borrajo GJC, Khneisser I, Schielen PCJI, Knight-Madden J, Malherbe HL, Kase M. Current Status of Newborn Bloodspot Screening Worldwide 2024: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Activities (2020-2023). Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 10:38. [PMID: 38920845 PMCID: PMC11203842 DOI: 10.3390/ijns10020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) began in the early 1960s based on the work of Dr. Robert "Bob" Guthrie in Buffalo, NY, USA. His development of a screening test for phenylketonuria on blood absorbed onto a special filter paper and transported to a remote testing laboratory began it all. Expansion of NBS to large numbers of asymptomatic congenital conditions flourishes in many settings while it has not yet been realized in others. The need for NBS as an efficient and effective public health prevention strategy that contributes to lowered morbidity and mortality wherever it is sustained is well known in the medical field but not necessarily by political policy makers. Acknowledging the value of national NBS reports published in 2007, the authors collaborated to create a worldwide NBS update in 2015. In a continuing attempt to review the progress of NBS globally, and to move towards a more harmonized and equitable screening system, we have updated our 2015 report with information available at the beginning of 2024. Reports on sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean, missing in 2015, have been included. Tables popular in the previous report have been updated with an eye towards harmonized comparisons. To emphasize areas needing attention globally, we have used regional tables containing similar listings of conditions screened, numbers of screening laboratories, and time at which specimen collection is recommended. Discussions are limited to bloodspot screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines;
| | - Gustavo J. C. Borrajo
- Detección de Errores Congénitos—Fundación Bioquímica Argentina, La Plata 1908, Argentina;
| | - Issam Khneisser
- Jacques LOISELET Genetic and Genomic Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut 1104 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Peter C. J. I. Schielen
- Office of the International Society for Neonatal Screening, Reigerskamp 273, 3607 HP Maarssen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jennifer Knight-Madden
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research—Sickle Cell Unit, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica;
| | - Helen L. Malherbe
- Centre for Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa;
- Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, The Station Office, Bryanston, Sandton 2021, South Africa
| | - Marika Kase
- Strategic Initiatives Reproductive Health, Revvity, PL10, 10101 Turku, Finland;
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10
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Betzler IR, Hempel M, Mütze U, Kölker S, Winkler E, Dikow N, Garbade SF, Schaaf CP, Brennenstuhl H. Comparative analysis of gene and disease selection in genomic newborn screening studies. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024. [PMID: 38757337 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Genomic newborn screening (gNBS) is on the horizon given the decreasing costs of sequencing and the advanced understanding of the impact of genetic variants on health and diseases. Key to ongoing gNBS pilot studies is the selection of target diseases and associated genes to be included. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of seven published gene-disease lists from gNBS studies, evaluating gene-disease count, composition, group proportions, and ClinGen curations of individual disorders. Despite shared selection criteria, we observe substantial variation in total gene count (median 480, range 237-889) and disease group composition. An intersection was identified for 53 genes, primarily inherited metabolic diseases (83%, 44/53). Each study investigated a subset of exclusive gene-disease pairs, and the total number of exclusive gene-disease pairs was positively correlated with the total number of genes included per study. While most pairs receive "Definitive" or "Strong" ClinGen classifications, some are labeled as "Refuted" (n = 5) or "Disputed" (n = 28), particularly in genetic cardiac diseases. Importantly, 17%-48% of genes lack ClinGen curation. This study underscores the current absence of consensus recommendations for selection criteria for target diseases for gNBS resulting in diversity in proposed gene-disease pairs, their coupling with gene variations and the use of ClinGen curation. Our findings provide crucial insights into the selection of target diseases and accompanying gene variations for future gNBS program, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing collaboration and discussion about criteria harmonization for panel selection to ensure the screening's objectivity, integrity, and broad acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel R Betzler
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maja Hempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Mütze
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Winkler
- Section of Translational Medical Ethics, National Center for Tumour Diseases, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicola Dikow
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven F Garbade
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Brennenstuhl
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University and University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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11
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Lynch F, Best S, Gaff C, Downie L, Archibald AD, Gyngell C, Goranitis I, Peters R, Savulescu J, Lunke S, Stark Z, Vears DF. Australian public perspectives on genomic newborn screening: which conditions should be included? Hum Genomics 2024; 18:45. [PMID: 38720401 PMCID: PMC11077791 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing genomic sequencing into newborn screening programs allows for significant expansion in the number and scope of conditions detected. We sought to explore public preferences and perspectives on which conditions to include in genomic newborn screening (gNBS). METHODS We recruited English-speaking members of the Australian public over 18 years of age, using social media, and invited them to participate in online focus groups. RESULTS Seventy-five members of the public aged 23-72 participated in one of fifteen focus groups. Participants agreed that if prioritisation of conditions was necessary, childhood-onset conditions were more important to include than later-onset conditions. Despite the purpose of the focus groups being to elicit public preferences, participants wanted to defer to others, such as health professionals or those with a lived experience of each condition, to make decisions about which conditions to include. Many participants saw benefit in including conditions with no available treatment. Participants agreed that gNBS should be fully publicly funded. CONCLUSION How many and which conditions are included in a gNBS program will be a complex decision requiring detailed assessment of benefits and costs alongside public and professional engagement. Our study provides support for implementing gNBS for treatable childhood-onset conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Lynch
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dept of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Clara Gaff
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lilian Downie
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Alison D Archibald
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Economics of Genomics and Precision Medicine Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Riccarda Peters
- Economics of Genomics and Precision Medicine Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- Uehiro Chair of Practical Ethics, The Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Oxford University, Oxford, OX1 1PT, UK
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Danya F Vears
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
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12
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Downie L, Bouffler SE, Amor DJ, Christodoulou J, Yeung A, Horton AE, Macciocca I, Archibald AD, Wall M, Caruana J, Lunke S, Stark Z. Gene selection for genomic newborn screening: Moving toward consensus? Genet Med 2024; 26:101077. [PMID: 38275146 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene selection for genomic newborn screening (gNBS) underpins the validity, acceptability, and ethical application of this technology. Existing gNBS gene lists are highly variable despite being based on shared principles of gene-disease validity, treatability, and age of onset. This study aimed to curate a gNBS gene list that builds upon existing efforts and provide a core consensus list of gene-disease pairs assessed by multiple expert groups worldwide. METHODS Our multidisciplinary expert team curated a gene list using an open platform and multiple existing curated resources. We included severe treatable disorders with age of disease onset <5 years with established gene-disease associations and reliable variant detection. We compared the final list with published lists from 5 other gNBS projects to determine consensus genes and to identify areas of discrepancy. RESULTS We reviewed 1279 genes and 604 met our inclusion criteria. Metabolic conditions comprised the largest group (25%), followed by immunodeficiencies (21%) and endocrine disorders (15%). We identified 55 consensus genes included by all 6 gNBS research projects. Common reasons for discrepancy included variable definitions of treatability and strength of gene-disease association. CONCLUSION We have identified a consensus gene list for gNBS that can be used as a basis for systematic harmonization efforts internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Downie
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Christodoulou
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison Yeung
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ari E Horton
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Public Health Genomics, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ivan Macciocca
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alison D Archibald
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Meghan Wall
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Caruana
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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13
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Minten T, Gold NB, Bick S, Adelson S, Gehlenborg N, Amendola LM, Boemer F, Coffey AJ, Encina N, Russell BE, Servais L, Sund KL, Tsipouras P, Bick D, Taft RJ, Green RC. Determining the characteristics of genetic disorders that predict inclusion in newborn genomic sequencing programs. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.24.24304797. [PMID: 38585998 PMCID: PMC10996735 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.24.24304797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Over 30 international research studies and commercial laboratories are exploring the use of genomic sequencing to screen apparently healthy newborns for genetic disorders. These programs have individualized processes for determining which genes and genetic disorders are queried and reported in newborns. We compared lists of genes from 26 research and commercial newborn screening programs and found substantial heterogeneity among the genes included. A total of 1,750 genes were included in at least one newborn genome sequencing program, but only 74 genes were included on >80% of gene lists, 16 of which are not associated with conditions on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. We used a linear regression model to explore factors related to the inclusion of individual genes across programs, finding that a high evidence base as well as treatment efficacy were two of the most important factors for inclusion. We applied a machine learning model to predict how suitable a gene is for newborn sequencing. As knowledge about and treatments for genetic disorders expand, this model provides a dynamic tool to reassess genes for newborn screening implementation. This study highlights the complex landscape of gene list curation among genomic newborn screening programs and proposes an empirical path forward for determining the genes and disorders of highest priority for newborn screening programs.
