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Wu H, Wang C, Yu S, Ye X, Jiang Y, He P, Shan X. Downregulation of ACAN is Associated with the Growth hormone pathway and Induces short stature. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24830. [PMID: 36597844 PMCID: PMC9937877 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24830] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ACAN heterozygous mutations can cause short stature in patients with or without advanced bone age and have recently attracted researchers' attention. Growth hormone can be used to treat short stature induced by ACAN mutations; however, few studies have focused on the underlying mechanism of this treatment. METHODS Four patients with new mutations were reported based on clinical data and genetic tests. We investigated the expression and Gene Ontology biological process enrichment of ACAN and GH pathways based on GTEx databases through bioinformatics analyses. The effect of ACAN on the growth hormone response evaluated in ATDC5 cells with a growth hormone stimulation test. RESULTS Four mutations were reported in this study: c.619C > A, c.1967A > G, c.1888G > A, and c.1308_1309del. All patients' heights were under -2.5 SD, with one had advanced bone age, and two had GH deficiency. Two individuals received growth hormone therapy acquired variable levels of height SD score improvement. ACAN and the GH pathway were strongly associated; ACAN does not affect GHR but regulates the response to GH. Downregulating ACAN inhibited ATDC5 cell proliferation induced by GH. CONCLUSION ACAN is associated with the GH pathway, revealing the potential mechanism underlying GH-targeted treatment for ACAN mutation-induced short stature. GH-promoting therapies may increase patients' heights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Wu
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Chaoban Wang
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Shiwen Yu
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Xiaojun Ye
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Yalan Jiang
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Pingping He
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Xiaoou Shan
- Department of Pediatric EndocrineYuying Children's Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
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Huang H, Jin J, Xiang R, Wang X. Case report: A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation of ACAN in a Chinese family with short stature and advanced bone age. Front Genet 2023; 14:1101695. [PMID: 37025453 PMCID: PMC10070732 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1101695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Short stature (OMIM: 165800) is a common pediatric disorder. Any abnormality in the cartilage formation of the growth plate can cause short stature. Aggrecan, encoded by ACAN, is an important component of the extracellular matrix. Mutations in ACAN have been reported to cause short stature. In the present study, we enrolled a Chinese family with short stature and advanced bone age across three generations. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband to detect the candidate genes causing short stature in family. A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation (NM_013227.3:c.7230delT; NP_001356197.1: p. Phe2410Leufs*9) of the ACAN gene was confirmed to be a genetic lesion in this family. This variant, which was located in a functional site globular 3 (G3) domain of ACAN and predicted to be deleterious by informatics programs, was co-segregated with the affected family members by performing Sanger sequencing. Literatures review of growth hormone (GH) treatment outcome of all previously reported ACAN patients suggesting that the G3 domain of ACAN may be critical in the development of short stature and growth hormone treatment. These findings not only contribute to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of the family, but will also expand the mutation spectrum of ACAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jieyuan Jin
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Xiang, ; Xia Wang,
| | - Xia Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Xiang, ; Xia Wang,
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Wu S, Wang C, Cao Q, Zhu Z, Liu Q, Gu X, Zheng B, Zhou W, Jia Z, Gu W, Li X. The Spectrum of ACAN Gene Mutations in a Selected Chinese Cohort of Short Stature: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation. Front Genet 2022; 13:891040. [PMID: 35620465 PMCID: PMC9127616 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.891040] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Mutations in the ACAN gene have been reported to cause short stature. However, the prevalence estimates of pathogenic ACAN variants in individuals with short stature vary, and the correlation between ACAN genotype and clinical phenotype remain to be evaluated. To determine the prevalence of ACAN variants among Chinese people with short stature and analyze the relationship between genotype and main clinical manifestations of short stature and advanced bone age among patients with ACAN variants. Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing-based genetic analyses on 442 individuals with short stature. ACAN variants were summarized, previously reported cases were retrospectively analyzed, and an association analysis between genotype and phenotype was conducted. Result: We identified 15 novel and two recurrent ACAN gene variants in 16 different pedigrees that included index patients with short stature. Among the patients with ACAN variants, 12 of 18 had advanced bone age and 7 of 18 received growth hormone therapy, 5 (71.4%) of whom exhibited variable levels of height standard deviation score improvement. Further analysis showed that patients with ACAN truncating variants had shorter height standard deviation scores (p = 0.0001) and larger bone age–chronological age values (p = 0.0464). Moreover, patients in this Asian population had a smaller mean bone age–chronological age value than those that have been determined in European and American populations (p = 0.0033). Conclusion: Our data suggest that ACAN mutation is a common cause of short stature in China, especially among patients with a family history of short stature but also among those who were born short for their gestational age without a family history. Patients with truncating variants were shorter in height and had more obvious advanced bone age, and the proportion of patients with advanced bone age was lower in this Asian population than in Europe and America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziyang Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqi Liu
