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Zhang J, Xu Y, Liu Y, Yue L, Jin H, Chen Y, Wang D, Wang M, Chen G, Yang L, Zhang G, Zhang X, Li S, Zhao H, Zhao Y, Niu G, Gao Y, Cai Z, Yang F, Zhu C, Zhu D. Genetic Testing for Global Developmental Delay in Early Childhood. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415084. [PMID: 38837156 PMCID: PMC11154162 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15084] [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] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Global developmental delay (GDD) is characterized by a complex etiology, diverse phenotypes, and high individual heterogeneity, presenting challenges for early clinical etiologic diagnosis. Cognitive impairment is the core symptom, and despite the pivotal role of genetic factors in GDD development, the understanding of them remains limited. Objectives To assess the utility of genetic detection in patients with GDD and to examine the potential molecular pathogenesis of GDD to identify targets for early intervention. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolled patients aged 12 to 60 months with GDD from 6 centers in China from July 4, 2020, to August 31, 2023. Participants underwent trio whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) coupled with copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Bioinformatics analysis was used to unravel pathogenesis and identify therapeutic targets. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes of this study involved enhancing the rate of positive genetic diagnosis for GDD, broadening the scope of genetic testing indications, and investigating the underlying pathogenesis. The classification of children into levels of cognitive impairment was based on the developmental quotient assessed using the Gesell scale. Results The study encompassed 434 patients with GDD (262 [60%] male; mean [SD] age, 25.75 [13.24] months) with diverse degrees of cognitive impairment: mild (98 [23%]), moderate (141 [32%]), severe (122 [28%]), and profound (73 [17%]). The combined use of trio-WES and CNV-seq resulted in a 61% positive detection rate. Craniofacial abnormalities (odds ratio [OR], 2.27; 95% CI, 1.45-3.56), moderate or severe cognitive impairment (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.70), and age between 12 and 24 months (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05-2.35) were associated with a higher risk of carrying genetic variants. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis suggested that genetic variants may induce alterations in brain development and function, which may give rise to cognitive impairment. Moreover, an association was found between the dopaminergic pathway and cognitive impairment. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of patients with GDD, combining trio-WES with CNV-seq was a demonstrable, instrumental strategy for advancing the diagnosis of GDD. The close association among genetic variations, brain development, and clinical phenotypes contributed valuable insights into the pathogenesis of GDD. Notably, the dopaminergic pathway emerged as a promising focal point for potential targets in future precision medical interventions for GDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Ling Yue
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongfang Jin
- Qinghai Provincial Women and Children’s Hospital, Xining, China
| | | | - Dong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingmei Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gongxun Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sansong Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiling Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guohui Niu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongqiang Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijun Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dengna Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Kerkhof J, Rastin C, Levy MA, Relator R, McConkey H, Demain L, Dominguez-Garrido E, Kaat LD, Houge SD, DuPont BR, Fee T, Fletcher RS, Gokhale D, Haukanes BI, Henneman P, Hilton S, Hilton BA, Jenkinson S, Lee JA, Louie RJ, Motazacker MM, Rzasa J, Stevenson RE, Plomp A, van der Laan L, van der Smagt J, Walden KK, Banka S, Mannens M, Skinner SA, Friez MJ, Campbell C, Tedder ML, Alders M, Sadikovic B. Diagnostic utility and reporting recommendations for clinical DNA methylation episignature testing in genetically undiagnosed rare diseases. Genet Med 2024; 26:101075. [PMID: 38251460 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101075] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to assess the diagnostic utility and provide reporting recommendations for clinical DNA methylation episignature testing based on the cohort of patients tested through the EpiSign Clinical Testing Network. METHODS The EpiSign assay utilized unsupervised clustering techniques and a support vector machine-based classification algorithm to compare each patient's genome-wide DNA methylation profile with the EpiSign Knowledge Database, yielding the result that was reported. An international working group, representing distinct EpiSign Clinical Testing Network health jurisdictions, collaborated to establish recommendations for interpretation and reporting of episignature testing. RESULTS Among 2399 cases analyzed, 1667 cases underwent a comprehensive screen of validated episignatures, imprinting, and promoter regions, resulting in 18.7% (312/1667) positive reports. The remaining 732 referrals underwent targeted episignature analysis for assessment of sequence or copy-number variants (CNVs) of uncertain significance or for assessment of clinical diagnoses without confirmed molecular findings, and 32.4% (237/732) were positive. Cases with detailed clinical information were highlighted to describe various utility scenarios for episignature testing. CONCLUSION Clinical DNA methylation testing including episignatures, imprinting, and promoter analysis provided by an integrated network of clinical laboratories enables test standardization and demonstrates significant diagnostic yield and clinical utility beyond DNA sequence analysis in rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cassandra Rastin
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh Demain
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura Donker Kaat
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Douzgou Houge
- Haukeland University Hospital, Centre for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | - David Gokhale
