1
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Arslan A. Algorithmic assessment reveals functional implications of GABRD gene variants linked to idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38289414 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2312987] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to address the challenge posed by the increasing number of variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) within the GABRD gene, which encodes the δ subunit of γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors. The focus is on predicting the most pathogenic GABRD VUS to enhance precision medicine and improve our understanding of relevant pathophysiology. METHODS The study employs a combination of in silico algorithms to analyze 82 variants of unknown clinical significance of GABRD gene sourced from the ClinVar database. Initially, separate algorithms based on sequence homology are utilized to assess this variant set. Subsequently, consensus variants predicted as pathogenic undergo further evaluation through a web server employing an algorithm based on structural homology. The resulting 11 variants are then validated using in silico tools that assess variant effects based on genetic and molecular data. The evaluation includes consideration of disease association and protein stability due to amino acid substitutions. RESULTS The study identifies specific variants (L111R, R114C, D123N, G150S, and L243P) in the coding region of the GABRD gene, which are predicted as deleterious by multiple algorithms. These variants are evolutionarily conserved, mapped onto the extracellular domain of the δ subunit, and associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest structural or functional consequences that lead to pathogenicity, offering valuable insights for wet-lab experimentation. Besides, the findings contribute to the validation of clinically significant genetic variants in the GABRD gene, which is critical for epilepsy precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Arslan
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkiye
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2
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Christowitz C, Olivier DW, Schneider JW, Kotze MJ, Engelbrecht AM. Incorporating functional genomics into the pathology-supported genetic testing framework implemented in South Africa: A future view of precision medicine for breast carcinomas. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2024; 793:108492. [PMID: 38631437 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2024.108492] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
A pathology-supported genetic testing (PSGT) framework was established in South Africa to improve access to precision medicine for patients with breast carcinomas. Nevertheless, the frequent identification of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) with the use of genome-scale next-generation sequencing has created a bottleneck in the return of results to patients. This review highlights the importance of incorporating functional genomics into the PSGT framework as a proposed initiative. Here, we explore various model systems and experimental methods available for conducting functional studies in South Africa to enhance both variant classification and clinical interpretation. We emphasize the distinct advantages of using in vitro, in vivo, and translational ex vivo models to improve the effectiveness of precision oncology. Moreover, we highlight the relevance of methodologies such as protein modelling and structural bioinformatics, multi-omics, metabolic activity assays, flow cytometry, cell migration and invasion assays, tube-formation assays, multiplex assays of variant effect, and database mining and machine learning models. The selection of the appropriate experimental approach largely depends on the molecular mechanism of the gene under investigation and the predicted functional effect of the VUS. However, before making final decisions regarding the pathogenicity of VUSs, it is essential to assess the functional evidence and clinical outcomes under current variant interpretation guidelines. The inclusion of a functional genomics infrastructure within the PSGT framework will significantly advance the reclassification of VUSs and enhance the precision medicine pipeline for patients with breast carcinomas in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Christowitz
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
| | - Daniel W Olivier
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Johann W Schneider
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Maritha J Kotze
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa; Department of Global Health, African Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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3
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Militello AM, Orsi G, Cavaliere A, Niger M, Avallone A, Salvatore L, Tortora G, Rapposelli IG, Giordano G, Noventa S, Giommoni E, Bozzarelli S, Macchini M, Peretti U, Procaccio L, Puccini A, Cascinu S, Montagna C, Milella M, Reni M. Clinical outcomes and response to chemotherapy in a cohort of pancreatic cancer patients with germline variants of unknown significance (VUS) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 92:501-510. [PMID: 37725113 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04585-w] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical outcome and the efficacy of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA1/2 Variants of Unknown Significance (VUS) is unknown. We explored the effects of chemotherapy with or without Platinum in non metastatic and metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA1/2 VUS. METHODS A retrospective analysis of non-metastatic or metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with gBRCA1/2 VUS treated in 13 Italian centers between November 2015 and December 2020 was performed. All patients were assessed for toxicity and RECIST 1.1 response. Metastatic patients were evaluated for survival outcome. RESULTS 30 pancreatic cancer patients with gBRCA1/2 VUS were considered: 20 were M+ and 10 were non-M+. Pl-CT was recommended to 16 patients: 10 M+ (6 FOLFIRINOX and 4 PAXG) and 6 non-M+ (3 FOLFIRINOX and 3 PAXG); 11 patients received Nabpaclitaxel-Gemcitabine (AG; 8 M+) and 3 patients (2 M+) were treated with Gemcitabine (G). The RECIST 1.1 response rate was 27% for AG and 44% for Pl-CT (22% for (m) FOLFIRINOX and 71% PAXG). 1 year Progression-Free Survival was 37.5% for patients treated with AG and 33% in the Pl-CT subgroup. Median Overall Survival (OS) was 23.5 months for patients treated with AG and 14 months for the Pl-CT subgroup. 1 Year and 2 Year OS were numerically better for AG (1 Year OS: 75% vs 60% and 2 Year OS: 50% and 20% in AG and Pl-CT subgroups, respectively) as well. CONCLUSIONS Pl-CT does not seem to be associated with a better outcome compared to AG chemotherapy in PDAC patients with BRCA 1/2 VUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Militello
