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Yamaguchi T, Yamada K, Nagai S, Nishikubo T, Koitabashi N, Minami-Hori M, Matsushima M, Shibata Y, Ishiguro H, Sanai H, Fujikawa T, Takiguchi Y, Matsumoto KI, Kosho T. Clinical and molecular delineation of classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome through a comprehensive next-generation sequencing-based screening system. Front Genet 2023; 14:1234804. [PMID: 37712068 PMCID: PMC10498456 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1234804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (clEDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by complete absence of tenascin-X resulting from biallelic variation in TNXB. Thus far, 50 patients from 43 families with biallelic TNXB variants have been identified. Accurate detection of TNXB variants is challenging because of the presence of the pseudogene TNXA, which can undergo non-allelic homologous recombination. Therefore, we designed a genetic screening system that is performed using similar operations to other next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel analyses and can be applied to accurately detect TNXB variants and the recombination of TNXA-derived sequences into TNXB. Using this system, we identified biallelic TNXB variants in nine unrelated clEDS patients. TNXA-derived variations were found in >75% of the current cohort, comparable to previous reports. The current cohort generally exhibited similar clinical features to patients in previous reports, but had a higher frequency of gastrointestinal complications (e.g., perforation, diverticulitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, rectal/anal prolapse, and gallstones). This report is the first to apply an NGS-based screening for TNXB variants and represents the third largest cohort of clEDS, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness of the risk of gastrointestinal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Yamaguchi
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamada
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - So Nagai
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Problem-Solving Oriented Training Program for Advanced Medical Personnel: NGSD (Next-Generation Super Doctor) Project, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishikubo
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Norimichi Koitabashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Matsushima
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuka Shibata
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ishiguro
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sanai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical Center, Yamaguchi, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Yamaguchi Prefectural Grand Medical Center, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tomomi Fujikawa
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuri Takiguchi
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kosho
- Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Division of Clinical Sequencing, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Research Center for Supports to Advanced Science, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
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Okuda-Ashitaka E, Matsumoto KI. Tenascin-X as a causal gene for classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1107787. [PMID: 37007968 PMCID: PMC10050494 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1107787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenascin-X (TNX) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein for which a deficiency results in a recessive form of classical-like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (clEDS), a heritable connective tissue disorder with hyperextensible skin without atrophic scarring, joint hypermobility, and easy bruising. Notably, patients with clEDS also suffer from not only chronic joint pain and chronic myalgia but also neurological abnormalities such as peripheral paresthesia and axonal polyneuropathy with high frequency. By using TNX-deficient (Tnxb−/−) mice, well-known as a model animal of clEDS, we recently showed that Tnxb−/− mice exhibit hypersensitivity to chemical stimuli and the development of mechanical allodynia due to the hypersensitization of myelinated A-fibers and activation of the spinal dorsal horn. Pain also occurs in other types of EDS. First, we review the underlying molecular mechanisms of pain in EDS, especially that in clEDS. In addition, the roles of TNX as a tumor suppressor protein in cancer progression have been reported. Recent in silico large-scale database analyses have shown that TNX is downregulated in various tumor tissues and that high expression of TNX in tumor cells has a good prognosis. We describe what is so far known about TNX as a tumor suppressor protein. Furthermore, some patients with clEDS show delayed wound healing. Tnxb−/− mice also exhibit impairment of epithelial wound healing in corneas. TNX is also involved in liver fibrosis. We address the molecular mechanism for the induction of COL1A1 by the expression of both a peptide derived from the fibrinogen-related domain of TNX and integrin α11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Okuda-Ashitaka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Emiko Okuda-Ashitaka, ; Ken-ichi Matsumoto,
| | - Ken-ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Emiko Okuda-Ashitaka, ; Ken-ichi Matsumoto,
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Caliogna L, Guerrieri V, Annunziata S, Bina V, Brancato AM, Castelli A, Jannelli E, Ivone A, Grassi FA, Mosconi M, Pasta G. Biomarkers for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: There Is a Role? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810149. [PMID: 34576312 PMCID: PMC8469247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are an inherited heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by an abnormal collagen synthesis affecting skin, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and other organs. It is one of the oldest known causes of bruising and bleeding, and it was described first by Hippocrates in 400 BC. In the last years, multiple gene variants involved in the pathogenesis of specific EDS subtypes have been identified; moreover, new clinical diagnostic criteria have been established. New classification models have also been studied in order to differentiate overlapping conditions. Moreover, EDS shares many characteristics with other similar disorders. Although distinguishing between these seemingly identical conditions is difficult, it is essential in ensuring proper patient care. Currently, there are many genetic and molecular studies underway to clarify the etiology of some variants of EDS. However, the genetic basis of the hypermobile type of EDS (hEDS) is still unknown. In this review, we focused on the study of two of the most common forms of EDS—classic and hypermobile—by trying to identify possible biomarkers that could be of great help to confirm patients’ diagnosis and their follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Caliogna