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14
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Lunke S, Bouffler SE, Downie L, Caruana J, Amor DJ, Archibald A, Bombard Y, Christodoulou J, Clausen M, De Fazio P, Greaves RF, Hollizeck S, Kanga-Parabia A, Lang N, Lynch F, Peters R, Sadedin S, Tutty E, Eggers S, Lee C, Wall M, Yeung A, Gaff C, Gyngell C, Vears DF, Best S, Goranitis I, Stark Z. Prospective cohort study of genomic newborn screening: BabyScreen+ pilot study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081426. [PMID: 38569677 PMCID: PMC11146401 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081426] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a highly successful public health programme that uses biochemical and other assays to screen for severe but treatable childhood-onset conditions. Introducing genomic sequencing into NBS programmes increases the range of detectable conditions but raises practical and ethical issues. Evidence from prospectively ascertained cohorts is required to guide policy and future implementation. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate a genomic NBS (gNBS) pilot programme. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The BabyScreen+ study will pilot gNBS in three phases. In the preimplementation phase, study materials, including education resources, decision support and data collection tools, will be designed. Focus groups and key informant interviews will also be undertaken to inform delivery of the study and future gNBS programmes. During the implementation phase, we will prospectively recruit birth parents in Victoria, Australia, to screen 1000 newborns for over 600 severe, treatable, childhood-onset conditions. Clinically accredited whole genome sequencing will be performed following standard NBS using the same sample. High chance results will be returned by genetic healthcare professionals, with follow-on genetic and other confirmatory testing and referral to specialist services as required. The postimplementation phase will evaluate the feasibility of gNBS as the primary aim, and assess ethical, implementation, psychosocial and health economic factors to inform future service delivery. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This project received ethics approval from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Research Ethics Committee: HREC/91500/RCHM-2023, HREC/90929/RCHM-2022 and HREC/91392/RCHM-2022. Findings will be disseminated to policy-makers, and through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lunke
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sophie E Bouffler
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilian Downie
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jade Caruana
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison Archibald
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Christodoulou
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc Clausen
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul De Fazio
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ronda F Greaves
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Hollizeck
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anaita Kanga-Parabia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nitzan Lang
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Lynch
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Simon Sadedin
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erin Tutty
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefanie Eggers
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Crystle Lee
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meaghan Wall
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alison Yeung
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clara Gaff
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danya F Vears
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Rips J, Halstuk O, Fuchs A, Lang Z, Sido T, Gershon-Naamat S, Abu-Libdeh B, Edvardson S, Salah S, Breuer O, Hadhud M, Eden S, Simon I, Slae M, Damseh NS, Abu-Libdeh A, Eskin-Schwartz M, Birk OS, Varga J, Schueler-Furman O, Rosenbluh C, Elpeleg O, Yanovsky-Dagan S, Mor-Shaked H, Harel T. Unbiased phenotype and genotype matching maximizes gene discovery and diagnostic yield. Genet Med 2024; 26:101068. [PMID: 38193396 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Widespread application of next-generation sequencing, combined with data exchange platforms, has provided molecular diagnoses for countless families. To maximize diagnostic yield, we implemented an unbiased semi-automated genematching algorithm based on genotype and phenotype matching. METHODS Rare homozygous variants identified in 2 or more affected individuals, but not in healthy individuals, were extracted from our local database of ∼12,000 exomes. Phenotype similarity scores (PSS), based on human phenotype ontology terms, were assigned to each pair of individuals matched at the genotype level using HPOsim. RESULTS 33,792 genotype-matched pairs were discovered, representing variants in 7567 unique genes. There was an enrichment of PSS ≥0.1 among pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant-level pairs (94.3% in pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant-level matches vs 34.75% in all matches). We highlighted founder or region-specific variants as an internal positive control and proceeded to identify candidate disease genes. Variant-level matches were particularly helpful in cases involving inframe indels and splice region variants beyond the canonical splice sites, which may otherwise have been disregarded, allowing for detection of candidate disease genes, such as KAT2A, RPAIN, and LAMP3. CONCLUSION Semi-automated genotype matching combined with PSS is a powerful tool to resolve variants of uncertain significance and to identify candidate disease genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Rips
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orli Halstuk
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adina Fuchs
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ziv Lang
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Sido
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Bassam Abu-Libdeh
- Department of Pediatrics & Genetics, Makassed Hospital & Al-Quds Medical School, E. Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Simon Edvardson
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Somaya Salah
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oded Breuer
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Pediatric Pulmonology and CF Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mohamad Hadhud
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel; Pediatric Pulmonology and CF Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharon Eden
- Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itamar Simon
- Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mordechai Slae
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nadirah S Damseh
- Department of Pediatrics & Genetics, Makassed Hospital & Al-Quds Medical School, E. Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Abdulsalam Abu-Libdeh
- Department of Pediatrics & Genetics, Makassed Hospital & Al-Quds Medical School, E. Jerusalem, Palestine; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marina Eskin-Schwartz
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics at the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Genetics Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ohad S Birk
- The Morris Kahn Laboratory of Human Genetics at the National Institute of Biotechnology in the Negev and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Genetics Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Julia Varga
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Biomedical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ora Schueler-Furman
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Biomedical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Orly Elpeleg
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Hagar Mor-Shaked
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Harel
- Department of Genetics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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16
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Fehlings DL, Zarrei M, Engchuan W, Sondheimer N, Thiruvahindrapuram B, MacDonald JR, Higginbotham EJ, Thapa R, Behlim T, Aimola S, Switzer L, Ng P, Wei J, Danthi PS, Pellecchia G, Lamoureux S, Ho K, Pereira SL, de Rijke J, Sung WWL, Mowjoodi A, Howe JL, Nalpathamkalam T, Manshaei R, Ghaffari S, Whitney J, Patel RV, Hamdan O, Shaath R, Trost B, Knights S, Samdup D, McCormick A, Hunt C, Kirton A, Kawamura A, Mesterman R, Gorter JW, Dlamini N, Merico D, Hilali M, Hirschfeld K, Grover K, Bautista NX, Han K, Marshall CR, Yuen RKC, Subbarao P, Azad MB, Turvey SE, Mandhane P, Moraes TJ, Simons E, Maxwell G, Shevell M, Costain G, Michaud JL, Hamdan FF, Gauthier J, Uguen K, Stavropoulos DJ, Wintle RF, Oskoui M, Scherer SW. Comprehensive whole-genome sequence analyses provide insights into the genomic architecture of cerebral palsy. Nat Genet 2024; 56:585-594. [PMID: 38553553 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01686-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 327 children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their biological parents. We classified 37 of 327 (11.3%) children as having pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants and 58 of 327 (17.7%) as having variants of uncertain significance. Multiple classes of P/LP variants included single-nucleotide variants (SNVs)/indels (6.7%), copy number variations (3.4%) and mitochondrial mutations (1.5%). The COL4A1 gene had the most P/LP SNVs. We also analyzed two pediatric control cohorts (n = 203 trios and n = 89 sib-pair families) to provide a baseline for de novo mutation rates and genetic burden analyses, the latter of which demonstrated associations between de novo deleterious variants and genes related to the nervous system. An enrichment analysis revealed previously undescribed plausible candidate CP genes (SMOC1, KDM5B, BCL11A and CYP51A1). A multifactorial CP risk profile and substantial presence of P/LP variants combine to support WGS in the diagnostic work-up across all CP and related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy L Fehlings
- Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mehdi Zarrei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Worrawat Engchuan
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neal Sondheimer
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jeffrey R MacDonald
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward J Higginbotham
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ritesh Thapa
- Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarannum Behlim
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabrina Aimola
- Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Switzer
- Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela Ng
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - John Wei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prakroothi S Danthi
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giovanna Pellecchia
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia Lamoureux
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Ho
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sergio L Pereira
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill de Rijke
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wilson W L Sung
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alireza Mowjoodi
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Howe
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Nalpathamkalam
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roozbeh Manshaei
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Cardiac Genome Clinic, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siavash Ghaffari
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Whitney
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rohan V Patel
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Omar Hamdan
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rulan Shaath
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon Knights
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Grandview Children's Centre, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawa Samdup
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna McCormick
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Hunt
- Grandview Children's Centre, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne Kawamura