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Orsi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cavaliere
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS Candiolo, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Monica Niger
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Biologia Cellulare e Bioterapie, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori ''Fondazione Giovanni Pascale'' - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Lisa Salvatore
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilario Giovanni Rapposelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) ''Dino Amadori'', Meldola, Italy
| | - Guido Giordano
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Policlinico Riuniti, Foggia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Silvia Noventa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Giommoni
- Medical Oncology Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bozzarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Macchini
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Peretti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Procaccio
- Medical Oncology 1 Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Puccini
- University of Genoa, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Montagna
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Genomic Instability and Cancer Genetics, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Reni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Via Olgettina 60, 20123, Milan, Italy.
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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4
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Palmieri G, D’Ambrosio MF, Correale M, Brunetti ND, Santacroce R, Iacoviello M, Margaglione M. The Role of Genetics in the Management of Heart Failure Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15221. [PMID: 37894902 PMCID: PMC10607512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015221] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the relevance of genetics in cardiovascular diseases has expanded, especially in the context of cardiomyopathies. Its relevance extends to the management of patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF), given its capacity to provide invaluable insights into the etiology of cardiomyopathies and identify individuals at a heightened risk of poor outcomes. Notably, the identification of an etiological genetic variant necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the family lineage of the affected patients. In the future, these genetic variants hold potential as therapeutic targets with the capability to modify gene expression. In this complex setting, collaboration among cardiologists, specifically those specializing in cardiomyopathies and HF, and geneticists becomes paramount to improving individual and family health outcomes, as well as therapeutic clinical results. This review is intended to offer geneticists and cardiologists an updated perspective on the value of genetic research in HF and its implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpaolo Palmieri
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Maria Francesca D’Ambrosio
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michele Correale
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Natale Daniele Brunetti
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Rosa Santacroce
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Iacoviello
- University Cardiology Unit, Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
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5
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Doh CY, Kampourakis T, Campbell KS, Stelzer JE. Basic science methods for the characterization of variants of uncertain significance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1238515. [PMID: 37600050 PMCID: PMC10432852 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1238515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of next-generation whole genome sequencing, many variants of uncertain significance (VUS) have been identified in individuals suffering from inheritable hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Unfortunately, this classification of a genetic variant results in ambiguity in interpretation, risk stratification, and clinical practice. Here, we aim to review some basic science methods to gain a more accurate characterization of VUS in HCM. Currently, many genomic data-based computational methods have been developed and validated against each other to provide a robust set of resources for researchers. With the continual improvement in computing speed and accuracy, in silico molecular dynamic simulations can also be applied in mutational studies and provide valuable mechanistic insights. In addition, high throughput in vitro screening can provide more biologically meaningful insights into the structural and functional effects of VUS. Lastly, multi-level mathematical modeling can predict how the mutations could cause clinically significant organ-level dysfunction. We discuss emerging technologies that will aid in better VUS characterization and offer a possible basic science workflow for exploring the pathogenicity of VUS in HCM. Although the focus of this mini review was on HCM, these basic science methods can be applied to research in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), or other genetic cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Yoon Doh
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Thomas Kampourakis
