A missense mutation in ANKRD26 segregates with thrombocytopenia

Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment efficacy in two pediatric cases of ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia

ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26-RT or THC2, MIM 188 000), an autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia, is unresponsive to immunosuppressive therapy and susceptible to hematological malignancies. A large number of pediatric patients are diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) every year; however, thrombocytopenia of genetic origin is often missed. Extensive characterization of ANKRD26-RT will help prevent missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Furthermore, identification of ANKRD26-RT will help in the formulation of an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan. In our study, we report cases of two Chinese pediatric patients with ANKRD26-RT and analyze their clinical characteristics, gene mutations, and treatment modalities. Both patients were 1-year-old and presented with mild bleeding (World Health Organization(WHO) score grade 1), different degrees of platelet reduction, normal mean platelet volume, and megakaryocyte maturation impairment not obvious. Genetic tests revealed that both patients had ANKRD26 gene mutations.Patient 1 had a mutation c.-140C>G of the 5' untranslated region (UTR), and patient 2 had a mutation of c.-127A>T of 5'UTR. Both patients were treated with eltrombopag, and the treatment was no response, with no adverse reactions.

Needle in a haystack or elephant in the room? Identifying germline predisposition syndromes in the setting of a new myeloid malignancy diagnosis

Myeloid malignancies associated with germline predisposition syndromes account for up to 10% of myeloid neoplasms. They are classified into three categories by the proposed 5th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors: (1) neoplasms with germline predisposition without a pre-existing platelet disorder or organ dysfunction, (2) neoplasms with germline predisposition and pre-existing platelet disorder, or (3) neoplasms with germline predisposition and potential organ dysfunction. Recognizing these entities is critical because patients and affected family members benefit from interfacing with hematologists who specialize in these disorders and can facilitate tailored treatment strategies. However, identification of these syndromes in routine pathology practice is often challenging, as characteristic findings associated with these diagnoses at baseline are frequently absent, nonspecific, or impossible to evaluate in the setting of a myeloid malignancy. Here we review the formally classified germline predisposition syndromes associated with myeloid malignancies and summarize practical recommendations for pathologists evaluating a new myeloid malignancy diagnosis. Our intent is to empower clinicians to better screen for germline disorders in this common clinical setting. Recognizing when to suspect a germline predisposition syndrome, pursue additional ancillary testing, and ultimately recommend referral to a cancer predisposition clinic or hematology specialist, will ensure optimal patient care and expedite research to improve outcomes for these individuals.

Germline Predisposition to Myelodysplastic Syndromes

ABSTRACT

While germline predisposition to myelodysplastic syndromes is well-established, knowledge has advanced rapidly resulting in more cases of inherited hematologic malignancies being identified. Understanding the biological features and main clinical manifestations of hereditary hematologic malignancies is essential to recognizing and referring patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, who may underlie inherited predisposition, for appropriate genetic evaluation. Importance lies in individualized genetic counseling along with informed treatment decisions, especially with regard to hematopoietic stem cell transplant-related donor selection. Future studies will improve comprehension of these disorders, enabling better management of affected patients and their families.

ANKRD26-Related Thrombocytopenia and Predisposition to Myeloid Neoplasms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia (RT) from a molecular, clinical, and laboratory perspective, with a focus on the clinical decision-making that takes place in the diagnosis and management of families with ANKRD26-RT.

RECENT FINDINGS

ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26-RT) is a non-syndromic autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia with predisposition to hematologic neoplasm. The clinical presentation is variable with moderate thrombocytopenia with normal platelet size and absent to mild bleeding being the hallmark which makes it difficult to distinguish from other inherited thrombocytopenias. The pathophysiology involves overexpression of ANKRD26 through loss of inhibitory control by transcription factors RUNX1 and FLI1. The great majority of disease-causing variants are in the 5' untranslated region. Acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia have been reported to occur in the context of germline variants in ANKRD26, with the development of somatic driver mutations in hematopoietic regulators playing an important role in malignant transformation. In the absence of clear risk estimates of development of malignancy, optimal surveillance strategies and interventions to reduce risk of evolution to a myeloid disorder, multidisciplinary evaluation, with a strong genetic counseling framework is essential in the approach to these patients and their families. Gene-specific expertise and a multidisciplinary approach are important in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and families with ANKRD26-RT. These strategies help overcome the challenges faced by clinicians in the evaluation of individuals with a rare, non-syndromic, inherited disorder with predisposition to hematologic malignancy for which large data to guide decision-making is not available.

