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Zhao Q, Zhou N, Wu Q, Zhang K, Yue J, Zheng D, Wang Y, Xiao Y, Li R, Cheng R, Quan L, Huang E, Hu B, Cheng J. Targeted genetic analysis in a cohort of sporadic death from spontaneous rupture of thoracic aortic dissection in Han Chinese population. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2024; 71:103051. [PMID: 38670007 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2024.103051] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease that often results in sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the genetic characteristics of individuals with TAD confirmed at autopsy have been rarely studied. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in TAD-associated genes in a cohort of sporadic deaths resulting from spontaneous rupture of TAD and identify relevant genotype-phenotype relationships in Han Chinese population. METHODS We included sixty-one consecutive sporadic decedents whose primary cause of death was spontaneous rupture of TAD, and performed a whole exome sequencing based strategy comprising 26 known TAD-associated genes. RESULTS We identified 7 pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 7 cases (11.48 %) and 22 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in 22 cases (36.07 %). The FBN1 gene was found to be the major disease-causing gene. Notably, TAD decedents with P/LP variant exhibited significantly earlier mortality. Moreover, we reported for the first time that TAD decedents with P/LP variant had a shorter diagnosis and treatment time. CONCLUSION Our study investigated the genetic characteristics of TAD individuals confirmed until autopsy in Han Chinese population. The findings enhanced the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of TAD and have significant implications for clinical management and forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhao Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qiuping Wu
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiacheng Yue
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Da Zheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yunyi Wang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuxi Xiao
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Rui Li
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruofei Cheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li Quan
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Erwen Huang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Bingjie Hu
- Division of Forensic Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Jianding Cheng
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Duan Y, Xiong J, Lai Z, Zhong Y, Tian C, Du Z, Luo Z, Yu J, Li W, Xu W, Wang Y, Ding T, Zhong X, Pan M, Qiu Y, Lan X, Chen T, Li P, Liu K, Gao M, Hu Y, Liu Z. Analysis of the genetic contribution to thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection in a prospective cohort of patients with familial and sporadic cases in East China. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:251. [PMID: 37644562 PMCID: PMC10466872 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissections (TAADs) represent a group of life-threatening diseases. Genetic aetiology can affect the age of onset, clinical phenotype, and timing of intervention. We conducted a prospective trial to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in TAAD patients and to elucidate the traits related to harbouring the pathogenic variants. One hundred and one unrelated TAAD patients underwent genetic sequencing and analysis for 23 TAAD-associated genes using a targeted PCR and next-generation sequencing-based panel. RESULTS A total of 47 variants were identified in 52 TAAD patients (51.5%), including 5 pathogenic, 1 likely pathogenic and 41 variants of uncertain significance. The pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 4 disease-causing genes were carried by 1 patient with familial and 5 patients with sporadic TAAD (5.9%). In addition to harbouring one variant causing familial TAAD, the FBN1 gene harboured half of the P/LP variants causing sporadic TAAD. Individuals with an age of onset less than 50 years or normotension had a significantly increased genetic risk. CONCLUSIONS TAAD patients with a younger age at diagnosis or normotension were more likely to carry a P/LP variant; thus, routine genetic testing will be beneficial to a better prognosis through genetically personalized care prior to acute rupture or dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Duan
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Cardiovascular Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Center, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jianxian Xiong
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Lai
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Cardiovascular Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Center, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chengnan Tian
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Du
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhifang Luo
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junjian Yu
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wentong Li
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Weichang Xu
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yabing Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Ting Ding
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xuehong Zhong
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Mengmeng Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yu Qiu
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Cardiovascular Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Center, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Lan
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Cardiovascular Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Center, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Taihua Chen
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Peijun Li
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Kang Liu
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yanqiu Hu
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ziyou Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Acoustic Signals of Jiangxi Province, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Heart Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
- Ganzhou Cardiovascular Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Center, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
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Tracking an Elusive Killer: State of the Art of Molecular-Genetic Knowledge and Laboratory Role in Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081785. [PMID: 35892496 PMCID: PMC9329974 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The main challenge in diagnosing and managing thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAA/D) is represented by the early detection of a disease that is both deadly and “elusive”, as it generally grows asymptomatically prior to rupture, leading to death in the majority of cases. Gender differences exist in aortic dissection in terms of incidence and treatment options. Efforts have been made to identify biomarkers that may help in early diagnosis and in detecting those patients at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications. As soon as the hereditability of the TAA/D was demonstrated, several genetic factors were found to be associated with both the syndromic and non-syndromic forms of the disease, and they currently play a role in patient diagnosis/prognosis and management-guidance purposes. Likewise, circulating biomarker could represent a valuable resource in assisting the diagnosis, and several studies have attempted to identify specific molecules that may help with risk stratification outside the emergency department. Even if promising, those data lack specificity/sensitivity, and, in most cases, they need more testing before entering the “clinical arena”. This review summarizes the state of the art of the laboratory in TAA/D diagnostics, with particular reference to the current and future role of molecular-genetic testing.