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bjørn Ivar Haukanes
- Haukeland University Hospital, Centre for Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peter Henneman
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Hilton
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Jenkinson
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - M Mahdi Motazacker
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Rzasa
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Astrid Plomp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liselot van der Laan
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper van der Smagt
- Department of Genetics, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Siddharth Banka
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Mannens
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Christopher Campbell
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marielle Alders
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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Modula MJ, Chipu MG. Exploring information needs among family caregivers of children with intellectual disability in a rural area of South Africa: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1139. [PMID: 38658872 PMCID: PMC11040777 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18606-7] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, families experience challenges caring for and raising children with intellectual disability (ID). Family caregivers in rural states are mostly known for lacking support resources, including information on understanding the care of ID. Lack of adequate information on understanding of ID compromises the provision of life-long care and support of the children with ID's physical, emotional, psychological and social developmental well-being. The study aimed to explore the information needs of family caregivers regarding the care of children with ID in rural areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS This qualitative explorative research conducted 16 in-depth individual interviews and one focus group discussion with ten family members. The participants shared their experiences of raising children with ID in rural communities. Inductive thematic analysis using Atlas Ti software categorised emerging themes and subthemes of this study from merged data sets on information needs regarding the care of children with ID among family caregivers. RESULTS The findings highlighted the need for information regarding ID care among family caregivers raising children with ID in the home environment. The information challenges experienced by family caregivers include caring for the challenging behaviour of children with ID and available support resources and services for the children and their families. These challenges impact the care and support required to meet the developmental needs of children with ID. Furthermore, inadequate information on ID among family caregivers in rural communities with a lack of resources restricts the children from accessing required support services. CONCLUSIONS Given the information challenges these families face on ID, the stakeholders must develop continuous training programmes that will equip, empower, and further monitor ID care and management among family caregivers to enhance care and the raising of children with dignity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mantji Juliah Modula
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, 9301, Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa.
| | - Mpho Grace Chipu
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, 9301, Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa
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Rosina E, Pezzani L, Apuril E, Pezzoli L, Marchetti D, Bellini M, Lucca C, Meossi C, Massimello M, Mariani M, Scatigno A, Cattaneo E, Colombo L, Maitz S, Cereda A, Milani D, Spaccini L, Bedeschi MF, Selicorni A, Iascone M. Comparison of first-tier whole-exome sequencing with a multi-step traditional approach for diagnosing paediatric outpatients: An Italian prospective study. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2316. [PMID: 38041506 PMCID: PMC10767581 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2316] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent guidelines suggest the use of genome-wide analyses, such as whole exome sequencing (WES), at the beginning of the diagnostic approach for cases with suspected genetic conditions. However, in many realities it still provides for the execution of a multi-step pathway, thus requiring several genetic tests to end the so-called 'diagnostic odyssey'. METHODS We reported the results of GENE Project (Genomic analysis Evaluation NEtwork): a multicentre prospective cohort study on 125 paediatric outpatients with a suspected genetic disease in which we performed first-tier trio-WES, including exome-based copy number variation analysis, in parallel to a 'traditional approach' of two/three sequential genetic tests. RESULTS First-tier trio-WES detected a conclusive diagnosis in 41.6% of patients, way above what was found with routine genetic testing (25%), with a time-to-result of about 50 days. Notably, the study showed that 44% of WES-reached diagnoses would be missed with the traditional approach. The diagnostic rate (DR) of the two approaches varied in relation to the phenotypic class of referral and to the proportion of cases with a defined diagnostic suspect, proving the major difference for neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, trio-WES analysis detected variants in candidate genes of unknown significance (EPHA4, DTNA, SYNCRIP, NCOR1, TFDP1, SPRED3, EDA2R, PHF12, PPP1R12A, WDR91, CDC42BPG, CSNK1D, EIF3H, TMEM63B, RIPPLY3) in 19.4% of undiagnosed cases. CONCLUSION Our findings represent real-practice evidence of how first-tier genome-wide sequencing tests significantly improve the DR for paediatric outpatients with a suspected underlying genetic aetiology, thereby allowing a time-saving setting of the correct management, follow-up and family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Rosina
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | | | - Erika Apuril
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | - Laura Pezzoli
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | | | - Matteo Bellini
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | - Camilla Lucca
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | - Camilla Meossi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Marta Massimello