Prevalence and natural history of variants in the ANKRD26 gene: a short review and update of reported cases

ANKRD26 is a highly conserved gene located on chromosome 10p12.1 which has shown to play a role in normal megakaryocyte differentiation. ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia 2, is an inherited thrombocytopenia with mild bleeding diathesis resulting from point mutations the 5ʹUTR of the ANKRD26 gene. Point mutations in the 5ʹUTR region have been shown to prevent transcription factor-mediated downregulation of ANKRD26 in normal megakaryocyte differentiation. Patients with ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia have a predisposition to developing hematological malignancies, with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome most commonly described in the literature. We review the clinical features and biological mechanisms of ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia and summarize known cases in the literature.

Inherited Thrombocytopenia Caused by Germline ANKRD26 Mutation Should Be Considered in Young Patients With Suspected Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Thrombocytopenia 2 (THC2) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by ankyrin repeat domain 26 mutation and moderate thrombocytopenia. THC2 exposes patients to a low risk of bleeding and an increased likelihood of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia. Germline evaluation for a genetic disorder should be considered when a patient presents with isolated thrombocytopenia and associated dysmegakaryopoiesis. In this case report, we present a male patient who presented with isolated thrombocytopenia but was ultimately confirmed to have an inherited THC2 thrombocytopenia/myelodysplastic syndrome. Given the rarity of the disease, no clear guidelines on how to follow THC2 patients over the long term have been established. We recommend a monthly complete blood count and clinical visits every 3 months at a minimum.

Advances in germline predisposition to acute leukaemias and myeloid neoplasms

Although much work has focused on the elucidation of somatic alterations that drive the development of acute leukaemias and other haematopoietic diseases, it has become increasingly recognized that germline mutations are common in many of these neoplasms. In this Review, we highlight the different genetic pathways impacted by germline mutations that can ultimately lead to the development of familial and sporadic haematological malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Many of the genes disrupted by somatic mutations in these diseases (for example, TP53, RUNX1, IKZF1 and ETV6) are the same as those that harbour germline mutations in children and adolescents who develop these malignancies. Moreover, the presumption that familial leukaemias only present in childhood is no longer true, in large part due to the numerous studies demonstrating germline DDX41 mutations in adults with MDS and AML. Lastly, we highlight how different cooperating events can influence the ultimate phenotype in these different familial leukaemia syndromes.

Population based frequency of naturally occurring loss-of-function variants in genes associated with platelet disorders

Essentials The frequency of predicted loss-of-function (pLoF) variants in platelet-associated genes is unknown in the general population. Datasets like Genome Aggregation Database allow us to analyze pLoF variants with increased resolution. Expected prevalence of significant pLoF variants in platelet-associated genes in 0.329% in the general population. Platelet-associated genes that cause phenotypes due to haploinsufficiency are significantly depleted for deleterious variation. ABSTRACT: Background Inherited platelet disorders are being recognized more frequently as advanced sequencing technologies become more commonplace in clinical scenarios. The prevalence of each inherited platelet disorder and the disorders in aggregate are not known. This deficit in the field makes it difficult for clinicians to discuss results of sequencing assays and provide appropriate anticipatory guidance. Objectives In this study, we aim to calculate the prevalence of predicted loss-of-function variants in platelet-associated genes in the general population. Methods Here, we leverage the aggregation of exomes from the general population in the form of Genome Aggregation Database to assess 58 platelet-associated genes with phenotypic correlates. We use the loss-of-function transcript effect estimator (LOFTEE) to identify predicted loss-of-function mutations in these platelet-associated genes. These variants are curated and we then quantify the frequency of predicted loss-of-function variants in each gene. Results Our data show that 0.329% of the general population have a clinically meaningful predicted loss-of-function variant in a platelet-associated gene. Thus, these individuals are at risk for bleeding disorders that can range from mild to severe. Conclusions These data provide a novel lens through which clinicians can analyze sequencing results in their patients as well as an additional method to curate newly discovered platelet-associated genes in the future.

TALPID3 and ANKRD26 selectively orchestrate FBF1 localization and cilia gating

Transition fibers (TFs) regulate cilia gating and make the primary cilium a distinct functional entity. However, molecular insights into the biogenesis of a functional cilia gate remain elusive. In a forward genetic screen in Caenorhabditis elegans, we uncover that TALP-3, a homolog of the Joubert syndrome protein TALPID3, is a TF-associated component. Genetic analysis reveals that TALP-3 coordinates with ANKR-26, the homolog of ANKRD26, to orchestrate proper cilia gating. Mechanistically, TALP-3 and ANKR-26 form a complex with key gating component DYF-19, the homolog of FBF1. Co-depletion of TALP-3 and ANKR-26 specifically impairs the recruitment of DYF-19 to TFs. Interestingly, in mammalian cells, TALPID3 and ANKRD26 also play a conserved role in coordinating the recruitment of FBF1 to TFs. We thus report a conserved protein module that specifically regulates the functional component of the ciliary gate and suggest a correlation between defective gating and ciliopathy pathogenesis.