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Update on the molecular landscape of thoracic aortic aneurysmal disease. Curr Opin Cardiol 2022; 37:201-211. [PMID: 35175228 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAADs) are a major health problem in the Western population. This review summarises recent discoveries in the genetic landscape of TAAD disease, discusses current challenges in clinical practice, and describes the molecular road ahead in TAAD research. Disorders, in which aneurysmal disease is not observed in the thoracic aorta, are not discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Current gene discovery studies have pinpointed about 40 genes associated with TAAD risk, accounting for about 30% of the patients. Importantly, novel genes, and their subsequent functional characterisation, have expanded the knowledge on disease-related pathways providing crucial information on key elements in this disease, and it pinpoints new therapeutic targets. Moreover, current molecular evidence also suggests the existence of less monogenic nature of TAAD disease, in which the presentation of a diseased patient is most likely influenced by a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. SUMMARY CLINICAL PRACTICE/RELEVANCE Ongoing molecular genetic research continues to expand our understanding on the pathomechanisms underlying TAAD disease in order to improve molecular diagnosis, optimise risk stratification, advance therapeutic strategies and facilitate counselling of TAAD patients and their families.
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Pan M, Li L, Li Z, Chen S, Li Z, Wang Y, He H, Lin L, Wang H, Liu Q. Rare Variants and Polymorphisms of FBN1 Gene May Increase the Risk of Non-Syndromic Aortic Dissection. Front Genet 2022; 13:778806. [PMID: 35154271 PMCID: PMC8829505 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.778806] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic dissection (AD) is a cardiovascular disease characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Although FBN1 is associated with syndromic AD, its association with non-syndromic AD remains unclear. In this study, DNA samples from 90 Chinese individuals with non-syndromic AD (60 Stanford A, 30 Stanford B types) were analyzed to determine the relationship between diverse genotypes of the FBN1 gene and non-syndromic AD. Eleven pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (1 novel) were identified in 12.2% of patients with non-syndromic AD. Patients with positive variants suffered from AD at a younger age than those in the negative variant group. Among the six positive missense mutations associated with cysteine residue hosts, four (66.7%) were Stanford A AD, whereas two (33.3%) were Stanford B AD. Three (100%) positive splicing/truncation variant hosts were Stanford A AD. The splicing/truncation variants and missense variants involving cysteine residues in the FBN1 gene increased the risk of Stanford A AD. Ten common SNPs that increased susceptibility to AD were identified. In particular, five SNPs were detected significantly in Stanford A AD, whereas another four SNPs were significantly detected in Stanford B AD. These significant variants can function as biomarkers for the identification of patients at risk for AD. Our findings have the potential to broaden the database of positive mutations and common SNPs of FBN1 in non-syndromic AD among the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianjie Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zehao Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongzhe Li
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuning Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Henghui He
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihua Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haihao Wang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kalyanasundaram A, Elefteriades J. The Genetics of Inheritable Aortic Diseases. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-022-00687-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Zhu G, Luo M, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Zhao K, Zhang Y, Shu C, Yang H, Zhou Z. Novel LTBP3 mutations associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:513. [PMID: 34906192 PMCID: PMC8670144 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a hidden-onset but life-threatening disorder with high clinical variability and genetic heterogeneity. In recent years, an increasing number of genes have been identified to be related to TAAD. However, some genes remain uncertain because of limited case reports and/or functional studies. LTBP3 was such an ambiguous gene that was previously known for dental and skeletal dysplasia and then noted to be associated with TAAD. More research on individuals or families harboring variants in this gene would be helpful to obtain full knowledge of the disease and clarify its association with TAAD. METHODS A total of 266 TAAD probands with no causative mutations in known genes had been performed wholeexome sequencing (WES) to identify potentially pathogenic variants. In this study, rare LTBP3 variants were the focus of analysis. RESULTS Two compound heterozygous mutations, c.625dup (p.Leu209fs) and c.1965del (p.Arg656fs), in LTBP3 were identified in a TAAD patient along with short stature and dental problems, which was the first TAAD case with biallelic LTBP3 null mutations in an Asian population. Additionally, several rare heterozygous LTBP3 variants were also detected in other sporadic TAAD patients. CONCLUSION The identification of LTBP3 mutations in TAAD patients in our study provided more clinical evidence to support its association with TAAD, which broadens the gene spectrum of LTBP3. LTBP3 should be considered to be incorporated into the routine genetic analysis of heritable aortopathy, which might help to fully understand its phenotypic spectrum and improve the diagnostic rate of TAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Mingyao Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Center of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Qianlong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Yinhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Chang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Center of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Hang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Zhou Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China.
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Cao G, Xuan X, Zhang R, Hu J, Dong H. Gene Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease: Basic Research and Clinical Prospects. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:760140. [PMID: 34805315 PMCID: PMC8602679 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.760140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the vital role of genetic factors in human diseases have been widely recognized by scholars with the deepening of life science research, accompanied by the rapid development of gene-editing technology. In early years, scientists used homologous recombination technology to establish gene knock-out and gene knock-in animal models, and then appeared the second-generation gene-editing technology zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) that relied on nucleic acid binding proteins and endonucleases and the third-generation gene-editing technology that functioned through protein-nucleic acids complexes-CRISPR/Cas9 system. This holds another promise for refractory diseases and genetic diseases. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has always been the focus of clinical and basic research because of its high incidence and high disability rate, which seriously affects the long-term survival and quality of life of patients. Because some inherited cardiovascular diseases do not respond well to drug and surgical treatment, researchers are trying to use rapidly developing genetic techniques to develop initial attempts. However, significant obstacles to clinical application of gene therapy still exists, such as insufficient understanding of the nature of cardiovascular disease, limitations of genetic technology, or ethical concerns. This review mainly introduces the types and mechanisms of gene-editing techniques, ethical concerns of gene therapy, the application of gene therapy in atherosclerosis and inheritable cardiovascular diseases, in-stent restenosis, and delivering systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genmao Cao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xuezhen Xuan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruijing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Honglin Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Postmortem detection of COL gene family variants in two aortic dissection cases. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:85-91. [PMID: 34125279 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02605-z] [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: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aortic dissection (AD) usually remains undiagnosed, but its manifestation is abrupt and is associated with high morbidity and poor prognosis, leading to sudden cardiac death. Variants in COL family genes are associated with AD. In case 1, a 32-year-old Chinese man was admitted to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain and died on the next day. In case 2, a 36-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the hospital because of waist pain and died the next afternoon. According to autopsy findings, the cause of death in both cases was an acute cardiac tamponade, which was attributed to AD rupture. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the blood collected from the hearts of the two deceased patients. Positive variants in COL family genes were found in both cases, without positive variants in other AD-associated genes. In case 1, a novel, likely pathogenic, missense variant was identified in COL6A1. In case 2, we identified one novel, likely pathogenic, frameshift deletion in COL23A1 and one novel, likely pathogenic, missense mutation in COL1A2. Based on these two cases, physicians should consider the role and significance of COL family gene mutations in AD in young patients. Furthermore, molecular anatomy is clearly necessary and significant in cases of sudden cardiac death attributed to AD, particularly in younger individuals.