- Division of Developmental Paediatrics, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronit Mesterman
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan Willem Gorter
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nomazulu Dlamini
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniele Merico
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deep Genomics Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vevo Therapeutics Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Murto Hilali
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Hirschfeld
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kritika Grover
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nelson X Bautista
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara Han
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian R Marshall
- Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan K C Yuen
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Padmaja Subbarao
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan B Azad
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Stuart E Turvey
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Piush Mandhane
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Pediatrics Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theo J Moraes
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Translation Medicine & Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elinor Simons
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - George Maxwell
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Michael Shevell
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Gregory Costain
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fadi F Hamdan
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Gauthier
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kevin Uguen
- CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dimitri J Stavropoulos
- Genome Diagnostics, Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard F Wintle
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Kariyawasam DS, Scarfe J, Meagher C, Farrar MA, Bhattacharya K, Carter SM, Newson AJ, Otlowski M, Watson J, Millis N, Norris S. 'Integrating Ethics and Equity with Economics and Effectiveness for newborn screening in the genomic age: A qualitative study protocol of stakeholder perspectives. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299336. [PMID: 38527031 PMCID: PMC10962853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn bloodspot screening is a well-established population health initiative that detects serious, childhood-onset, treatable conditions to improve health outcomes. With genomic technologies advancing rapidly, many countries are actively discussing the introduction of genomic assays into newborn screening programs. While adding genomic testing to Australia's newborn screening program could improve outcomes for infants and families, it must be considered against potential harms, ethical, legal, equity and social implications, and economic and health system impacts. We must ask not only 'can' we use genomics to screen newborns?' but 'should we'?' and 'how much should health systems invest in genomic newborn screening?'. METHODS This study will use qualitative methods to explore understanding, priorities, concerns and expectations of genomic newborn screening among parents/carers, health professionals/scientists, and health policy makers across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews will be held with 30-40 parents/carers recruited via hospital and community settings, 15-20 health professionals/scientists, and 10-15 health policy makers. Data will be analysed using inductive content analysis. The Sydney Children's Hospital Network Human Research Ethics Committee approved this study protocol [2023/ETH02371]. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research will guide study planning, conduct and reporting. DISCUSSION Few studies have engaged a diverse range of stakeholders to explore the implications of genomics in newborn screening in a culturally and genetically diverse population, nor in a health system underpinned by universal health care. As the first study within a multi-part research program, findings will be used to generate new knowledge on the risks and benefits and importance of ethical, legal, social and equity implications of genomic newborn screening from the perspective of key stakeholders. As such it will be the foundation on which child and family centered criteria can be developed to inform health technology assessments and drive efficient and effective policy decision-making on the implementation of genomics in newborn screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didu S. Kariyawasam
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanne Scarfe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy & Economics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christian Meagher
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Farrar
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kaustav Bhattacharya
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick and Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Genomics, Sydney University, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacy M. Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ainsley J. Newson
- Sydney Health Ethics, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret Otlowski
- Centre for Law and Genetics, Faculty of Law, College of Arts, Law and Education, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jo Watson
- HTA Consumer Consultative Committee, Department of Health & Aged Care, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Norris
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy & Economics, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Brunelli L, Chan K, Tabery J, Binford W, Brower A. A Children's Rights Framework for Genomic Medicine: Newborn Screening as a Use Case. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2024; 12:5167. [PMID: 39220179 PMCID: PMC11364257 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v12i3.5167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The year 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of screening newborns in the United States for diseases that benefit from early identification and intervention. All around the world, the goal of NBS is to facilitate timely diagnosis and management to improve individual health outcomes in all newborns regardless of their place of birth, economic circumstances, ability to pay for treatment, and access to healthcare. Advances in technology to screen and treat disease have led to a rapid increase in the number of screened conditions, and innovations in genomics are expected to exponentially expand this number further. A system where all newborns are screened, coupled with rapid technological innovation, provides a unique opportunity to improve pediatric health outcomes and advance children's rights, including the unique rights of sick and disabled children. This is especially timely as we approach the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which includes children's right to healthcare, and the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that expanded upon this aspect and affirmed each child's right to the highest attainable standard of health. In this manuscript, we provide background on the evolving recognition of the rights of children and the foundational rights to healthcare and non-discrimination, provide two examples that highlight issues to access and equity in newborn screening that may limit a child's right to healthcare and best possible outcomes, detail ways the current approach to newborn screening advances the rights of the child, and finally, propose that the incorporation of genomics into newborn screening presents a useful case study to recognize and uphold the rights of every child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brunelli
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah
| | - Kee Chan
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
| | | | - Warren Binford
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, CU Law School
| | - Amy Brower
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
- Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Creighton University School of Medicine
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19
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Kingsmore SF, Nofsinger R, Ellsworth K. Rapid genomic sequencing for genetic disease diagnosis and therapy in intensive care units: a review. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:17. [PMID: 38413639 PMCID: PMC10899612 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-024-00404-0] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Single locus (Mendelian) diseases are a leading cause of childhood hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality, and healthcare cost. Rapid genome sequencing (RGS), ultra-rapid genome sequencing (URGS), and rapid exome sequencing (RES) are diagnostic tests for genetic diseases for ICU patients. In 44 studies of children in ICUs with diseases of unknown etiology, 37% received a genetic diagnosis, 26% had consequent changes in management, and net healthcare costs were reduced by $14,265 per child tested by URGS, RGS, or RES. URGS outperformed RGS and RES with faster time to diagnosis, and higher rate of diagnosis and clinical utility. Diagnostic and clinical outcomes will improve as methods evolve, costs decrease, and testing is implemented within precision medicine delivery systems attuned to ICU needs. URGS, RGS, and RES are currently performed in <5% of the ~200,000 children likely to benefit annually due to lack of payor coverage, inadequate reimbursement, hospital policies, hospitalist unfamiliarity, under-recognition of possible genetic diseases, and current formatting as tests rather than as a rapid precision medicine delivery system. The gap between actual and optimal outcomes in children in ICUs is currently increasing since expanded use of URGS, RGS, and RES lags growth in those likely to benefit through new therapies. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that URGS, RGS, or RES should be considered in all children with diseases of uncertain etiology at ICU admission. Minimally, diagnostic URGS, RGS, or RES should be ordered early during admissions of critically ill infants and children with suspected genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Kingsmore
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Russell Nofsinger
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kasia Ellsworth
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
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20
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Singh G, Alser M, Denolf K, Firtina C, Khodamoradi A, Cavlak MB, Corporaal H, Mutlu O. RUBICON: a framework for designing efficient deep learning-based genomic basecallers. Genome Biol 2024; 25:49. [PMID: 38365730 PMCID: PMC10870431 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanopore sequencing generates noisy electrical signals that need to be converted into a standard string of DNA nucleotide bases using a computational step called basecalling. The performance of basecalling has critical implications for all later steps in genome analysis. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the computation and memory cost of basecalling while maintaining accuracy. We present RUBICON, a framework to develop efficient hardware-optimized basecallers. We demonstrate the effectiveness of RUBICON by developing RUBICALL, the first hardware-optimized mixed-precision basecaller that performs efficient basecalling, outperforming the state-of-the-art basecallers. We believe RUBICON offers a promising path to develop future hardware-optimized basecallers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Research and Advanced Development, AMD, Longmont, USA
| | - Mohammed Alser
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Can Firtina
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Meryem Banu Cavlak
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Henk Corporaal
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Onur Mutlu
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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21