Most cells possess sensory cilia, which need to be gated properly. Here the authors show that the C. elegans proteins TALP-3 and ANKR-26 coordinate cilia gating in the context of transition fibers and that this mechanism is conserved in mammalian cells and likely implicated in certain ciliopathies.

A Rare Big Chinese Family With Thrombocytopenia 2: A Case Report and Literature Review

Thrombocytopenia 2 (THC2) is one of the most prevalent forms of inherited thrombocytopenia. It is caused by a heterogeneous group of ANKRD26 gene mutation and shows a heterogeneous clinical and laboratory characteristics. We present a big Chinese family with 10 THC2 patients carrying c.-128G > T heterozygous substitution in the 5-untranslated region of the ANKRD26 gene. Although the platelets are fewer than 50 × 10⁹/L in 8 THC2 family members, only the proband and her son show a higher WHO bleeding score. The proband and her son are also beta-thalassemia carriers with heterozygous c.52A > T mutation of HBB, which might not be associated with the increased bleeding tendency since 3 other family members with low bleeding tendency also carried both ANKRD26 c.-128G > T and HBB c.52A > T mutations. However, the proband and her son also show hypofibrinogenaemia, which is likely the cause of their more severe clinical manifestation. HID1 c.442G > T mutation was detected not only in these two hypofibrinogenaemia family members but also in the other 8 family members with normal blood fibrinogen levels. Our study suggests that the co-occurrence of other inherited genetic conditions associated with blood coagulation might contribute to the heterogeneity of clinical and laboratory characteristics in THC2 patients. Considering the hematologic and myeloid malignancy predisposition of THC2 patients and a large population of immune thrombocytopenia in China, we urge more attention to be paid to the diagnosis of THC2 patients to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Genetic Predisposition to Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Clinical Practice

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are a heterogeneous group of marrow failure disorders that primarily affect older persons but also occur at a lower frequency in children and young adults. There is increasing recognition of an inherited predisposition to MDS as well as other myeloid malignancies for patients of all ages. Germline predisposition to MDS can occur as part of a syndrome or sporadic disease. The timely diagnosis of an underlying genetic predisposition in the setting of MDS is important. This article delineates germline genetic causes of MDS and provides a scaffold for the diagnosis and management of patients in this context.

Epidemiology of acute myeloid leukemia: Recent progress and enduring challenges

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disorder of the bone marrow which is characterized by the clonal expansion and differentiation arrest of myeloid progenitor cells. The age-adjusted incidence of AML is 4.3 per 100,000 annually in the United States (US). Incidence increases with age with a median age at diagnosis of 68 years in the US. The etiology of AML is heterogeneous. In some patients, prior exposure to therapeutic, occupational or environmental DNA-damaging agents is implicated, but most cases of AML remain without a clear etiology. AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults and has the shortest survival (5-year survival = 24%). Curative therapies, including intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, are generally applicable to a minority of patients who are younger and fit, while most older individuals exhibit poor prognosis and survival. Differences in patient outcomes are influenced by disease characteristics, access to care including active therapies and supportive care, and other factors. After many years without therapeutic advances, several new therapies have been approved and are expected to impact patient outcomes, especially for older patients and those with refractory disease.

Utility and limitations of exome sequencing in the molecular diagnosis of pediatric inherited platelet disorders

Inherited platelet disorders (IPD) are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that affect platelet number and function and often predispose to other significant medical complications. In spite of the identification of over 50 IPD disease-associated genes, a molecular diagnosis is only identified in a minority (10%) of affected patients without a clinically suspected etiology. We studied a cohort of 21 pediatric patients with suspected IPDs by exome sequencing (ES) to: (1) examine the performance of the exome test for IPD genes, (2) determine if this exome-wide diagnostic test provided a higher diagnostic yield than has been previously reported, (3) to evaluate the frequency of variants of uncertain significance identified, and (4) to identify candidate variants for functional evaluation in patients with an uncertain or negative diagnosis. We established a high priority gene list of 53 genes, evaluated exome capture kit performance, and determined the coverage for these genes and disease-related variants. We identified likely disease causing variants in 5 of the 21 probands (23.8%) and variants of uncertain significance in 52% of patients studied. In conclusion, ES has the potential to molecularly diagnose causes of IPD, and to identify candidate genes for functional evaluation. Robust exome sequencing also requires that coverage of genes known to be associated with clinical findings of interest need to be carefully examined and supplemented if necessary. Clinicians who undertake ES should understand the limitations of the test and the full significance of results that may be returned.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Embolism in a case of Severe Family ANKRD26 Thrombocytopenia

Venous thrombosis affecting thrombocytopenic patients is challenging. We report the case of a woman affected by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in a thrombocytopenic context leading to the discovery of a heterozygous mutation in the gene encoding ankyrin repeat domain 26 (ANKRD26) associated with a heterozygous factor V (FV) Leiden mutation. This woman was diagnosed with lower-limb deep vein thrombosis complicated by pulmonary embolism. Severe thrombocytopenia was observed. The genetic study evidenced a heterozygous FV Leiden mutation. Molecular study sequencing was performed after learning that her family had a history of thrombocytopenia. Previously described heterozygous mutation c-127C>A in the 5'untranslated region (5'UTR) of the ANKRD26 gene was detected in the patient, her aunt, and her grandmother. ANKRD26-related thrombocytopenia and thrombosis are rare. This is, to our knowledge, the first case reported in the medical literature. This mutation should be screened in patients with a family history of thrombocytopenia.