- Department of PediatricsFondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei TintoriMonzaItaly
| | - Milena Mariani
- Department of PediatricsASST Lariana Sant' Anna HospitalComoItaly
| | | | - Elisa Cattaneo
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyV. Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Lorenzo Colombo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Silvia Maitz
- Medical Genetics ServiceIOSI, Ente Ospedaliero CantonaleLuganoSwitzerland
| | - Anna Cereda
- Paediatric UnitASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | - Donatella Milani
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Luigina Spaccini
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyV. Buzzi Children's Hospital, University of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Angelo Selicorni
- Department of PediatricsASST Lariana Sant' Anna HospitalComoItaly
| | - Maria Iascone
- Laboratory of Medical GeneticsASST Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
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Alay MT, Kalayci A, Seven M. A new perspective on isotretinoin in pregnancy: Pregnancy outcomes, evaluation of complex phenotypes, and importance of teratological counselling. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 291:148-155. [PMID: 37890418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.024] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Teratogens are responsible for 5% of all known causes of congenital anomalies. Isotretinoin, a retinoic acid-derived agent, leads to congenital anomalies in 21-52% of cases when exposure occurs during pregnancy according to studies conducted before 2006. However, rates of congenital anomalies were much lower in later studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rates of congenital anomalies in isotretinoin exposure during pregnancy, isotretinoin exposure before pregnancy, and a control group unexposed to any teratogenic agents. STUDY DESIGN In this cohort study, we divided pregnant women admitted to our center between 2009 and 2020 into two groups: isotretinoin exposure before and during the pregnancy (n = 77) and isotretinoin exposure before the pregnancy (n = 75). We selected the control group from among the non-teratogen exposed pregnant women with a simple random sampling method. Obstetricians calculated the ages of all pregnancies via ultrasound (USG) (crown-rump diameter for the first trimester; biparietal diameter and femur length for the second trimester). After birth, a pediatric genetics specialist examined all babies. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on the babies who displayed complex phenotypes. RESULTS Among the isotretinoin exposure before and during the pregnancy, isotretinoin exposure before the pregnancy, and the control groups, there were statistically significant differences in live births (respectively, 64.3 %, 88 %, 93.3 %), congenital anomalies (respectively, 28.6 %, 6.1 %, 1.4 %), miscarriages (respectively, 13 %, 2.7 %, 4 %), terminations (respectively, 32.5 %, 9.3 %, 2.7 %), and premature births (11.9 %, 16.7 %, 2.9 %) (respectively, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.014, p < 0.001). We detected novel phenotypical features in five patients. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that study design, long-term follow-up, teratological counseling, and implementation of advanced molecular analysis in complex phenotypes with novel phenotypical features are beneficial for understanding the association of congenital anomalies with isotretinoin exposure. While evaluating congenital anomalies, we detected statistically significant differences between isotretinoin exposure before and during the pregnancy vs control, but we did not detect any statistically significant differences between isotretinoin exposure before the pregnancy and controls. Another finding of the study is that WES might be an efficient way to evaluate complex phenotypes in isotretinoin-exposed babies; however, further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Tarık Alay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysel Kalayci
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Seven
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Masri AT, Oweis L, Ali M, Hamamy H. Global developmental delay and intellectual disability in the era of genomics: Diagnosis and challenges in resource limited areas. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 230:107799. [PMID: 37236004 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107799] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To report the diagnostic yield of clinical singleton whole exome sequencing (WES) performed among a group of Jordanian children presenting with global developmental delay /intellectual disability (GDD/ID), discuss the underlying identified genetic disorders and the challenges encountered. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective medical record review study included 154 children who were diagnosed with GDD/ID at our clinic at Jordan University Hospital between 2016 and 2021, and whose diagnostic work up included WES. RESULTS Consanguinity among parents was reported in 94/154 (61.0%) patients and history of other affected siblings in 35/154 (22.7%) patients. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (solved cases) were reported in 69/154 (44.8%) patients, a variant of uncertain significance was reported in 54/154 (35.0%) and a negative result was reported in 31/154 (20.1%) cases. In the solved cases, autosomal recessive diseases were the most common (33/69; 47.8%). Metabolic disorders were identified in 20/69 (28.9%) patients, followed by developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (9/69; 13.0%) and MECP2 related disorders (7/69; 10.1%). Other single gene disorders were identified in 33/69; 47.8%) patients. CONCLUSION This study had several limitations, as it was hospital-based and only including patients who were able to afford the test. Nevertheless, it yielded several important findings. In resource-limited countries, WES may be a reasonable approach. We discussed the challenges that clinicians meet in the context of shortage of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira T Masri
- Faculty of Medicine, Paediatric Department, Division of Child Neurology, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
| | - Liyana Oweis
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan
| | - Majd Ali
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Jordan
| | - Hanan Hamamy