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Boerwinkle VL, Appavu B, Cediel EG, Erklaurer J, Lalgudi Ganesan S, Gibbons C, Hahn C, LaRovere KL, Moberg D, Natarajan G, Molteni E, Reuther WR, Slomine BS. Common Data Elements for Disorders of Consciousness: Recommendations from the Working Group in the Pediatric Population. Neurocrit Care 2024; 40:65-73. [PMID: 38062304 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-023-01870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fundamental gap obstructing forward progress of evidenced-based care in pediatric and neonatal disorders of consciousness (DoC) is the lack of defining consensus-based terminology to perform comparative research. This lack of shared nomenclature in pediatric DoC stems from the inherently recursive dilemma of the inability to reliably measure consciousness in the very young. However, recent advancements in validated clinical examinations and technologically sophisticated biomarkers of brain activity linked to future abilities are unlocking this previously formidable challenge to understanding the DoC in the developing brain. METHODS To address this need, the first of its kind international convergence of an interdisciplinary team of pediatric DoC experts was organized by the Neurocritical Care Society's Curing Coma Campaign. The multidisciplinary panel of pediatric DoC experts proposed pediatric-tailored common data elements (CDEs) covering each of the CDE working groups including behavioral phenotyping, biospecimens, electrophysiology, family and goals of care, neuroimaging, outcome and endpoints, physiology and big Data, therapies, and pediatrics. RESULTS We report the working groups' pediatric-focused DoC CDE recommendations and disseminate CDEs to be used in studies of pediatric patients with DoC. CONCLUSIONS The CDEs recommended support the vision of progressing collaborative and successful internationally collaborative pediatric coma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varina L Boerwinkle
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Brian Appavu
- Department of Child Health and Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Emilio Garzon Cediel
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Erklaurer
- Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Child Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saptharishi Lalgudi Ganesan
- Departments of Paediatrics and Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Christie Gibbons
- Brain Injury Association of America Family Advocate, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cecil Hahn
- Department of Paediatrics (Neurology), The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kerri L LaRovere
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dick Moberg
- Moberg Analytics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Girija Natarajan
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Hutzel Women's Hospital, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
| | - Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - William R Reuther
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Beth S Slomine
- Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Solomon BD. The future of commercial genetic testing. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:615-619. [PMID: 37218641 PMCID: PMC10667560 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001260] [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] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There are thousands of different clinical genetic tests currently available. Genetic testing and its applications continue to change rapidly for multiple reasons. These reasons include technological advances, accruing evidence about the impact and effects of testing, and many complex financial and regulatory factors. RECENT FINDINGS This article considers a number of key issues and axes related to the current and future state of clinical genetic testing, including targeted versus broad testing, simple/Mendelian versus polygenic and multifactorial testing models, genetic testing for individuals with high suspicion of genetic conditions versus ascertainment through population screening, the rise of artificial intelligence in multiple aspects of the genetic testing process, and how developments such as rapid genetic testing and the growing availability of new therapies for genetic conditions may affect the field. SUMMARY Genetic testing is expanding and evolving, including into new clinical applications. Developments in the field of genetics will likely result in genetic testing becoming increasingly in the purview of a very broad range of clinicians, including general paediatricians as well as paediatric subspecialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Solomon
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, United States of America
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23
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Lev A, Somech R, Somekh I. Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency and inborn errors of immunity. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:692-702. [PMID: 37707504 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) is the most devastating genetic disease of the immune system with an unfavorable outcome unless diagnosed early in life. Newborn screening (NBS) programs play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnoses and timely interventions for affected infants. RECENT FINDINGS SCID marked the pioneering inborn error of immunity (IEI) to undergo NBS, a milestone achieved 15 years ago through the enumeration of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) extracted from Guthrie cards. This breakthrough has revolutionized our approach to SCID, enabling not only presymptomatic identification and prompt treatments (including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation), but also enhancing our comprehension of the global epidemiology of SCID. SUMMARY NBS is continuing to evolve with the advent of novel diagnostic technologies and treatments. Following the successful implementation of SCID-NBS programs, a call for the early identification of additional IEIs is the next step, encompassing a broader spectrum of IEIs, facilitating early diagnoses, and preventing morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atar Lev
- Pediatric Department A and the Immunology Service, Jeffrey Modell Foundation Center; Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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24
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Djafar JV, Smith NJ, Johnson AM, Bhattacharya K, Ardern-Holmes SL, Ellaway C, Dale RC, D'Silva AM, Kariyawasam DS, Grattan S, Kandula T, Lewis K, Mohammed SS, Farrar MA. Characterizing Common Phenotypes Across the Childhood Dementia Disorders: A Cross-sectional Study From Two Australian Centers. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 149:75-83. [PMID: 37806042 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.09.006] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood dementias are a group of rare pediatric conditions characterized by progressive neurocognitive decline. Quantifying and characterising phenotypes to identify similarities between specific conditions is critical to inform opportunities to optimize care and advance research. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited primary caregivers of children (<18 years) living with a dementia syndrome from neurology and metabolic clinics in Sydney and Adelaide, Australia. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collated. Behavior, eating, sleep, pain, and neurological disability were assessed using validated tools, including Strengths and Difficulties, Child Eating Behaviour, and Children's Sleep Habits questionnaires and visual analog of pain and modified Rankin scales. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Among 45 children with 23 different dementia syndromes, the modified Rankin Scale demonstrated at least moderate neurological disability and functional dependence in 82% (37/45). Families reported delays in receiving an accurate diagnosis following initial symptoms (mean: 1.6 ± 1.4 years, range: 0-5 years). The most prevalent phenotypes included communication, comprehension, or recall difficulties (87%, 39/45); disturbances in sleep (80%, 36/45); appetite changes (74%, 29/39); mobility issues (53%, 24/45); and hyperactive behavior (53%, 21/40). Behavioral problems had a "high" or "very high" impact on everyday family life in 73% (24/33). CONCLUSIONS Childhood dementia disorders share substantial behavioral, motor, sensory, and socioemotional symptoms, resulting in high care needs, despite their vast heterogeneity in age of onset and progression. Considering their unifying characteristics under one collective term is an opportunity to improve treatment, provide quality care, and accelerate research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason V Djafar
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Smith
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia; Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Johnson
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kaustuv Bhattacharya
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn Ellaway
- Genetic Metabolic Disorders Service, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arlene M D'Silva
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Didu S Kariyawasam
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Grattan
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tejaswi Kandula
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shekeeb S Mohammed
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle A Farrar
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia.
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Abstract
Rare diseases are a leading cause of infant mortality and lifelong disability. To improve outcomes, timely diagnosis and effective treatments are needed. Genomic sequencing has transformed the traditional diagnostic process, providing rapid, accurate and cost-effective genetic diagnoses to many. Incorporating genomic sequencing into newborn screening programmes at the population scale holds the promise of substantially expanding the early detection of treatable rare diseases, with stored genomic data potentially benefitting health over a lifetime and supporting further research. As several large-scale newborn genomic screening projects launch internationally, we review the challenges and opportunities presented, particularly the need to generate evidence of benefit and to address the ethical, legal and psychosocial issues that genomic newborn screening raises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zornitza Stark
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Richard H Scott
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Genomics England, London, UK
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Brennenstuhl H, Schaaf CP. [Genomic newborn screening-research approaches, challenges, and opportunities]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:1232-1242. [PMID: 37831095 PMCID: PMC10622372 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The application of high-throughput sequencing methods for population-based genomic newborn screening offers numerous opportunities for improving population health. The use of genome-based sequencing technology holds potential to enable the diagnosis of virtually any genetic disorder at an early stage and offers great flexibility when it comes to selection and expansion of target diseases. National and international efforts are therefore being made to investigate the ethical, legal, social, psychological, and technical aspects of genomic newborn screening. In addition to the many opportunities, there are numerous challenges and questions that remain to be answered: When and how should legal guardians be informed about such screening? Which diseases should be screened for? How should incidental findings or identification of a genetic predisposition be dealt with? Should data be stored long term and if so, how can this be done securely? Provided there is an appropriate regulatory framework and a transparent consent process, genomic newborn screening has the potential to fundamentally change the way in which we screen for congenital diseases. However, there is still much to be done. To achieve understanding and acceptance of genomic newborn screening amongst all stakeholders and thus to maximize its benefits for the population, a public discourse on the possibilities and limitations of genomic newborn screening is of critical importance. This article aims to provide an overview of the innovative technical developments in the field of human genetics, describe national and international approaches, and discuss challenges and opportunities of genomic newborn screening development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Brennenstuhl
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland.
