Clinical impact of variants in non-coding regions of SHOX - Current knowledge

Mild phenotypes in patients with different deletions in the 3' enhancer region of SHOX

Haploinsufficiency of the short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) gene leads to a phenotypic spectrum ranging from Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) to SHOX-deficient short stature. SHOX nullizygosity leads to Langer mesomelic dysplasia. Pathogenic variants can include whole or partial gene deletions or duplications, point mutations within the coding sequence, and deletions of upstream and downstream regulatory elements. Here we report two families: a non-consanguineous family with a deletion downstream of SHOX, in which the homozygous proband presented with isolated Madelung deformity, without LWD or short stature, as well as a 9-year-old girl with Madelung deformities, mesomelia, a dominant family history of Madelung deformity and a heterozygous deletion of the CNE9 region in the 3' downstream region of SHOX. These case reports provide additional information on the effects of 3' downstream deletions of SHOX, by demonstrating the limited phenotype associated with the recurrent 47.5 kb deletion in a homozygous state and the CNE9 deletion in a heterozygous state.

Approach to the Patient With Short Stature: Genetic Testing

The first step in the evaluation of the short child is to decide whether growth parameters in the context of the history are abnormal or a variant of normal. If growth is considered abnormal, system and hormonal tests are likely to be required, followed by more directed testing, such as skeletal survey and/or genetic screening with karyotype or microarray. In a small percentage of short children in whom a diagnosis has not been reached, this will need to be followed by detailed genetic analysis; currently, exome sequencing using targeted panels relevant to the phenotype is the commonly used test. Clinical scenarios are presented that illustrate how such genetic testing can be used to establish a molecular diagnosis, and how that diagnosis contributes to the management of the short child. New genetic causes for short stature are being recognized on a frequent basis, while the clinical spectrum for known genes is being extended. We recommend that an international repository for short stature conditions is established for new findings to aid dissemination of knowledge, but also to help in the definition of the clinical spectrum both for new and established conditions.

SHOX Deletion and Idiopathic Short Stature: What Does the Clinician Need to Know? Case Series Report

Children diagnosticated with idiopathic short stature (ISS) are probably, in most cases, underdiagnosticated. The genetic causes of ISS may be mutations of genes involved in local regulation of the growth plate or genes involved in the GH-IGF1 axis physiology. We present a kindred of five children evaluated for short stature or low normal stature, initially diagnosticated as idiopathic short stature, familial short stature, or being small for gestational age. Clinical signs suggestive of SHOX deletion screening in a child with short stature are low arm span/height ratio, increased sitting height/height ratio, BMI > 50% percentile, Madelung deformity, cubitus valgus, bowing and shortening of the forearm, dislocation of the ulna (at the elbow), and the appearance of muscular hypertrophy. Radiological characteristics suggestive of SHOX deficiency are triangularisation of the distal radial epiphysis, an enlarged diaphysis of the radius plus bowing of the radius, the convexity of the distal radial metaphysis, short fourth and fifth metacarpals, pyramidalization of the carpal row. Treatment with rGH is approved for children with SHOX gene deficiency and short stature. This kindred is an example that familial short stature, idiopathic short stature, and short stature due to a small gestational age are not final diagnoses. Complex investigations are necessary to identify the precise cause, leading to optimal clinical management. Treatment with rGH is an option for some of them; for others, it has no therapeutic response and, in some cases, is even harmful.