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Viviana Guerrieri
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Salvatore Annunziata
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +39-0382-502806
| | - Valentina Bina
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alice Maria Brancato
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Alberto Castelli
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Eugenio Jannelli
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Alessandro Ivone
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Federico Alberto Grassi
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Mario Mosconi
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianluigi Pasta
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
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Gnoli M, Brizola E, Tremosini M, Pedrini E, Maioli M, Mosca M, Bassotti A, Castronovo P, Giunta C, Sangiorgi L. COL1-Related Disorders: Case Report and Review of Overlapping Syndromes. Front Genet 2021; 12:640558. [PMID: 34025714 PMCID: PMC8138308 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.640558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen type I mutations are related to wide phenotypic expressions frequently causing an overlap of clinical manifestations, in particular between Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Both disorders present inter- and intra-familial clinical variability and several clinical signs are present in both diseases. Recently, after the observation that some individuals first ascertained by a suspicion of EDS resulted then carriers of pathogenic variants of genes known to primarily cause OI, some authors proposed the term "COL1-related overlap disorder" to describe these cases. In this paper, we report clinical, molecular, and biochemical information about an individual with a diagnosis of EDS with severe joint hypermobility who carries a pathogenic heterozygous variant in COL1A2 gene, and a benign variant in COL1A1 gene. The pathogenic variant, commonly ascribed to OI, as well as the benign variant, has been inherited from the individual's mother, who presented only mild signs of OI and the diagnosis of OI was confirmed only after molecular testing. In addition, we reviewed the literature of similar cases of overlapping syndromes caused by COL1 gene mutations. The reported case and the literature review suggest that the COL1-related overlap disorders (OI, EDS and overlapping syndromes) represent a continuum of clinical phenotypes related to collagen type I mutations. The spectrum of COL1-related clinical manifestations, the pathophysiology and the underlying molecular mechanisms support the adoption of the updated proposed term "COL1-related overlap disorder" to describe the overlapping syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gnoli
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Evelise Brizola
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Morena Tremosini
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Pedrini
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mosca
- Orthopedic and Traumatologic Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bassotti
- Regional Center of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Castronovo
- Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Medical Genetics Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Giunta
- Connective Tissue Unit, Division of Metabolism and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Sangiorgi
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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Fuemmeler BF, Dozmorov MG, Do EK, Zhang J(J, Grenier C, Huang Z, Maguire RL, Kollins SH, Hoyo C, Murphy SK. DNA Methylation in Babies Born to Nonsmoking Mothers Exposed to Secondhand Smoke during Pregnancy: An Epigenome-Wide Association Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:57010. [PMID: 34009014 PMCID: PMC8132610 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal smoking during pregnancy is related to altered DNA methylation in infant umbilical cord blood. The extent to which low levels of smoke exposure among nonsmoking pregnant women relates to offspring DNA methylation is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study sought to evaluate relationships between maternal prenatal plasma cotinine levels and DNA methylation in umbilical cord blood in newborns using the Infinium HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip. METHODS Participants from the Newborn Epigenetics Study cohort who reported not smoking during pregnancy had verified low levels of cotinine from maternal prenatal plasma (0 ng / mL to < 4 ng / mL ), and offspring epigenetic data from umbilical cord blood were included in this study (n = 79 ). Multivariable linear regression models were fit to the data, controlling for cell proportions, age, race, education, and parity. Estimates represent changes in response to any 1 -ng / mL unit increase in exposure. RESULTS Multivariable linear regression models yielded 29,049 CpGs that were differentially methylated in relation to increases in cotinine at a 5% false discovery rate. Top CpGs were within or near genes involved in neuronal functioning (PRKG1, DLGAP2, BSG), carcinogenesis (FHIT, HSPC157) and inflammation (AGER). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses suggest cotinine was related to methylation of gene pathways controlling neuronal signaling, metabolic regulation, cell signaling and regulation, and cancer. Further, enhancers associated with transcription start sites were enriched in altered CpGs. Using an independent sample from the same study population (n = 115 ), bisulfite pyrosequencing was performed with infant cord blood DNA for two genes within our top 20 hits (AGER and PRKG1). Results from pyrosequencing replicated epigenome results for PRKG1 (cg17079497, estimate = - 1.09 , standard error ( SE ) = 0.45 , p = 0.018 ) but not for AGER (cg09199225; estimate = - 0.16 , SE = 0.21 , p = 0.44 ). DISCUSSION Secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmoking women may alter DNA methylation in regions involved in development, carcinogenesis, and neuronal functioning. These novel findings suggest that even low levels of smoke exposure during pregnancy may be sufficient to alter DNA methylation in distinct sites of mixed umbilical cord blood leukocytes in pathways that are known to be altered in cord blood from pregnant active smokers. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8099.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard F. Fuemmeler
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mikhail G. Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Elizabeth K. Do