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyan Gu
- School of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bixia Zheng
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanjun Jia
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Muthuvel G, Dauber A, Alexandrou E, Tyzinski L, Andrew M, Hwa V, Backeljauw P. Treatment of Short Stature in Aggrecan-deficient Patients With Recombinant Human Growth Hormone: 1-Year Response. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e2103-e2109. [PMID: 34922359 PMCID: PMC9432476 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with aggrecan (ACAN) deficiency present with dominantly inherited short stature, often with advanced skeletal maturation and premature growth cessation. There is a paucity of information on the effects of growth-promoting interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy on linear growth in children with ACAN deficiency. METHODS Open-label, single-arm, prospective study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Ten treatment-naïve patients were recruited. Inclusion criteria were a confirmed heterozygous mutation in ACAN, age ≥2 years, prepubertal, bone age (BA) ≥chronological age (CA), and normal insulin-like growth factor I concentration. Treatment was with rhGH (50 µg/kg/day) over 1 year. Main outcomes measured were height velocity (HV) and change in (Δ) height SD score (HtSDS). RESULTS Ten patients (6 females) were enrolled with median CA of 5.6 years (range 2.4-9.7). Baseline median HtSDS was -2.5 (range -4.3 to -1.1). Median baseline BA was 6.9 years (range 2.5-10.0), with median BA/CA of 1.2 (range 0.9-1.5). Median pretreatment HV was 5.2 cm/year (range 3.8-7.1), increased to 8.3 cm/year (range 7.3-11.2) after 1 year of therapy (P = .004). Median ΔHtSDS after 1 year was +0.62 (range +0.35 to +1.39) (P = .002). Skeletal maturation did not advance inappropriately (median ΔBA/CA -0.1, P = .09). No adverse events related to rhGH were observed. CONCLUSION Treatment with rhGH improved linear growth in a cohort of patients with short stature due to ACAN deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eirene Alexandrou
- Division of Endocrinology, The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Leah Tyzinski
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Melissa Andrew
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Vivian Hwa
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Philippe Backeljauw
- Correspondence: Philippe Backeljauw, Division of Endocrinology Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7012 Cincinnati, OH 45229.
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Stattin EL, Lindblom K, Struglics A, Önnerfjord P, Goldblatt J, Dixit A, Sarkar A, Randell T, Suri M, Raggio C, Davis J, Carter E, Aspberg A. Novel missense ACAN gene variants linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans cluster in the C-terminal globular domain of aggrecan. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5215. [PMID: 35338222 PMCID: PMC8956744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The cartilage aggrecan proteoglycan is crucial for both skeletal growth and articular cartilage function. A number of aggrecan (ACAN) gene variants have been linked to skeletal disorders, ranging from short stature to severe chondrodyplasias. Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder where articular cartilage and subchondral bone fragments come loose from the articular surface. We previously reported a missense ACAN variant linked to familial osteochondritis dissecans, with short stature and early onset osteoarthritis, and now describe three novel ACAN gene variants from additional families with this disorder. Like the previously described variant, these are autosomal dominant missense variants, resulting in single amino acid residue substitutions in the C-type lectin repeat of the aggrecan G3 domain. Functional studies showed that neither recombinant variant proteins, nor full-length variant aggrecan proteoglycan from heterozygous patient cartilage, were secreted to the same level as wild-type aggrecan. The variant proteins also showed decreased binding to known cartilage extracellular matrix ligands. Mapping these and other ACAN variants linked to hereditary skeletal disorders showed a clustering of osteochondritis dissecans-linked variants to the G3 domain. Taken together, this supports a link between missense ACAN variants affecting the aggrecan G3 domain and hereditary osteochondritis dissecans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Lena Stattin
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Lindblom
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - André Struglics
- Orthopaedics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrik Önnerfjord
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jack Goldblatt
- Genetic Services & Familial Cancer Program of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Abhijit Dixit
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ajoy Sarkar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Tabitha Randell