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Szalai C. Arguments for and against the whole-genome sequencing of newborns. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:6255-6263. [PMID: 37969196 PMCID: PMC10641337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent decades have brought enormous progress in both genetics and genomics, as well as in information technology (IT). The sequence of the human genome is now known, and although our knowledge is far from complete, great progress has been made in understanding how the genome works. With the developments in storage capacity, artificial intelligence, and learning algorithms, we are now able to learn and interpret complex systems such as the human genome in a very short time. Perhaps the most important goal of learning about the human genome is to understand diseases better: how they develop; how their processes can be prevented or slowed down; and after diseases have developed, how they can be cured or their symptoms alleviated. The vast majority of diseases have a genetic background, i.e., genes, sequence variations, and gene-gene interactions play a role in most diseases to a greater or lesser extent. Accordingly, the first step is to discover which genes, or genomic variants, cause or contribute to the development of a particular disease in a given patient. Given that an individual's genome remains virtually unchanged throughout their life (with one or two exceptions, such as in the case of cancer, which is caused by somatic mutations), it might be considered advantageous to sequence the genome of every person at birth. In this paper, we set out to show the possible benefits of sequencing the entire genome of every human being at birth, while also discussing the main arguments against it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Szalai
- Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Heim Pál Children’s Hospital1089 Budapest, Hungary
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28
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Wang X, Sun Y, Guan XW, Wang YY, Hong DY, Zhang ZL, Li YH, Yang PY, Jiang T, Xu ZF. Newborn genetic screening is highly effective for high-risk infants: A single-centre study in China. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04128. [PMID: 37824171 PMCID: PMC10569371 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Newborn genetic screening (NBGS) is promising for early detection of genetic diseases in newborns. However, little is known about its clinical effectiveness in special groups like high-risk infants. To address this gap, we aimed to investigate the impact of NBGS on high-risk infants. Methods We screened 10 334 healthy newborns from the general maternity unit and 886 high-risk infants from the neonatal ward using both traditional newborn screening (tNBS) and NBGS, and collected clinical data from electronic medical records. Results We found that high-risk infants had a higher proportion of eutocia (P < 0.01) and prematurity (P < 0.01). For high-risk infants vs healthy newborns screened by tNBS, the primary screening positive rate was 3.84% vs 1.31%, the false positive rate (FPR) was 3.62% vs 1.18% (P < 0.001), and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 5.88% vs 8.27%. For NBGS vs tNBS in high-risk infants, the primary screening positive rate was 0.54% vs 3.68%, the FPR was 0.22% vs 3.47%, and the PPV was 60.00% vs 5.88%. Conclusions We found that combined newborn screening can effectively reduce the FPR caused by the high-risk symptoms and improve the PPV in high-risk infants, sufficient for more accurately showing the true status of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xian-Wei Guan
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
| | - Yan-Yun Wang
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
| | - Dong-Yang Hong
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
| | - Zhi-Lei Zhang
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
| | - Ya-Hong Li
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
| | - Pei-Ying Yang
- Genetic Medicine Center, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China, China
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Veldman A, Kiewiet MBG, Westra D, Bosch AM, Brands MMG, de Coo RIFM, Derks TGJ, Fuchs SA, van den Hout JMP, Huidekoper HH, Kluijtmans LAJ, Koop K, Lubout CMA, Mulder MF, Panis B, Rubio-Gozalbo ME, de Sain-van der Velden MG, Schaefers J, Schreuder AB, Visser G, Wevers RA, Wijburg FA, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Spronsen FJ. A Delphi Survey Study to Formulate Statements on the Treatability of Inherited Metabolic Disorders to Decide on Eligibility for Newborn Screening. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:56. [PMID: 37873847 PMCID: PMC10594494 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9040056] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wilson and Jungner (W&J) and Andermann criteria are meant to help select diseases eligible for population-based screening. With the introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for newborn screening (NBS), more inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) can technically be included, and a revision of the criteria was attempted. This study aimed to formulate statements and investigate whether those statements could elaborate on the criterion of treatability for IMDs to decide on eligibility for NBS. An online Delphi study was started among a panel of Dutch IMD experts (EPs). EPs evaluated, amended, and approved statements on treatability that were subsequently applied to 10 IMDs. After two rounds of Delphi, consensus was reached on 10 statements. Application of these statements selected 5 out of 10 IMDs proposed for this study as eligible for NBS, including 3 IMDs in the current Dutch NBS. The statement: 'The expected benefit/burden ratio of early treatment is positive and results in a significant health outcome' contributed most to decision-making. Our Delphi study resulted in 10 statements that can help to decide on eligibility for inclusion in NBS based on treatability, also showing that other criteria could be handled in a comparable way. Validation of the statements is required before these can be applied as guidance to authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Veldman
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. B. Gea Kiewiet
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dineke Westra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annet M. Bosch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion M. G. Brands
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René I. F. M. de Coo
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Unit Clinical Genomics, MHeNs School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Terry G. J. Derks
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine A. Fuchs
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna. M. P. van den Hout
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hidde H. Huidekoper
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A. J. Kluijtmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands (R.A.W.)
| | - Klaas Koop
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte M. A. Lubout
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Margaretha F. Mulder
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Panis
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Estela Rubio-Gozalbo
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jaqueline Schaefers
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea B. Schreuder
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gepke Visser
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A. Wevers
- Department of Human Genetics, Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands (R.A.W.)
| | - Frits A. Wijburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Rebecca Heiner-Fokkema
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Francjan J. van Spronsen
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9718 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Tello JA, Jiang L, Zohar Y, Restifo LL. Drosophila CASK regulates brain size and neuronal morphogenesis, providing a genetic model of postnatal microcephaly suitable for drug discovery. Neural Dev 2023; 18:6. [PMID: 37805506 PMCID: PMC10559581 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-023-00174-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CASK-related neurodevelopmental disorders are untreatable. Affected children show variable severity, with microcephaly, intellectual disability (ID), and short stature as common features. X-linked human CASK shows dosage sensitivity with haploinsufficiency in females. CASK protein has multiple domains, binding partners, and proposed functions at synapses and in the nucleus. Human and Drosophila CASK show high amino-acid-sequence similarity in all functional domains. Flies homozygous for a hypomorphic CASK mutation (∆18) have motor and cognitive deficits. A Drosophila genetic model of CASK-related disorders could have great scientific and translational value. METHODS We assessed the effects of CASK loss of function on morphological phenotypes in Drosophila using established genetic, histological, and primary neuronal culture approaches. NeuronMetrics software was used to quantify neurite-arbor morphology. Standard nonparametric statistics methods were supplemented by linear mixed effects modeling in some cases. Microfluidic devices of varied dimensions were fabricated and numerous fluid-flow parameters were used to induce oscillatory stress fields on CNS tissue. Dissociation into viable neurons and neurite outgrowth in vitro were assessed. RESULTS We demonstrated that ∆18 homozygous flies have small brains, small heads, and short bodies. When neurons from developing CASK-mutant CNS were cultured in vitro, they grew small neurite arbors with a distinctive, quantifiable "bushy" morphology that was significantly rescued by transgenic CASK+. As in humans, the bushy phenotype showed dosage-sensitive severity. To overcome the limitations of manual tissue trituration for neuronal culture, we optimized the design and operation of a microfluidic system for standardized, automated dissociation of CNS tissue into individual viable neurons. Neurons from CASK-mutant CNS dissociated in the microfluidic system recapitulate the bushy morphology. Moreover, for any given genotype, device-dissociated neurons grew larger arbors than did manually dissociated neurons. This automated dissociation method is also effective for rodent CNS. CONCLUSIONS These biological and engineering advances set the stage for drug discovery using the Drosophila model of CASK-related disorders. The bushy phenotype provides a cell-based assay for compound screening. Nearly a dozen genes encoding CASK-binding proteins or transcriptional targets also have brain-development mutant phenotypes, including ID. Hence, drugs that improve CASK phenotypes might also benefit children with disorders due to mutant CASK partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Tello
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5023, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Linan Jiang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Yitshak Zohar
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
- BIO5 Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Linda L Restifo
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona Health Sciences, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5023, USA.
- BIO5 Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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Ferlini A, Gross ES, Garnier N. Rare diseases' genetic newborn screening as the gateway to future genomic medicine: the Screen4Care EU-IMI project. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:310. [PMID: 37794437 PMCID: PMC10548672 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02916-x] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the reverse genetics strategy developed in the 1980s to pioneer the identification of disease genes, genome(s) sequencing has opened the era of genomics medicine. The human genome project has led to an innumerable series of applications of omics sciences on global health, from which rare diseases (RDs) have greatly benefited. This has propelled the scientific community towards major breakthroughs in disease genes discovery, in technical innovations in bioinformatics, and in the development of patients' data registries and omics repositories where sequencing data are stored. Rare diseases were the first diseases where nucleic acid-based therapies have been applied. Gene therapy, molecular therapy using RNA constructs, and medicines modulating transcription or translation mechanisms have been developed for RD patients and started a new era of medical science breakthroughs. These achievements together with optimization of highly scalable next generation sequencing strategies now allow movement towards genetic newborn screening. Its applications in human health will be challenging, while expected to positively impact the RD diagnostic journey. Genetic newborn screening brings many complexities to be solved, technical, strategic, ethical, and legal, which the RD community is committed to address. Genetic newborn screening initiatives are therefore blossoming worldwide, and the EU-IMI framework has funded the project Screen4Care. This large Consortium will apply a dual genetic and digital strategy to design a comprehensive genetic newborn screening framework to be possibly translated into the future health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ferlini
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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32
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Ormond KE, Blasimme A, Vayena E. Ethical Aspects of Pediatric Genetic Care: Testing and Treatment. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:1029-1046. [PMID: 37704345 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.05.011] [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] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric health care providers caring for patients and families with genetic disease will encounter a range of ethical issues. These include traditional pediatric health care issues, such as surrogate decision making and end-of-life care. Genetic testing raises the importance of informed consent for potential risks that move beyond the oft discussed physical risks and into longer term concepts such as psychological impact, privacy and potential discrimination. Predictive testing in childhood also raises questions of whether the child has an autonomy interest in delaying testing until they have decision making capacity to do so on their own. And finally, treatments including gene therapies and gene editing, may raise issues of identity for families dealing with genetic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Ormond
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Health Ethics & Policy Lab, ETH Zurich. Hottingerstrasse 10, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Department of Genetics and Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine.