Pleiotropic Meta-Analyses of Longitudinal Studies Discover Novel Genetic Variants Associated with Age-Related Diseases

Age-related diseases may result from shared biological mechanisms in intrinsic processes of aging. Genetic effects on age-related diseases are often modulated by environmental factors due to their little contribution to fitness or are mediated through certain endophenotypes. Identification of genetic variants with pleiotropic effects on both common complex diseases and endophenotypes may reveal potential conflicting evolutionary pressures and deliver new insights into shared genetic contribution to healthspan and lifespan. Here, we performed pleiotropic meta-analyses of genetic variants using five NIH-funded datasets by integrating univariate summary statistics for age-related diseases and endophenotypes. We investigated three groups of traits: (1) endophenotypes such as blood glucose, blood pressure, lipids, hematocrit, and body mass index, (2) time-to-event outcomes such as the age-at-onset of diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and (3) both combined. In addition to replicating previous findings, we identify seven novel genome-wide significant loci (< 5e-08), out of which five are low-frequency variants. Specifically, from Group 2, we find rs7632505 on 3q21.1 in SEMA5B, rs460976 on 21q22.3 (1 kb from TMPRSS2) and rs12420422 on 11q24.1 predominantly associated with a variety of CVDs, rs4905014 in ITPK1 associated with stroke and heart failure, rs7081476 on 10p12.1 in ANKRD26 associated with multiple diseases including DM, CVDs, and NDs. From Group 3, we find rs8082812 on 18p11.22 and rs1869717 on 4q31.3 associated with both endophenotypes and CVDs. Our follow-up analyses show that rs7632505, rs4905014, and rs8082812 have age-dependent effects on coronary heart disease or stroke. Functional annotation suggests that most of these SNPs are within regulatory regions or DNase clusters and in linkage disequilibrium with expression quantitative trait loci, implying their potential regulatory influence on the expression of nearby genes. Our mediation analyses suggest that the effects of some SNPs are mediated by specific endophenotypes. In conclusion, these findings indicate that loci with pleiotropic effects on age-related disorders tend to be enriched in genes involved in underlying mechanisms potentially related to nervous, cardiovascular and immune system functions, stress resistance, inflammation, ion channels and hematopoiesis, supporting the hypothesis of shared pathological role of infection, and inflammation in chronic age-related diseases.

Genetic predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia in children and young adults

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal blood disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, cytopenias, dysplasia and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With the growing availability of clinical genetic testing, there is an increasing appreciation that a number of genetic predisposition syndromes may underlie apparent de novo presentations of MDS/AML, particularly in children and young adults. Recent findings of clonal hematopoiesis in acquired aplastic anemia add another facet to our understanding of the mechanisms of MDS/AML predisposition. As more predisposition syndromes are recognized, it is becoming increasingly important for hematologists and oncologists to have familiarity with the common as well as emerging syndromes, and to have a systematic approach to diagnosis and screening of at risk patient populations. Here, we provide a practical algorithm for approaching a patient with a suspected MDS/AML predisposition, and provide an in-depth review of the established and emerging familial MDS/AML syndromes caused by mutations in the ANKRD26, CEBPA, DDX41, ETV6, GATA2, RUNX1, SRP72 genes. Finally, we discuss recent data on the role of somatic mutations in malignant transformation in acquired aplastic anemia, and review the practical aspects of MDS/AML management in patients and families with predisposition syndromes.

Inherited predisposition to acute myeloid leukemia

Germline testing for familial predisposition to myeloid malignancies is becoming more common with the recognition of multiple familial syndromes. Currently, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved testing exists for the following: familial platelet disorder with propensity to acute myeloid leukemia, caused by mutations in RUNX1; familial myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia with mutated GATA2; familial acute myeloid leukemia with mutated CEBPA; and the inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, including dyskeratosis congenita, a disease of abnormal telomere maintenance. With the recognition of additional families with a genetic component to their myeloid diseases, new predisposition alleles are likely to be identified. Awareness of the existence of these syndromes will facilitate proper genetic counseling, appropriate testing, and clinical management of these cases.