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth S. Campbell
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Julian E. Stelzer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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6
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Anderson CL, Munawar S, Reilly L, Kamp TJ, January CT, Delisle BP, Eckhardt LL. How Functional Genomics Can Keep Pace With VUS Identification. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:900431. [PMID: 35859585 PMCID: PMC9291992 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.900431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, an exponentially expanding number of genetic variants have been identified associated with inherited cardiac conditions. These tremendous gains also present challenges in deciphering the clinical relevance of unclassified variants or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). This review provides an overview of the advancements (and challenges) in functional and computational approaches to characterize variants and help keep pace with VUS identification related to inherited heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey L. Anderson
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Saba Munawar
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Louise Reilly
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Timothy J. Kamp
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Craig T. January
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brian P. Delisle
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Lee L. Eckhardt
- Cellular and Molecular Arrythmias Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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7
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Abstract
Targeted therapies have come to play an increasingly important role in cancer therapy over the past two decades. This success has been made possible in large part by technological advances in sequencing, which have greatly advanced our understanding of the mutational landscape of human cancer and the genetic drivers present in individual tumors. We are rapidly discovering a growing number of mutations that occur in targetable pathways, and thus tumor genetic testing has become an important component in the choice of appropriate therapies. Targeted therapy has dramatically transformed treatment outcomes and disease prognosis in some settings, whereas in other oncologic contexts, targeted approaches have yet to demonstrate considerable clinical efficacy. In this Review, we summarize the current knowledge of targetable mutations that occur in a range of cancers, including hematologic malignancies and solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. We outline seminal examples of druggable mutations and targeting modalities and address the clinical and research challenges that must be overcome to maximize therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Waarts
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
| | - Aaron J. Stonestrom
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Young C. Park
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies
- Center for Epigenetics Research, and
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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8
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Milbury CA, Creeden J, Yip WK, Smith DL, Pattani V, Maxwell K, Sawchyn B, Gjoerup O, Meng W, Skoletsky J, Concepcion AD, Tang Y, Bai X, Dewal N, Ma P, Bailey ST, Thornton J, Pavlick DC, Frampton GM, Lieber D, White J, Burns C, Vietz C. Clinical and analytical validation of FoundationOne®CDx, a comprehensive genomic profiling assay for solid tumors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264138. [PMID: 35294956 PMCID: PMC8926248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FoundationOne®CDx (F1CDx) is a United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved companion diagnostic test to identify patients who may benefit from treatment in accordance with the approved therapeutic product labeling for 28 drug therapies. F1CDx utilizes next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) technology to examine 324 cancer genes in solid tumors. F1CDx reports known and likely pathogenic short variants (SVs), copy number alterations (CNAs), and select rearrangements, as well as complex biomarkers including tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI), in addition to genomic loss of heterozygosity (gLOH) in ovarian cancer. CGP services can reduce the complexity of biomarker testing, enabling precision medicine to improve treatment decision-making and outcomes for cancer patients, but only if test results are reliable, accurate, and validated clinically and analytically to the highest standard available. The analyses presented herein demonstrate the extensive analytical and clinical validation supporting the F1CDx initial and subsequent FDA approvals to ensure high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of the data reported. The analytical validation included several in-depth evaluations of F1CDx assay performance including limit of detection (LoD), limit of blank (LoB), precision, and orthogonal concordance for SVs (including base substitutions [SUBs] and insertions/deletions [INDELs]), CNAs (including amplifications and homozygous deletions), genomic rearrangements, and select complex biomarkers. The assay validation of >30,000 test results comprises a considerable and increasing body of evidence that supports the clinical utility of F1CDx to match patients with solid tumors to targeted therapies or immunotherapies based on their tumor's genomic alterations and biomarkers. F1CDx meets the clinical needs of providers and patients to receive guideline-based biomarker testing, helping them keep pace with a rapidly evolving field of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coren A. Milbury
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - James Creeden
- Global Medical Affairs, Basel, MA, United States of America
| | - Wai-Ki Yip
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - David L. Smith
- Department of Franchise Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Varun Pattani
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Kristi Maxwell