| | - Alessandro Blasimme
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Health Ethics & Policy Lab, ETH Zurich. Hottingerstrasse 10, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Effy Vayena
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Health Ethics & Policy Lab, ETH Zurich. Hottingerstrasse 10, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
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McBride DJ, Fielding C, Newington T, Vatsiou A, Fischl H, Bajracharya M, Thomson VS, Fraser LJ, Fujita PA, Becq J, Kingsbury Z, Ross MT, Moat SJ, Morgan S. Whole-Genome Sequencing Can Identify Clinically Relevant Variants from a Single Sub-Punch of a Dried Blood Spot Specimen. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37754778 PMCID: PMC10532340 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The collection of dried blood spots (DBS) facilitates newborn screening for a variety of rare, but very serious conditions in healthcare systems around the world. Sub-punches of varying sizes (1.5-6 mm) can be taken from DBS specimens to use as inputs for a range of biochemical assays. Advances in DNA sequencing workflows allow whole-genome sequencing (WGS) libraries to be generated directly from inputs such as peripheral blood, saliva, and DBS. We compared WGS metrics obtained from libraries generated directly from DBS to those generated from DNA extracted from peripheral blood, the standard input for this type of assay. We explored the flexibility of DBS as an input for WGS by altering the punch number and size as inputs to the assay. We showed that WGS libraries can be successfully generated from a variety of DBS inputs, including a single 3 mm or 6 mm diameter punch, with equivalent data quality observed across a number of key metrics of importance in the detection of gene variants. We observed no difference in the performance of DBS and peripheral-blood-extracted DNA in the detection of likely pathogenic gene variants in samples taken from individuals with cystic fibrosis or phenylketonuria. WGS can be performed directly from DBS and is a powerful method for the rapid discovery of clinically relevant, disease-causing gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stuart J. Moat
- Wales Newborn Screening Laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Sian Morgan
- All Wales Genetics Laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Braunwald
- TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 7022, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Khera HK, Mishra R. Nucleic Acid Based Testing (NABing): A Game Changer Technology for Public Health. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00870-4. [PMID: 37695473 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00870-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Timely and accurate detection of the causal agent of a disease is crucial to restrict suffering and save lives. Mere symptoms are often not enough to detect the root cause of the disease. Better diagnostics applied for screening at a population level and sensitive detection assays remain the crucial component of disease surveillance which may include clinical, plant, and environmental samples, including wastewater. The recent advances in genome sequencing, nucleic acid amplification, and detection methods have revolutionized nucleic acid-based testing (NABing) and screening assays. A typical NABing assay consists of three modules: isolation of the nucleic acid from the collected sample, identification of the target sequence, and final reading the target with the help of a signal, which may be in the form of color, fluorescence, etc. Here, we review current NABing assays covering the different aspects of all three modules. We also describe the frequently used target amplification or signal amplification procedures along with the variety of applications of this fast-evolving technology and challenges in implementation of NABing in the context of disease management especially in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvinder Kour Khera
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, New inStem Building NCBS Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, 560065, India.
| | - Rakesh Mishra
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, New inStem Building NCBS Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, 560065, India.
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Rd, IICT Colony, Habsiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.
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Brunelli L, Sohn H, Brower A. Newborn sequencing is only part of the solution for better child health. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 25:100581. [PMID: 37663526 PMCID: PMC10474049 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Newborn screening (NBS) aims to detect newborns with severe congenital diseases before the onset of clinical manifestations. Advancements in genomic technologies have led to proposals for the development of genomic-based NBS (G-NBS) in concert with traditional NBS. Proponents of G-NBS highlight how G-NBS could expand the number of diseases screened at birth to thousands and spur the development of new drugs and treatments for rare diseases. Balancing the excitement, some experts have pointed to the ethical dilemmas linked to G-NBS. The dialog, however, has yet to engage with sufficient urgency on how the new G-NBS might chart a course for improving the health of all children. Our analysis of more than 130 million births in the United States between 1959 and 1995 shows that traditional NBS led to improvements in infant mortality and health equity only when it was implemented in association with measures to improve healthcare access for children. We suggest that the new G-NBS will lead to better child health only when the same degree of attention devoted to genomic technologies will be directed to the promotion of public health measures that facilitate access to high-quality healthcare for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Brunelli
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, and Primary Children's Hospital, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Heeju Sohn
- Department of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy Brower
- American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), Bethesda, MD, United States
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Aradhya S, Facio FM, Metz H, Manders T, Colavin A, Kobayashi Y, Nykamp K, Johnson B, Nussbaum RL. Applications of artificial intelligence in clinical laboratory genomics. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:e32057. [PMID: 37507620 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32057] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The transition from analog to digital technologies in clinical laboratory genomics is ushering in an era of "big data" in ways that will exceed human capacity to rapidly and reproducibly analyze those data using conventional approaches. Accurately evaluating complex molecular data to facilitate timely diagnosis and management of genomic disorders will require supportive artificial intelligence methods. These are already being introduced into clinical laboratory genomics to identify variants in DNA sequencing data, predict the effects of DNA variants on protein structure and function to inform clinical interpretation of pathogenicity, link phenotype ontologies to genetic variants identified through exome or genome sequencing to help clinicians reach diagnostic answers faster, correlate genomic data with tumor staging and treatment approaches, utilize natural language processing to identify critical published medical literature during analysis of genomic data, and use interactive chatbots to identify individuals who qualify for genetic testing or to provide pre-test and post-test education. With careful and ethical development and validation of artificial intelligence for clinical laboratory genomics, these advances are expected to significantly enhance the abilities of geneticists to translate complex data into clearly synthesized information for clinicians to use in managing the care of their patients at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaroop Aradhya
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA
- Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Hillery Metz
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Toby Manders
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Keith Nykamp
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Robert L Nussbaum
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA
- Volunteer Faculty, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Belaramani KM, Fung CW, Kwok AMK, Lee SYR, Yau EKC, Luk HM, Mak CM, Yeung MCW, Ngan OMY. Public and Healthcare Provider Receptivity toward the Retention of Dried Blood Spot Cards and Their Usage for Extended Genetic Testing in Hong Kong. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:45. [PMID: 37606482 PMCID: PMC10443280 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9030045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dried blood spot (DBS) cards from newborn screening (NBS) programs represent a wealth of biological data. They can be stored easily for a long time, have the potential to support medical and public health research, and have secondary usages such as quality assurance and forensics, making it the ideal candidate for bio-banking. However, worldwide policies vary with regard to the duration of storage of DBS cards and how it can be used. Recent advances in genomics have also made it possible to perform extended genetic testing on DBS cards in the newborn period to diagnose both actionable and non-actionable childhood and adult diseases. Both storage and secondary uses of DBS cards raise many ethical, clinical, and social questions. The openness of the key stakeholders, namely, parents and healthcare providers (HCPs), to store the DBS cards, and for what duration and purposes, and to extended genetic testing is largely dependent on local cultural-social-specific factors. The study objective is to assess the parents' and HCPs' awareness and receptivity toward DBS retention, its secondary usage, and extended genetic testing. A cross-sectional, self-administrated survey was adopted at three hospitals, out of which two were public hospitals with maternity services, between June and December 2022. In total, 452 parents and 107 HCPs completed and returned the survey. Overall, both HCPs and parents were largely knowledgeable about the potential benefits of DBS card storage for a prolonged period and its secondary uses, and they supported extended genetic testing. Knowledge gaps were found in respondents with a lower education level who did not know that a DBS card could be stored for an extended period (p < 0.001), could support scientific research (p = 0.033), and could aid public health research, and future policy implementation (p = 0.030). Main concerns with regard to DBS card storage related to potential privacy breaches and anonymity (Parents 70%, HCPs 60%). More parents, compared to HCPs, believed that storing DBS cards for secondary research does not lead to a reciprocal benefit to the child (p < 0.005). Regarding extended genetic testing, both groups were receptive and wanted to know about actionable childhood- and adult-onset diseases. More parents (four-fifths) rather than HCPs (three-fifths) were interested in learning about a variant with unknown significance (p < 0.001). Our findings report positive support from both parents and HCPs toward the extended retention of DBS cards for secondary usage and for extended genetic testing. However, more efforts to raise awareness need to be undertaken in addition to addressing the ethical concerns of both parents and HCPs to pave the way forward toward policy-making for DBS bio-banking and extended genetic testing in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Moti Belaramani
- Metabolic Medicine Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheuk Wing Fung
- Metabolic Medicine Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anne Mei Kwun Kwok
- Metabolic Medicine Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shing Yan Robert Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Kin Cheong Yau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho Ming Luk
- Clinical Genetics Service Unit, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chloe Miu Mak
- Newborn Screening Laboratory, Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew Chun Wing Yeung
- Newborn Screening Laboratory, Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Olivia Miu Yung Ngan
- Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Law and LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Marasa M, Ahram DF, Rehman AU, Mitrotti A, Abhyankar A, Jain NG, Weng PL, Piva SE, Fernandez HE, Uy NS, Chatterjee D, Kil BH, Nestor JG, Felice V, Robinson D, Whyte D, Gharavi AG, Appel GB, Radhakrishnan J, Santoriello D, Bomback A, Lin F, D’Agati VD, Jobanputra V, Sanna-Cherchi S. Implementation and Feasibility of Clinical Genome Sequencing Embedded Into the Outpatient Nephrology Care for Patients With Proteinuric Kidney Disease. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:1638-1647. [PMID: 37547535 PMCID: PMC10403677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The diagnosis and management of proteinuric kidney diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are challenging. Genetics holds the promise to improve clinical decision making for these diseases; however, it is often performed too late to enable timely clinical action and it is not implemented within routine outpatient nephrology visits. Methods We sought to test the implementation and feasibility of clinical rapid genome sequencing (GS) in guiding decision making in patients with proteinuric kidney disease in real-time and embedded in the outpatient nephrology setting. Results We enrolled 10 children or young adults with biopsy-proven FSGS (9 cases) or minimal change disease (1 case). The mean age at enrollment was 16.2 years (range 2-30). The workflow did not require referral to external genetics clinics but was conducted entirely during the nephrology standard-of-care appointments. The total turn-around-time from enrollment to return-of-results and clinical decision averaged 21.8 days (12.4 for GS), which is well within a time frame that allows clinically relevant treatment decisions. A monogenic or APOL1-related form of kidney disease was diagnosed in 5 of 10 patients. The genetic findings resulted in a rectified diagnosis in 6 patients. Both positive and negative GS findings determined a change in pharmacological treatment. In 3 patients, the results were instrumental for transplant evaluation, donor selection, and the immunosuppressive treatment. All patients and families received genetic counseling. Conclusion Clinical GS is feasible and can be implemented in real-time in the outpatient care to help guiding clinical management. Additional studies are needed to confirm the cost-effectiveness and broader utility of clinical GS across the phenotypic and demographic spectrum of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Marasa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Dina F. Ahram
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Adele Mitrotti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - Namrata G. Jain
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Patricia L. Weng
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Medical Center-Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stacy E. Piva
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Hilda E. Fernandez
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Natalie S. Uy
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Debanjana Chatterjee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Byum H. Kil
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jordan G. Nestor
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Dilys Whyte
- Pediatric Specialty Center of Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Babylon, New York, USA
| | - Ali G. Gharavi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Gerald B. Appel
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Jai Radhakrishnan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Dominick Santoriello
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Renal Pathology Division, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Bomback
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Fangming Lin
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Vivette D. D’Agati
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Renal Pathology Division, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Vaidehi Jobanputra
- The New York Genome Center, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Simone Sanna-Cherchi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Dragojlovic N, Borle K, Kopac N, Nisselle A, Nuk J, Jevon M, Friedman JM, Elliott AM, Lynd LD. Workforce Implications of Increased Referrals to Hereditary Cancer Services in Canada: A Scenario-Based Analysis. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:7241-7251. [PMID: 37623006 PMCID: PMC10453026 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30080525] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, utilization of clinical genetics services has grown rapidly, putting increasing pressure on the workforce available to deliver genetic healthcare. To highlight the policy challenges facing Canadian health systems, a needs-based workforce requirements model was developed to determine the number of Canadian patients in 2030 for whom an assessment of hereditary cancer risk would be indicated according to current standards and the numbers of genetic counsellors, clinical geneticists and other physicians with expertise in genetics needed to provide care under a diverse set of scenarios. Our model projects that by 2030, a total of 90 specialist physicians and 326 genetic counsellors (1.7-fold and 1.6-fold increases from 2020, respectively) will be required to provide Canadians with indicated hereditary cancer services if current growth trends and care models remain unchanged. However, if the expansion in eligibility for hereditary cancer assessment accelerates, the need for healthcare providers with expertise in genetics would increase dramatically unless alternative care models are widely adopted. Increasing capacity through service delivery innovation, as well as mainstreaming of cancer genetics care, will be critical to Canadian health systems' ability to meet this challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dragojlovic
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.D.)
| | - Kennedy Borle
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.D.)
| | - Nicola Kopac
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.D.)
| | - Amy Nisselle
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jennifer Nuk
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J2, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Mandy Jevon
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1J2, Canada
| | - Jan M. Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Larry D. Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; (N.D.)
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health, Vancouver, BC V6Z IY6, Canada
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Green RC, Shah N, Genetti CA, Yu T, Zettler B, Uveges MK, Ceyhan-Birsoy O, Lebo MS, Pereira S, Agrawal PB, Parad RB, McGuire AL, Christensen KD, Schwartz TS, Rehm HL, Holm IA, Beggs AH. Actionability of unanticipated monogenic disease risks in newborn genomic screening: Findings from the BabySeq Project. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1034-1045. [PMID: 37279760 PMCID: PMC10357495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn genomic sequencing (NBSeq) to screen for medically important genetic information is of considerable interest but data characterizing the actionability of such findings, and the downstream medical efforts in response to discovery of unanticipated genetic risk variants, are lacking. From a clinical trial of comprehensive exome sequencing in 127 apparently healthy infants and 32 infants in intensive care, we previously identified 17 infants (10.7%) with unanticipated monogenic disease risks (uMDRs). In this analysis, we assessed actionability for each of these uMDRs with a modified ClinGen actionability semiquantitative metric (CASQM) and created radar plots representing degrees of penetrance of the condition, severity of the condition, effectiveness of intervention, and tolerability of intervention. In addition, we followed each of these infants for 3-5 years after disclosure and tracked the medical actions prompted by these findings. All 17 uMDR findings were scored as moderately or highly actionable on the CASQM (mean 9, range: 7-11 on a 0-12 scale) and several distinctive visual patterns emerged on the radar plots. In three infants, uMDRs revealed unsuspected genetic etiologies for existing phenotypes, and in the remaining 14 infants, uMDRs provided risk stratification for future medical surveillance. In 13 infants, uMDRs prompted screening for at-risk family members, three of whom underwent cancer-risk-reducing surgeries. Although assessments of clinical utility and cost-effectiveness will require larger datasets, these findings suggest that large-scale comprehensive sequencing of newborns will reveal numerous actionable uMDRs and precipitate substantial, and in some cases lifesaving, downstream medical care in newborns and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Green
- Department of Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Nidhi Shah
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Dartmouth Health Children's, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Casie A Genetti
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Timothy Yu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bethany Zettler
- Department of Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Melissa K Uveges
- William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Ozge Ceyhan-Birsoy
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew S Lebo
- Department of Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stacey Pereira
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pankaj B Agrawal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Holtz Children's Hospital, Jackson Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Richard B Parad
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy L McGuire
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kurt D Christensen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Talia S Schwartz
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ingrid A Holm
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan H Beggs
- Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Balciuniene J, Liu R, Bean L, Guo F, Nallamilli BRR, Guruju N, Chen-Deutsch X, Yousaf R, Fura K, Chin E, Mathur A, Ma Z, Carmichael J, da Silva C, Collins C, Hegde M. At-Risk Genomic Findings for Pediatric-Onset Disorders From Genome Sequencing vs Medically Actionable Gene Panel in Proactive Screening of Newborns and Children. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2326445. [PMID: 37523181 PMCID: PMC10391308 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26445] [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] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Although the clinical utility of genome sequencing for critically ill children is well recognized, its utility for proactive pediatric screening is not well explored. Objective To evaluate molecular findings from screening ostensibly healthy children with genome sequencing compared with a gene panel for medically actionable pediatric conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This case series study was conducted among consecutive, apparently healthy children undergoing proactive genetic screening for pediatric disorders by genome sequencing (n = 562) or an exome-based panel of 268 genes (n = 606) from March 1, 2018, through July 31, 2022. Exposures Genetic screening for pediatric-onset disorders using genome sequencing or an exome-based panel of 268 genes. Main Outcomes and Measures Molecular findings indicative of genetic disease risk. Results Of 562 apparently healthy children (286 girls [50.9%]; median age, 29 days [IQR, 9-117 days]) undergoing screening by genome sequencing, 46 (8.2%; 95% CI, 5.9%-10.5%) were found to be at risk for pediatric-onset disease, including 22 children (3.9%) at risk for high-penetrance disorders. Sequence analysis uncovered molecular diagnoses among 32 individuals (5.7%), while copy number variant analysis uncovered molecular diagnoses among 14 individuals (2.5%), including 4 individuals (0.7%) with chromosome scale abnormalities. Overall, there were 47 molecular diagnoses, with 1 individual receiving 2 diagnoses; of the 47 potential diagnoses, 22 (46.8%) were associated with high-penetrance conditions. Pathogenic variants in medically actionable pediatric genes were found in 6 individuals (1.1%), constituting 12.8% (6 of 47) of all diagnoses. At least 1 pharmacogenomic variant was reported for 89.0% (500 of 562) of the cohort. In contrast, of 606 children (293 girls [48.3%]; median age, 26 days [IQR, 10-67 days]) undergoing gene panel screening, only 13 (2.1%; 95% CI, 1.0%-3.3%) resulted in potential childhood-onset diagnoses, a significantly lower rate than those screened by genome sequencing (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this case series study, genome sequencing as a proactive screening approach for children, due to its unrestrictive gene content and technical advantages in comparison with an exome-based gene panel for medically actionable childhood conditions, uncovered a wide range of heterogeneous high-penetrance pediatric conditions that could guide early interventions and medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruby Liu
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lora Bean
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fen Guo
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Naga Guruju
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Rizwan Yousaf
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristina Fura
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ephrem Chin
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Abhinav Mathur
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Zeqiang Ma
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Madhuri Hegde