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van Dorst DCH, de Wagenaar NP, van der Pluijm I, Roos-Hesselink JW, Essers J, Danser AHJ. Transforming Growth Factor-β and the Renin-Angiotensin System in Syndromic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Implications for Treatment. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2020; 35:1233-1252. [PMID: 33283255 PMCID: PMC8578102 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-020-07116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are permanent pathological dilatations of the thoracic aorta, which can lead to life-threatening complications, such as aortic dissection and rupture. TAAs frequently occur in a syndromic form in individuals with an underlying genetic predisposition, such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) and Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS). Increasing evidence supports an important role for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in TAA pathology. Eventually, most patients with syndromic TAAs require surgical intervention, as the ability of present medical treatment to attenuate aneurysm growth is limited. Therefore, more effective medical treatment options are urgently needed. Numerous clinical trials investigated the therapeutic potential of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and β-blockers in patients suffering from syndromic TAAs. This review highlights the contribution of TGF-β signaling, RAS, and impaired mechanosensing abilities of aortic VSMCs in TAA formation. Furthermore, it critically discusses the most recent clinical evidence regarding the possible therapeutic benefit of ARBs and β-blockers in syndromic TAA patients and provides future research perspectives and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan C H van Dorst
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathalie P de Wagenaar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Room Ee702b, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid van der Pluijm
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Room Ee702b, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien W Roos-Hesselink
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Essers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Room Ee702b, Erasmus MC, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Vascular Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Rohde S, Zafar MA, Ziganshin BA, Elefteriades JA. Thoracic aortic aneurysm gene dictionary. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2020; 29:682-696. [PMID: 32689806 DOI: 10.1177/0218492320943800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm is typically clinically silent, with a natural history of progressive enlargement until a potentially lethal complication such as rupture or dissection occurs. Underlying genetic predisposition strongly influences the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Familial cases are more virulent, have a higher rate of aneurysm growth, and occur earlier in life. To date, over 30 genes have been associated with syndromic and non-syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. The causative genes and their specific variants help to predict the disease phenotype, including age at presentation, risk of dissection at small aortic sizes, and risk of other cardiovascular and systemic manifestations. This genetic "dictionary" is already a clinical reality, allowing us to personalize care based on specific causative mutations for a substantial proportion of these patients. Widespread genetic sequencing of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection patients has been and continues to be crucial to the rapid expansion of this dictionary and ultimately, the delivery of truly personalized care to every patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Rohde
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mohammad A Zafar
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bulat A Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - John A Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Overwater E, Van Rossum K, Baars MJH, Maugeri A, Houweling AC. Hereditary thoracic aortic disease associated with cysteine substitution c.937T > G p.(Cys313Gly) in FBN1. Neth Heart J 2019; 27:637-638. [PMID: 31190185 PMCID: PMC6890864 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-019-1296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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13
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Clinical Validity of Genes for Heritable Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 72:605-615. [PMID: 30071989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.04.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysms progressively enlarge and predispose to acute aortic dissections. Up to 25% of individuals with thoracic aortic disease harbor an underlying Mendelian pathogenic variant. An evidence-based strategy for selection of genes to test in hereditary thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (HTAAD) helps inform family screening and intervention to prevent life-threatening thoracic aortic events. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to accurately identify genes that predispose to HTAAD using the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) framework. METHODS We applied the semiquantitative ClinGen framework to assess presumed gene-disease relationships between 53 candidate genes and HTAAD. Genes were classified as causative for HTAAD if they were associated with isolated thoracic aortic disease and were clinically actionable, triggering routine aortic surveillance, intervention, and family cascade screening. All gene-disease assertions were evaluated by a pre-defined curator-expert pair and subsequently discussed with an expert panel. RESULTS Genes were classified based on the strength of association with HTAAD into 5 categories: definitive (n = 9), strong (n = 2), moderate (n = 4), limited (n = 15), and no reported evidence (n = 23). They were further categorized by severity of associated aortic disease and risk of progression. Eleven genes in the definitive and strong groups were designated as "HTAAD genes" (category A). Eight genes were classified as unlikely to be progressive (category B) and 4 as low risk (category C). The remaining genes were recent genes with an uncertain classification or genes with no evidence of association with HTAAD. CONCLUSIONS The ClinGen framework is useful to semiquantitatively assess the strength of gene-disease relationships for HTAAD. Gene categories resulting from the curation may inform clinical laboratories in the development, interpretation, and subsequent clinical implications of genetic testing for patients with aortic disease.