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Bizzari S, Nair P, Hana S, Deepthi A, Al-Ali MT, Al-Gazali L, El-Hayek S. Spectrum of genetic disorders and gene variants in the United Arab Emirates national population: insights from the CTGA database. Front Genet 2023; 14:1177204. [PMID: 37214420 PMCID: PMC10194840 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1177204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Like many other Arab countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a relatively high prevalence of genetic disorders. Here we present the first review and analysis of all genetic disorders and gene variants reported in Emirati nationals and hosted on the Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA), an open-access database hosting bibliographic data on human gene variants associated with inherited or heritable phenotypes in Arabs. To date, CTGA hosts 665 distinct genetic conditions that have been described in Emiratis, 621 of which follow a clear Mendelian inheritance. Strikingly, over half of these are extremely rare according to global prevalence rates, predominantly with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. This is likely due to the relatively high consanguinity rates within the Emirati population. The 665 conditions include disorders that are unique to the Emirati population, as well as clearly monogenic disorders that have not yet been mapped to a causal genetic locus. We also describe 1,365 gene variants reported in Emiratis, most of which are substitutions and over half are classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic. Of these, 235 had not been reported on the international databases dbSNP and Clinvar, as of December 2022. Further analysis of this Emirati variant dataset allows a comparison of clinical significance as reported by Clinvar and CTGA, where the latter is derived from the study cited. A total of 307 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants from CTGA's Emirati dataset, were classified as benign, variants of uncertain significance, or were missing a clinical significance or had not been reported by Clinvar. In conclusion, we present here the spectrum of genetic disorders and gene variants reported in Emiratis. This review emphasizes the importance of ethnic databases such as CTGA in addressing the underrepresentation of Arab variant data in international databases and documenting population-specific discrepancies in variant interpretation, reiterating the value of such repositories for clinicians and researchers, especially when dealing with rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Bizzari
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pratibha Nair
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sayeeda Hana
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asha Deepthi
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Lihadh Al-Gazali
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Genome-Wide Sequencing Modalities for Children with Unexplained Global Developmental Delay and Intellectual Disabilities—A Narrative Review. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030501. [PMID: 36980059 PMCID: PMC10047410 DOI: 10.3390/children10030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Unexplained global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) together affect nearly 2% of the pediatric population. Establishing an etiologic diagnosis is crucial for disease management, prognostic evaluation, and provision of physical and psychological support for both the patient and the family. Advancements in genome sequencing have allowed rapid accumulation of gene–disorder associations and have accelerated the search for an etiologic diagnosis for unexplained GDD/ID. We reviewed recent studies that utilized genome-wide analysis technologies, and we discussed their diagnostic yield, strengths, and limitations. Overall, exome sequencing (ES) and genome sequencing (GS) outperformed chromosomal microarrays and targeted panel sequencing. GS provides coverage for both ES and chromosomal microarray regions, providing the maximal diagnostic potential, and the cost of ES and reanalysis of ES-negative results is currently still lower than that of GS alone. Therefore, singleton or trio ES is the more cost-effective option for the initial investigation of individuals with GDD/ID in clinical practice compared to a staged approach or GS alone. Based on these updated evidence, we proposed an evaluation algorithm with ES as the first-tier evaluation for unexplained GDD/ID.
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Conlin LK, Aref-Eshghi E, McEldrew DA, Luo M, Rajagopalan R. Long-read sequencing for molecular diagnostics in constitutional genetic disorders. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:1531-1544. [PMID: 36086952 PMCID: PMC9561063 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Long-read sequencing (LRS) has been around for more than a decade, but widespread adoption of the technology has been slow due to the perceived high error rates and high sequencing cost. This is changing due to the recent advancements to produce highly accurate sequences and the reducing costs. LRS promises significant improvement over short read sequencing in four major areas: (1) better detection of structural variation (2) better resolution of highly repetitive or nonunique regions (3) accurate long-range haplotype phasing and (4) the detection of base modifications natively from the sequencing data. Several successful applications of LRS have demonstrated its ability to resolve molecular diagnoses where short-read sequencing fails to identify a cause. However, the argument for increased diagnostic yield from LRS remains to be validated. Larger cohort studies may be required to establish the realistic boundaries of LRS's clinical utility and analytical validity, as well as the development of standards for clinical applications. We discuss the limitations of the current standard of care, and contrast with the applications and advantages of two major LRS platforms, PacBio and Oxford Nanopore, for molecular diagnostics of constitutional disorders, and present a critical argument about the potential of LRS in diagnostic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Conlin
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Erfan Aref-Eshghi
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Deborah A. McEldrew
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Minjie Luo
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Ramakrishnan Rajagopalan
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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