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Milko LV, Berg JS. Age-Based Genomic Screening during Childhood: Ethical and Practical Considerations in Public Health Genomics Implementation. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:36. [PMID: 37489489 PMCID: PMC10366892 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequencing offers an unprecedented opportunity to detect inherited variants that are implicated in rare Mendelian disorders, yet there are many challenges to overcome before this technology can routinely be applied in the healthy population. The age-based genomic screening (ABGS) approach is a novel alternative to genome-scale sequencing at birth that aims to provide highly actionable genetic information to parents over the course of their child's routine health care. ABGS utilizes an established metric to identify conditions with high clinical actionability and incorporates information about the age of onset and age of intervention to determine the optimal time to screen for any given condition. Ongoing partnerships with parents and providers are instrumental to the co-creation of educational resources and strategies to address potential implementation barriers. Implementation science frameworks and informative empirical data are used to evaluate strategies to establish this unique clinical application of targeted genomic sequencing. Ultimately, a pilot project conducted in primary care pediatrics clinics will assess patient and implementation outcomes, parent and provider perspectives, and the feasibility of ABGS. A validated, stakeholder-informed, and practical ABGS program will include hundreds of conditions that are actionable during infancy and childhood, setting the stage for a longitudinal implementation that can assess clinical and health economic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Milko
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, USA;
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Kingsmore SF, Smith LD, Kunard CM, Bainbridge M, Batalov S, Benson W, Blincow E, Caylor S, Chambers C, Del Angel G, Dimmock DP, Ding Y, Ellsworth K, Feigenbaum A, Frise E, Green RC, Guidugli L, Hall KP, Hansen C, Hobbs CA, Kahn SD, Kiel M, Van Der Kraan L, Krilow C, Kwon YH, Madhavrao L, Le J, Lefebvre S, Mardach R, Mowrey WR, Oh D, Owen MJ, Powley G, Scharer G, Shelnutt S, Tokita M, Mehtalia SS, Oriol A, Papadopoulos S, Perry J, Rosales E, Sanford E, Schwartz S, Tran D, Reese MG, Wright M, Veeraraghavan N, Wigby K, Willis MJ, Wolen AR, Defay T. Response to Grosse et al. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1017. [PMID: 37267897 PMCID: PMC10256999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Kingsmore
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
| | - Laurie D Smith
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Matthew Bainbridge
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Sergey Batalov
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Wendy Benson
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Eric Blincow
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Sara Caylor
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Christina Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - David P Dimmock
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Yan Ding
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Katarzyna Ellsworth
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Annette Feigenbaum
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Erwin Frise
- Fabric Genomics, Inc., Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Robert C Green
- Mass General Brigham, Broad Institute, Ariadne Labs and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lucia Guidugli
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Christian Hansen
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Charlotte A Hobbs
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Mark Kiel
- Genomenon, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | - Lucita Van Der Kraan
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Yong H Kwon
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Lakshminarasimha Madhavrao
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Jennie Le
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Mardach
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Danny Oh
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Mallory J Owen
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | | | - Gunter Scharer
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Mari Tokita
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Albert Oriol
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - James Perry
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Edwin Rosales
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Erica Sanford
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Duke Tran
- Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | | | - Meredith Wright
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Narayanan Veeraraghavan
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Kristen Wigby
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mary J Willis
- Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | | | - Thomas Defay
- Alexion, Astra Zeneca Rare Disease, Boston, MA 02210, USA
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Grosse SD, Cuthbert C, Gaffney M, Gaviglio A, Hinton CF, Kellar-Guenther Y, Kemper AR, McKasson S, Ojodu J, Riley C, Singh S, Sontag MK, Shapira SK. Progress in expanding newborn screening in the United States. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1015-1016. [PMID: 37267896 PMCID: PMC10257000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Grosse
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carla Cuthbert
- Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcus Gaffney
- Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amy Gaviglio
- Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Cynthia F Hinton
- Division of Laboratory Services, Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Alex R Kemper
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah McKasson
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jelili Ojodu
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Catharine Riley
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sikha Singh
- Association of Public Health Laboratories, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Marci K Sontag
- Center for Public Health Innovation, CI International, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - Stuart K Shapira
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Kini U. Genetics and orofacial clefts: a clinical perspective. Br Dent J 2023; 234:947-952. [PMID: 37349452 PMCID: PMC10287552 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-023-5994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly seen in humans. Most OFCs are sporadic and isolated - these are thought to be multifactorial in origin. Chromosomal and monogenic variants account for the syndromic forms and for some of the non-syndromic inherited forms. This review discusses the importance of genetic testing and the current clinical strategy to deliver a genomics service that is of direct benefit to patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Kini
- Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals, UK; Spires Cleft Service, Oxford University Hospitals, UK; NDCLS, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
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47
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Terry SF. Who Are the Experts? Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2023; 27:131-132. [PMID: 37257179 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.29071.persp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
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48
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King JR, Grill K, Hammarström L. Genomic-Based Newborn Screening for Inborn Errors of Immunity: Practical and Ethical Considerations. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:ijns9020022. [PMID: 37092516 PMCID: PMC10123688 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9020022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of over 450 genetically distinct conditions associated with significant morbidity and mortality, for which early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes. Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is currently underway in several countries, utilising a DNA-based technique to quantify T cell receptor excision circles (TREC) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KREC). This strategy will only identify those infants with an IEI associated with T and/or B cell lymphopenia. Other severe forms of IEI will not be detected. Up-front, first-tier genomic-based newborn screening has been proposed as a potential approach by which to concurrently screen infants for hundreds of monogenic diseases at birth. Given the clinical, phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of IEI, a next-generation sequencing-based newborn screening approach would be suitable. There are, however, several ethical, legal and social issues which must be evaluated in detail prior to adopting a genomic-based newborn screening approach, and these are discussed herein in the context of IEI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovanka R King
- Department of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Women's and Children's Hospital Network, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
- Immunology Directorate, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute and Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Kalle Grill
- Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lennart Hammarström
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Neo, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
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49
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Vockley J, Defay T, Goldenberg AJ, Gaviglio AM. Scaling genetic resources: New paradigms for diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disease. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:77-86. [PMID: 36448938 PMCID: PMC10038858 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Development of genetic tests for rare genetic diseases has traditionally focused on individual diseases. Similarly, development of new therapies occurred one disease at a time. With >10,000 rare genetic diseases, this approach is not feasible. Diagnosis of genetic disorders has already transcended old paradigms as whole exome and genome sequencing have allowed expedient interrogation of all relevant genes in a single test. The growth of newborn screening has allowed identification of diseases in presymptomatic babies. Similarly, the ability to develop therapies is rapidly expanding due to technologies that leverage platform technology that address multiple diseases. However, movement from the basic science laboratory to clinical trials is still hampered by a regulatory system rooted in traditional trial design, requiring a fresh assessment of safe ways to obtain approval for new drugs. Ultimately, the number of nucleic acid-based therapies will challenge the ability of clinics focused on rare diseases to deliver them safely with appropriate evaluation and long-term follow-up. This manuscript summarizes discussions arising from a recent National Institutes of Health conference on nucleic acid therapy, with a focus on scaling technologies for diagnosis of rare disorders and provision of therapies across the age and disease spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vockley
- University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas Defay
- Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aaron J Goldenberg
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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50
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Vockley J, Aartsma-Rus A, Cohen JL, Cowsert LM, Howell RR, Yu TW, Wasserstein MP, Defay T. Whole-genome sequencing holds the key to the success of gene-targeted therapies. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2023; 193:19-29. [PMID: 36453229 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Rare genetic disorders affect as many as 3%-5% of all babies born. Approximately 10,000 such disorders have been identified or hypothesized to exist. Treatment is supportive except in a limited number of instances where specific therapies exist. Development of new therapies has been hampered by at least two major factors: difficulty in diagnosing diseases early enough to enable treatment before irreversible damage occurs, and the high cost of developing new drugs and getting them approved by regulatory agencies. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) techniques have become exponentially less expensive and more rapid since the beginning of the human genome project, such that return of clinical data can now be achieved in days rather than years and at a cost that is comparable to other less expansive genetic testing. Thus, it is likely that WGS will ultimately become a mainstream, first-tier NBS technique at least for those disorders without appropriate high-throughput functional tests. However, there are likely to be several steps in the evolution to this end. The clinical implications of these advances are profound but highlight the bottlenecks in drug development that still limit transition to treatments. This article summarizes discussions arising from a recent National Institute of Health conference on nucleic acid therapy, with a focus on the impact of WGS in the identification of diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vockley
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lex M Cowsert
- National Phenylketonuria Alliance, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA
| | - R Rodney Howell
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Timothy W Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa P Wasserstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Defay
- Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Diseases, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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