- Department of Health Economic and Outcomes Research & Payer Policy, Reimbursement, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Bethany Sawchyn
- Department of Scientific and Medical Publications, Clinical Operations, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Ole Gjoerup
- Department of Scientific and Medical Publications, Clinical Operations, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Wei Meng
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Joel Skoletsky
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Yanhua Tang
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Xiaobo Bai
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Ninad Dewal
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Pei Ma
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Shannon T. Bailey
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - James Thornton
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Dean C. Pavlick
- Department of Cancer Genomics, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Daniel Lieber
- Department of Computational Biology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Jared White
- Department of Computational Biology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Christine Burns
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Christine Vietz
- Department Product Development, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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9
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Morton SU, Christodoulou J, Costain G, Muntoni F, Wakeling E, Wojcik MH, French CE, Szuto A, Dowling JJ, Cohn RD, Raymond FL, Darras BT, Williams DA, Lunke S, Stark Z, Rowitch DH, Agrawal PB. Multicenter Consensus Approach to Evaluation of Neonatal Hypotonia in the Genomic Era: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2022; 79:405-413. [PMID: 35254387 PMCID: PMC10134401 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Infants with hypotonia can present with a variety of potentially severe clinical signs and symptoms and often require invasive testing and multiple procedures. The wide range of clinical presentations and potential etiologies leaves diagnosis and prognosis uncertain, underscoring the need for rapid elucidation of the underlying genetic cause of disease. Observations The clinical application of exome sequencing or genome sequencing has dramatically improved the timely yield of diagnostic testing for neonatal hypotonia, with diagnostic rates of greater than 50% in academic neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, which compose the International Precision Child Health Partnership (IPCHiP). A total of 74% (17 of 23) of patients had a change in clinical care in response to genetic diagnosis, including 2 patients who received targeted therapy. This narrative review discusses the common causes of neonatal hypotonia, the relative benefits and limitations of available testing modalities used in NICUs, and hypotonia management recommendations. Conclusions and Relevance This narrative review summarizes the causes of neonatal hypotonia and the benefits of prompt genetic diagnosis, including improved prognostication and identification of targeted treatments which can improve the short-term and long-term outcomes. Institutional resources can vary among different NICUs; as a result, consideration should be given to rule out a small number of relatively unique conditions for which rapid targeted genetic testing is available. Nevertheless, the consensus recommendation is to use rapid genome or exome sequencing as a first-line testing option for NICU patients with unexplained hypotonia. As part of the IPCHiP, this diagnostic experience will be collected in a central database with the goal of advancing knowledge of neonatal hypotonia and improving evidence-based practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah U Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John Christodoulou
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory Costain
- Division of Clinical & Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program for Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Muntoni
- National Institute for Health Research Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,North East Thames Regional Genetic Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Wakeling
- North East Thames Regional Genetic Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monica H Wojcik
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Courtney E French
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Szuto
- Department of Genetic Counselling, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James J Dowling
- Program for Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald D Cohn
- Division of Clinical & Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program for Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - F Lucy Raymond
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Basil T Darras
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David A Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David H Rowitch
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Pankaj B Agrawal
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Fei H, Wu Y, Wang Y, Zhang J. Exome sequencing and RNA analysis identify two novel CPLANE1 variants causing Joubert syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1877. [PMID: 35092359 PMCID: PMC8922956 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joubert syndrome (JS) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder; its genetic etiology involves more than 35 genes, and a limited number of studies have investigated the pathogenic mechanism of variants in patients with JS. RNA splicing analysis is critical to determine the functional significance for noncanonical splicing variants. METHODS Whole exome sequencing was performed to screen the causative gene variants in a JS family. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the variants. cDNA PCR products were analyzed and functional experiments were performed to determine the pathogenicity of the variants. RESULTS The clinical phenotypes and CPLANE1 variants in the JS patient were analyzed and proved consistent. We identified two novel heterozygous variants of CPLANE1 in the proband first, including c.4459del (frameshift variant) and c.7534-14G > A (intronic variant). We analyzed the pathogenic consequences of the 2 variants and classified the c.4459del as likely pathogenic according to the ACMG/AMP guidelines; however, the pathogenic significance of c.7534-14G > A was uncertain. Furthermore, we performed RNA splicing analysis and revealed that the noncanonical splicing variant (c.7534-14G > A) caused aberrant exon 37 skipping. It produced an aberrant transcript that was predicted to encode a C-terminal truncated protein. CONCLUSIONS The genetic variation spectrum of JS caused by CPLANE1 was updated. Two novel variants further deepened our insight into the disease's molecular mechanism and confirmed the significance of diagnostic whole-exome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Fei