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Junfeng (Jim) Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carole Grenier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhiqing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L. Maguire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Scott H. Kollins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Gensemer C, Burks R, Kautz S, Judge DP, Lavallee M, Norris RA. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Complex phenotypes, challenging diagnoses, and poorly understood causes. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:318-344. [PMID: 32629534 PMCID: PMC7785693 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable, connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. There is phenotypic and genetic variation among the 13 subtypes. The initial genetic findings on EDS were related to alterations in fibrillar collagen, but the elucidation of the molecular basis of many of the subtypes revealed several genes not involved in collagen biosynthesis or structure. However, the genetic basis of the hypermobile type of EDS (hEDS) is still unknown. hEDS is the most common type of EDS and involves generalized joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal manifestations, and mild skin involvement along with the presence of several comorbid conditions. Variability in the spectrum and severity of symptoms and progression of patient phenotype likely depend on age, gender, lifestyle, and expression domains of the EDS genes during development and postnatal life. In this review, we summarize the current molecular, genetic, epidemiologic, and pathogenetic findings related to EDS with a focus on the hypermobile type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cortney Gensemer
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Randall Burks
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Steven Kautz
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel P. Judge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Mark Lavallee
- Department of Family Medicine, Wellspan Health, York, Pennsylvania
| | - Russell A. Norris
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Ritelli M, Venturini M, Cinquina V, Chiarelli N, Colombi M. Multisystemic manifestations in a cohort of 75 classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients: natural history and nosological perspectives. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:197. [PMID: 32736638 PMCID: PMC7393722 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are rare connective tissue disorders consisting of 13 subtypes with overlapping features including joint hypermobility, skin and generalized connective tissue fragility. Classical EDS (cEDS) is principally caused by heterozygous COL5A1 or COL5A2 variants and rarely by the COL1A1 p.(Arg312Cys) substitution. Current major criteria are (1) skin hyperextensibility plus atrophic scars and (2) generalized joint hypermobility (gJHM). Minor criteria include additional mucocutaneous signs, epicanthal folds, gJHM complications, and an affected first-degree relative. Minimal criteria prompting molecular testing are major criterion 1 plus either major criterion 2 or 3 minor criteria. In addition to these features, the clinical picture also involves multiple organ systems, but large-scale cohort studies are still missing. This study aimed to investigate the multisystemic involvement and natural history of cEDS through a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 75 molecularly confirmed patients evaluated from 2010 to 2019 in a tertiary referral center. The diagnostic criteria, additional mucocutaneous, osteoarticular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, uro-gynecological, neuropsychiatric, and atopic issues, and facial/ocular features were ascertained, and feature rates compared by sex and age. Results Our study confirms that cEDS is mainly characterized by cutaneous and articular involvement, though none of their hallmarks was represented in all cases and suggests a milder multisystemic involvement and a more favorable natural history compared to other EDS subtypes. Abnormal scarring was the most frequent and characteristic sign, skin hyperextensibility and gJHM were less common, all without any sex and age bias; joint instability complications were more recurrent in adults. Some orthopedic features showed a high prevalence, whereas the other issues related to the investigated organ systems were less recurrent with few exceptions and age-related differences. Conclusions Our findings define the diagnostic relevance of cutaneous and articular features and additional clinical signs associated to cEDS. Furthermore, our data suggest an update of the current EDS nosology concerning scarring that should be considered separately from skin hyperextensibility and that the clinical diagnosis of cEDS may be enhanced by the accurate evaluation of orthopedic manifestations at all ages, faciocutaneous indicators in children, and some acquired traits related to joint instability complications, premature skin aging, and patterning of abnormal scarring in older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ritelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Venturini
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Spedali Civili University Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Cinquina
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Chiarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marina Colombi
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Ritelli M, Colombi M. Molecular Genetics and Pathogenesis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Related Connective Tissue Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050547. [PMID: 32414079 PMCID: PMC7288446 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTDs) characterized by a variable degree of skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. The current EDS classification distinguishes 13 subtypes and 19 different causal genes mainly involved in collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis and maintenance. EDS need to be differentiated from other HCTDs with a variable clinical overlap including Marfan syndrome and related disorders, some types of skeletal dysplasia and cutis laxa. Clinical recognition of EDS is not always straightforward and for a definite diagnosis, molecular testing can be of great assistance, especially in patients with an uncertain phenotype. Currently, the major challenging task in EDS is to unravel the molecular basis of the hypermobile EDS that is the most frequent form, and for which the diagnosis is only clinical in the absence of any definite laboratory test. This EDS subtype, as well as other EDS-reminiscent phenotypes, are currently investigated worldwide to unravel the primary genetic defect and related pathomechanisms. The research articles, case report, and reviews published in this Special Issue focus on different clinical, genetic and molecular aspects of several EDS subtypes and some related disorders, offering novel findings and future research and nosological perspectives.
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