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14
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Mariscalco G, Debiec R, Elefteriades JA, Samani NJ, Murphy GJ. Systematic Review of Studies That Have Evaluated Screening Tests in Relatives of Patients Affected by Nonsyndromic Thoracic Aortic Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:e009302. [PMID: 30371227 PMCID: PMC6201478 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.009302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Nonsyndromic thoracic aortic diseases ( NS - TADs ) are often silent entities until they present as life-threatening emergencies. Despite familial inheritance being common, screening is not the current standard of care in NS - TAD s. We sought to determine the incidence of aortic diseases, the predictive accuracy of available screening tests, and the effectiveness of screening programs in relatives of patients affected by NS - TADs . Methods and Results A systematic literature search on PubMed/ MEDLINE , Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to the end of December 2017. The search was supplemented with the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. A total of 53 studies were included, and a total of 2696 NS - TAD relatives were screened. Screening was genetic in 49% of studies, followed by imaging techniques in 11% and a combination of the 2 in 40%. Newly affected individuals were identified in 33%, 24%, and 15% of first-, second-, and third-degree relatives, respectively. Familial NS - TAD s were primarily attributed to single-gene mutations, expressed in an autosomal dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance. Specific gene mutations were observed in 25% of the screened families. Disease subtype and genetic mutations stratified patients with respect to age of presentation, aneurysmal location, and aortic diameter before dissection. Relatives of patients with sporadic NS - TAD s were also found to be affected. No studies evaluated the predictive accuracy of imaging or genetic screening tests, or the clinical or cost-effectiveness of an NS - TAD screening program. Conclusions First- and second-degree relatives of patients affected by both familial and sporadic NS - TAD s may benefit from personalized screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Mariscalco
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research CentreLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Radoslaw Debiec
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research CentreLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Nilesh J. Samani
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research CentreLeicesterUnited Kingdom
| | - Gavin J. Murphy
- Department of Cardiovascular SciencesUniversity of Leicester and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research CentreLeicesterUnited Kingdom
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15
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Overwater E, Marsili L, Baars MJH, Baas AF, van de Beek I, Dulfer E, van Hagen JM, Hilhorst-Hofstee Y, Kempers M, Krapels IP, Menke LA, Verhagen JMA, Yeung KK, Zwijnenburg PJG, Groenink M, van Rijn P, Weiss MM, Voorhoeve E, van Tintelen JP, Houweling AC, Maugeri A. Results of next-generation sequencing gene panel diagnostics including copy-number variation analysis in 810 patients suspected of heritable thoracic aortic disorders. Hum Mutat 2018; 39:1173-1192. [PMID: 29907982 PMCID: PMC6175145 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous analysis of multiple genes using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has become widely available. Copy-number variations (CNVs) in disease-associated genes have emerged as a cause for several hereditary disorders. CNVs are, however, not routinely detected using NGS analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield and the prevalence of CNVs using our panel of Hereditary Thoracic Aortic Disease (H-TAD)-associated genes. Eight hundred ten patients suspected of H-TAD were analyzed by targeted NGS analysis of 21 H-TAD associated genes. In addition, the eXome hidden Markov model (XHMM; an algorithm to identify CNVs in targeted NGS data) was used to detect CNVs in these genes. A pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was found in 66 of 810 patients (8.1%). Of these 66 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, six (9.1%) were CNVs not detectable by routine NGS analysis. These CNVs were four intragenic (multi-)exon deletions in MYLK, TGFB2, SMAD3, and PRKG1, respectively. In addition, a large duplication including NOTCH1 and a large deletion encompassing SCARF2 were detected. As confirmed by additional analyses, both CNVs indicated larger chromosomal abnormalities, which could explain the phenotype in both patients. Given the clinical relevance of the identification of a genetic cause, CNV analysis using a method such as XHMM should be incorporated into the clinical diagnostic care for H-TAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Overwater
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Luisa Marsili
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Medical Genetics Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marieke J H Baars
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annette F Baas
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Irma van de Beek
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco Dulfer
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M van Hagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marlies Kempers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid P Krapels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Leonie A Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M A Verhagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kak K Yeung
- Department of Surgery, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Petra J G Zwijnenburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Groenink
- Department of Cardiology and Radiology, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter van Rijn
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjan M Weiss
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Els Voorhoeve
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Peter van Tintelen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan C Houweling
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Maugeri