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Genetics, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Herman DS, Rhoads DD, Schulz WL, Durant TJS. Artificial Intelligence and Mapping a New Direction in Laboratory Medicine: A Review. Clin Chem 2021; 67:1466-1482. [PMID: 34557917 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods are now capable of completing tasks with performance characteristics that are comparable to those of expert human operators. As a result, many areas throughout healthcare are incorporating these technologies, including in vitro diagnostics and, more broadly, laboratory medicine. However, there are limited literature reviews of the landscape, likely future, and challenges of the application of AI/ML in laboratory medicine. CONTENT In this review, we begin with a brief introduction to AI and its subfield of ML. The ensuing sections describe ML systems that are currently in clinical laboratory practice or are being proposed for such use in recent literature, ML systems that use laboratory data outside the clinical laboratory, challenges to the adoption of ML, and future opportunities for ML in laboratory medicine. SUMMARY AI and ML have and will continue to influence the practice and scope of laboratory medicine dramatically. This has been made possible by advancements in modern computing and the widespread digitization of health information. These technologies are being rapidly developed and described, but in comparison, their implementation thus far has been modest. To spur the implementation of reliable and sophisticated ML-based technologies, we need to establish best practices further and improve our information system and communication infrastructure. The participation of the clinical laboratory community is essential to ensure that laboratory data are sufficiently available and incorporated conscientiously into robust, safe, and clinically effective ML-supported clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Herman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel D Rhoads
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wade L Schulz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Thomas J S Durant
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Foley JF, Elgart B, Alex Merrick B, Phadke DP, Cook ME, Malphurs JA, Solomon GG, Shah RR, Fessler MB, Miller FW, Gerrish KE. Whole genome sequencing of low input circulating cell-free DNA obtained from normal human subjects. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e14993. [PMID: 34350716 PMCID: PMC8339531 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA circulates in plasma at low levels as a normal by-product of cellular apoptosis. Multiple clinical pathologies, as well as environmental stressors can lead to increased circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) levels. Plasma DNA studies frequently employ targeted amplicon deep sequencing platforms due to limited concentrations (ng/ml) of ccfDNA in the blood. Here, we report whole genome sequencing (WGS) and read distribution across chromosomes of ccfDNA extracted from two human plasma samples from normal, healthy subjects, representative of limited clinical samples at <1 ml. Amplification was sufficiently robust with ~90% of the reference genome (GRCh38.p2) exhibiting 10X coverage. Chromosome read coverage was uniform and directly proportional to the number of reads for each chromosome across both samples. Almost 99% of the identified genomic sequence variants were known annotated dbSNP variants in the hg38 reference genome. A high prevalence of C>T and T>C mutations was present along with a strong concordance of variants shared between the germline genome databases; gnomAD (81.1%) and the 1000 Genome Project (93.6%). This study demonstrates isolation and amplification procedures from low input ccfDNA samples that can detect sequence variants across the whole genome from amplified human plasma ccfDNA that can translate to multiple clinical research disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie F. Foley
- Division of National Toxicology ProgramNIEHSDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - B. Alex Merrick
- Division of National Toxicology ProgramNIEHSDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Molly E. Cook
- Division of Intramural ResearchNIEHSDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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13
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Anand V, Pournami F, Nandakumar A, Prabhakar J, Jain N. Precision Medicine with Genetic Testing in Neonatal Intensive care. JOURNAL OF CHILD SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1733875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Anand
- Department of Neonatology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Femitha Pournami
- Department of Neonatology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Anand Nandakumar
- Department of Neonatology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Jyothi Prabhakar
- Department of Neonatology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Naveen Jain
- Department of Neonatology, Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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14