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Brownstein AJ, Ziganshin BA, Elefteriades JA. Human aortic aneurysm genomic dictionary: is it possible? Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 35:57-66. [PMID: 33061067 DOI: 10.1007/s12055-018-0659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), a typically silent but frequently lethal disease, is strongly influenced by underlying genetics. Approximately 30 genes have been associated with syndromic and non-syndromic familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) to date. An estimated 30% of patients with non-syndromic familial TAAD, which is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, have a mutation in one of these genes. The underlying genetic mutation helps predict patients' clinical presentation, risk of aortic dissection at small aortic sizes (< 5.0 cm), and risk of other cardiovascular disease. As a result, a TAAD genomic dictionary based on these genes is necessary to provide optimal patient care, but is not on its own sufficient as this disease is typically inherited with reduced penetrance and has widely variable expressivity. Next-generation sequencing has been and will continue to be critical for identifying novel genes and variants associated with TAAD as well as genotype-phenotype correlations that will allow for management to be targeted to not only the underlying gene harboring the pathogenic variant but also the specific mutation identified. The aortic dictionary, to which a clinician can turn to obtain information on clinical consequences of a specific genetic variants, is not only possible, but has been substantially written already. As additional entries to the dictionary are made, truly personalized, genetically based, aneurysm care can be delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Joseph Brownstein
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, 789 Howard Avenue, Clinic Building-CB317, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - Bulat Ayratovich Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, 789 Howard Avenue, Clinic Building-CB317, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
| | - John Alex Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, 789 Howard Avenue, Clinic Building-CB317, New Haven, CT 06519 USA
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17
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Weerakkody R, Ross D, Parry DA, Ziganshin B, Vandrovcova J, Gampawar P, Abdullah A, Biggs J, Dumfarth J, Ibrahim Y, Bicknell C, Field M, Elefteriades J, Cheshire N, Aitman TJ. Targeted genetic analysis in a large cohort of familial and sporadic cases of aneurysm or dissection of the thoracic aorta. Genet Med 2018. [PMID: 29543232 PMCID: PMC6004315 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2018.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Thoracic aortic aneurysm/aortic dissection (TAAD) is a disorder with highly variable age of onset and phenotype. We sought to determine the prevalence of pathogenic variants in TAAD-associated genes in a mixed cohort of sporadic and familial TAAD patients and identify relevant genotype-phenotype relationships. Methods We used a targeted PCR and next generation sequencing-based panel for genetic analysis of 15 TAAD associated genes in 1025 unrelated TAAD cases. Results We identified 49 pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in 47 cases (4.9% of those successfully sequenced). Almost half of the variants were in non-syndromic cases with no known family history of aortic disease. Twenty-five variants were within FBN1 and two patients were found to harbour two P/LP variants. Presence of a related syndrome, younger age at presentation, family history of aortic disease and involvement of the ascending aorta increased the risk of carrying a P/LP variant. Conclusions Given the poor prognosis of TAAD that is undiagnosed prior to acute rupture or dissection, genetic analysis of both familial and sporadic cases of TAAD will lead to new diagnoses, more informed management and possibly reduced mortality through earlier, preclinical diagnosis in genetically determined cases and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwan Weerakkody
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Ross
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David A Parry
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bulat Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jana Vandrovcova
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Piyush Gampawar
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Abdulshakur Abdullah
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Biggs
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Dumfarth
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yousef Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Colin Bicknell
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Field
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - John Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nick Cheshire
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy J Aitman
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK. .,Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Aortic aneurysms are a major health problem because they account for 1-2% of all deaths in the Western population. Although abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are more prevalent than thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), TAAs have been more exhaustively studied over the past 2 decades because they have a higher heritability and affect younger individuals. Gene identification in both syndromic and nonsyndromic TAA is proceeding at a rapid pace and has already pinpointed >20 genes associated with familial TAA risk. Whereas these genes explain <30% of all cases of familial TAA, their functional characterization has substantially improved our knowledge of the underlying pathological mechanisms. As such, perturbed extracellular matrix homeostasis, transforming growth factor-β signalling, and vascular smooth muscle cell contractility have been proposed as important processes in TAA pathogenesis. These new insights enable novel treatment options that are currently being investigated in large clinical trials. Moreover, together with the advent of next-generation sequencing approaches, these genetic findings are promoting a shift in the management of patients with TAA by enabling gene-tailored interventions. In this Review, we comprehensively describe the molecular landscape of familial TAA, and we discuss whether familial TAA, from a biological point of view, can serve as a paradigm for the genetically more complex forms of the condition, such as sporadic TAA or AAA.