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Mohammed Y, Michaud SA, Pětrošová H, Yang J, Ganguly M, Schibli D, Flenniken AM, Nutter LMJ, Adissu HA, Lloyd KCK, McKerlie C, Borchers CH. Proteotyping of knockout mouse strains reveals sex- and strain-specific signatures in blood plasma. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2021; 7:25. [PMID: 34050187 PMCID: PMC8163790 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-021-00184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We proteotyped blood plasma from 30 mouse knockout strains and corresponding wild-type mice from the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium. We used targeted proteomics with internal standards to quantify 375 proteins in 218 samples. Our results provide insights into the manifested effects of each gene knockout at the plasma proteome level. We first investigated possible contamination by erythrocytes during sample preparation and labeled, in one case, up to 11 differential proteins as erythrocyte originated. Second, we showed that differences in baseline protein abundance between female and male mice were evident in all mice, emphasizing the necessity to include both sexes in basic research, target discovery, and preclinical effect and safety studies. Next, we identified the protein signature of each gene knockout and performed functional analyses for all knockout strains. Further, to demonstrate how proteome analysis identifies the effect of gene deficiency beyond traditional phenotyping tests, we provide in-depth analysis of two strains, C8a-/- and Npc2+/-. The proteins encoded by these genes are well-characterized providing good validation of our method in homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice. Ig alpha chain C region, a poorly characterized protein, was among the differentiating proteins in C8a-/-. In Npc2+/- mice, where histopathology and traditional tests failed to differentiate heterozygous from wild-type mice, our data showed significant difference in various lysosomal storage disease-related proteins. Our results demonstrate how to combine absolute quantitative proteomics with mouse gene knockout strategies to systematically study the effect of protein absence. The approach used here for blood plasma is applicable to all tissue protein extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassene Mohammed
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
| | - Sarah A Michaud
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada.
| | - Helena Pětrošová
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Juncong Yang
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Milan Ganguly
- The Center for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Schibli
- University of Victoria-Genome BC Proteomics Centre, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ann M Flenniken
- The Center for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sinai Health Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- The Center for Phenogenomics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - K C Kent Lloyd
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, and Mouse Biology Program, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Christoph H Borchers
- Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Data Intensive Science and Engineering, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow, Russia.
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15
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Iancu IF, Avila-Fernandez A, Arteche A, Trujillo-Tiebas MJ, Riveiro-Alvarez R, Almoguera B, Martin-Merida I, Del Pozo-Valero M, Perea-Romero I, Corton M, Minguez P, Ayuso C. Prioritizing variants of uncertain significance for reclassification using a rule-based algorithm in inherited retinal dystrophies. NPJ Genom Med 2021; 6:18. [PMID: 33623043 PMCID: PMC7902814 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-021-00182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are a highly heterogeneous group of rare diseases with a molecular diagnostic rate of >50%. Reclassification of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) poses a challenge for IRD diagnosis. We collected 668 IRD cases analyzed by our geneticists using two different clinical exome-sequencing tests. We identified 114 unsolved cases pending reclassification of 125 VUS and studied their genomic, functional, and laboratory-specific features, comparing them to pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants from the same cohort (N = 390). While the clinical exome used did not show differences in diagnostic rate, the more IRD-experienced geneticist reported more VUS (p = 4.07e-04). Significantly fewer VUS were reported in recessive cases (p = 2.14e-04) compared to other inheritance patterns, and of all the genes analyzed, ABCA4 and IMPG2 had the lowest and highest VUS frequencies, respectively (p = 3.89e-04, p = 6.93e-03). Moreover, few frameshift and stop-gain variants were found to be informed VUS (p = 6.73e-08 and p = 2.93e-06). Last, we applied five pathogenicity predictors and found there is a significant proof of deleteriousness when all score for pathogenicity in missense variants. Altogether, these results provided input for a set of rules that correctly reclassified ~70% of VUS as pathogenic in validation datasets. Disease- and setting-specific features influence VUS reporting. Comparison with pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants can prioritize VUS more likely to be reclassified as causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionut-Florin Iancu
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Avila-Fernandez
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Arteche
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Trujillo-Tiebas
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Riveiro-Alvarez
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Almoguera
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Martin-Merida
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Del Pozo-Valero
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Perea-Romero
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Corton
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Minguez
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Ayuso