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19
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FBN1: The disease-causing gene for Marfan syndrome and other genetic disorders. Gene 2016; 591:279-291. [PMID: 27437668 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
FBN1 encodes the gene for fibrillin-1, a structural macromolecule that polymerizes into microfibrils. Fibrillin microfibrils are morphologically distinctive fibrils, present in all connective tissues and assembled into tissue-specific architectural frameworks. FBN1 is the causative gene for Marfan syndrome, an inherited disorder of connective tissue whose major features include tall stature and arachnodactyly, ectopia lentis, and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. More than one thousand individual mutations in FBN1 are associated with Marfan syndrome, making genotype-phenotype correlations difficult. Moreover, mutations in specific regions of FBN1 can result in the opposite features of short stature and brachydactyly characteristic of Weill-Marchesani syndrome and other acromelic dysplasias. How can mutations in one molecule result in disparate clinical syndromes? Current concepts of the fibrillinopathies require an appreciation of tissue-specific fibrillin microfibril microenvironments and the collaborative relationship between the structures of fibrillin microfibril networks and biological functions such as regulation of growth factor signaling.
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20
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Nauta FJH, Trimarchi S, Kamman AV, Moll FL, van Herwaarden JA, Patel HJ, Figueroa CA, Eagle KA, Froehlich JB. Update in the management of type B aortic dissection. Vasc Med 2016; 21:251-63. [DOI: 10.1177/1358863x16642318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease. The initial management goal is to prevent aortic rupture, propagation of the dissection, and symptoms by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure. Uncomplicated TBAD patients require prompt medical management to prevent aortic dilatation or rupture during subsequent follow-up. Complicated TBAD patients require immediate invasive management to prevent death or injury caused by rupture or malperfusion. Recent developments in diagnosis and management have reduced mortality related to TBAD considerably. In particular, the introduction of thoracic stent-grafts has shifted the management from surgical to endovascular repair, contributing to a fourfold increase in early survival in complicated TBAD. Furthermore, endovascular repair is now considered in some uncomplicated TBAD patients in addition to optimal medical therapy. For more challenging aortic dissection patients with involvement of the aortic arch, hybrid approaches, combining open and endovascular repair, have had promising results. Regardless of the chosen management strategy, strict antihypertensive control should be administered to all TBAD patients in addition to close imaging surveillance. Future developments in stent-graft design, medical therapy, surgical and hybrid techniques, imaging, and genetic screening may improve the outcomes of TBAD patients even further. We present a comprehensive review of the recommended management strategy based on current evidence in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foeke JH Nauta
- Thoracic Aortic Research Center, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Santi Trimarchi
- Thoracic Aortic Research Center, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Arnoud V Kamman
- Thoracic Aortic Research Center, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Frans L Moll
- Vascular Surgery Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost A van Herwaarden
- Vascular Surgery Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - C Alberto Figueroa
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Surgery, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Kim A Eagle
- Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James B Froehlich
- Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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