- Department of Genetics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain. .,Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Abdollahi S, Lin PC, Shen MR, Chiang JH. Precise uncertain significance prediction using latent space matrix factorization models: genomics variant and heterogeneous clinical data-driven approaches. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5981724. [PMID: 33190153 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies to date have proposed different types of interpreters for measuring the degree of pathogenicity of variants. However, in predicting the disease type and disease-gene associations, scholars face two essential challenges, namely the vast number of existing variants and the existence of variants which are recognized as variant of uncertain significance (VUS). To tackle these challenges, we propose algorithms to assign a significance to each gene rather than each variant, describing its degree of pathogenicity. Since the interpreters identified most of the variants as VUS, most of the gene scores were identified as uncertain significance. To predict the uncertain significance scores, we design two matrix factorization-based models: the common latent space model uses genomics variant data as well as heterogeneous clinical data, while the single-matrix factorization model can be used when heterogeneous clinical data are unavailable. We have managed to show that the models successfully predict the uncertain significance scores with low error and high accuracy. Moreover, to evaluate the effectiveness of our novel input features, we train five different multi-label classifiers including a feedforward neural network with the same feature set and show they all achieve high accuracy as the main impact of our approach comes from the features. Availability: The source code is freely available at https://github.com/sabdollahi/CoLaSpSMFM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Abdollahi
- Intelligent Information Retrieval Lab, Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University
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17
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Fantin SM, Huang H, Sanders CR, Ruotolo BT. Collision-Induced Unfolding Differentiates Functional Variants of the KCNQ1 Voltage Sensor Domain. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:2348-2355. [PMID: 32960579 PMCID: PMC8106873 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channel regulates the repolarization of cardiac cells, and a plurality of point mutations in its voltage-sensing domain (VSD) are associated with toxic gain or loss of pore function, resulting in disease. As is the case with many disease-associated membrane proteins, there are hundreds of human variants of interest identified for KCNQ1; however, a significant portion of these variants have not been characterized in relation to their functional and disease associations. Additionally, as the VSD consists of four transmembrane helices, studies into dynamic structural differences among KCNQ1 VSD variants are hindered by the current limitations and deficits in the high-resolution structure determination of membrane proteins. Here, we use native ion mobility-mass spectrometry and collision-induced unfolding (CIU) to address the need for a high throughput-compatible method for the structural characterization of membrane protein variants of unknown significance using the KCNQ1 VSD as a model system. We perform CIU on wild-type and three mutant KCNQ1 VSD forms associated with the toxic gain or loss of function and show through both automated feature detection and comprehensive difference analysis of the CIU data sets that the variants are clearly grouped by function and disease association. We also construct a classification scheme based on the CIU data sets, which is able to differentiate the variant functional groups and classify a recently characterized variant to its correct grouping. Further, we probe the stability of the KCNQ1 VSD variants when liberated from C12E8 micelles at pH 8.0 and find preliminary evidence that the R231C mutation associated with the gain of the pore function is destabilized relative to the wild-type and loss of function variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Fantin
- University of Michigan Department of Chemistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Hui Huang
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biochemistry, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Charles R. Sanders
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biochemistry, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Brandon T. Ruotolo
- University of Michigan Department of Chemistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Corresponding Author:
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18
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Lafta IJ, Kudhair BK, Alabid NN. Characterization of the major human STAG3 variants using some proteomics and bioinformatics assays. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-020-0051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
STAG3 is the meiotic component of cohesin and a member of the Cancer Testis Antigen (CTA) family. This gene has been found to be overexpressed in many types of cancer, and recently, its variants have been implicated in other disorders and many human diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the major variants of STAG3. Western blot (WB) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were performed using two different anti-STAG3 antibodies that targeted the relevant protein in MCF-7, T-47D, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with Jurkat and MCF-10A cells as positive and negative controls, respectively. In silico analyses were searched to study the major isoforms.
Results
WB and IP assays revealed two abundant polypeptides < 191 kDa and ~ 75 kDa in size. Specific bioinformatics tools successfully determined the three-dimensional (3-D) structure, the subcellular localization, and the secondary structures of the isoforms. Furthermore, some of the physicochemical properties of the STAG3 proteins were also determined.
Conclusions
The results of this study revealed the power of applying the biological techniques (WB and IP) with the bioinformatics assays and the possibility of their exploitation in understanding diseased genes. Exploring the major variants of STAG3 at the protein level could help decipher some disorders associated with their occurrence, along with designing drugs effective at least for some relevant diseases.
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