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mohnish Suri
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cathleen Raggio
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Davis
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin Carter
- Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anders Aspberg
- Rheumatology and Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC-C12, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
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Deng S, Hou L, Xia D, Li X, Peng X, Xiao X, Zhang J, Meng Z, Zhang L, Ouyang N, Liang L. Description of the molecular and phenotypic spectrum in Chinese patients with aggrecan deficiency: Novel ACAN heterozygous variants in eight Chinese children and a review of the literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015954. [PMID: 36387899 PMCID: PMC9649928 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study analyzed eight Chinese short stature children with aggrecan deficiency, and aimed to investigate potential genotype-phenotype correlations, differences in clinical characteristics between the Chinese and the Western populations, and effectiveness of recombinant human growth hormone therapy in patients with ACAN variants through a review of the literature. METHODS Pediatric short stature patients with ACAN heterozygous variants were identified using whole-exome sequencing. Subsequently, a literature review was carried out to summarize the clinical features, genetic findings, and efficacy of growth-promoting therapy in patients with ACAN variants. RESULTS We identified seven novel ACAN mutations and one recurrent variant. Patients in our center manifested with short stature (average height SDS: -3.30 ± 0.85) with slight dysmorphic characteristics. The prevalence of dysmorphic features in the Chinese populations is significantly lower than that in the Western populations. Meanwhile, only 24.24% of aggrecan-deficient Chinese children showed significantly advanced bone age (BA). Promising therapeutic benefits were seen in the patients who received growth-promoting treatment, with an increase in growth velocity from 4.52 ± 1.00 cm/year to 8.03 ± 1.16 cm/year. CONCLUSION This study further expanded the variation spectrum of the ACAN gene and demonstrated that Chinese children with short stature who carried ACAN heterozygous variants exhibited early growth cessation, which may remain unnoticed by clinicians as most of these children had very mild dysmorphic characteristics and showed BA that was consistent with the chronological age. Genetic testing may help in the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Deng
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lele Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Xia
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Peng
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Xiao
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieming Zhang
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Meng
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nengtai Ouyang
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nengtai Ouyang, ; Liyang Liang,
| | - Liyang Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nengtai Ouyang, ; Liyang Liang,
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He D, Li Y, Yang W, Chen S, Sun H, Li P, Zhang M, Ban B. Molecular diagnosis for growth hormone deficiency in Chinese children and adolescents and evaluation of impact of rare genetic variants on treatment efficacy of growth hormone. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 524:1-10. [PMID: 34826401 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth hormone is an effective therapy for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) but with a rather variable individual sensitivity. It is unclear whether rare genetic variants may contribute to the differential GH responsiveness. METHODS The present study aims to investigate the molecular etiology of GHD in Chinese children and adolescents and evaluate the impact of rare variants on therapeutic efficacies of GH. RESULTS Twenty-one rare heterozygous variant were classified as promising uncertain significance (n = 14), pathogenic (n = 5) or likely pathogenic (n = 2) for 21 of the 93 GHD patients. After GHD patients harboring these rare variants were excluded, inter-individual variability in the response to GH therapy obviously reduced and the negative correlation between initiation age of treatment and height SDS change became stronger in the group without rare variants. Among rare variants, 7 (likely) pathogenic variants (7.5%, 7/93) involved a total of 6 genes not only associated with GH secretion (PROKR2, LZTR1), but also growth plate chondrocyte signaling (ACAN, FBN1, COL9A1) or genetic syndromes (PTPN11). CONCLUSIONS Rare genetic variants are an important factor contributing to differential GH responsiveness and genetic testing should be factored into accurate diagnosis and treatment decision making in the future. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1900026510.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongye He
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China
| | - Yanying Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China
| | - Wanling Yang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China
| | - Hailing Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China.
| | - Bo Ban
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, Jining, PR China.
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Sun J, Jiang L, Liu G, Ma C, Zheng J, Niu L. Evaluation of Growth Hormone Therapy in Seven Chinese Children With Familial Short Stature Caused by Novel ACAN Variants. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:819074. [PMID: 35330881 PMCID: PMC8940281 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.819074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ACAN gene variants are an important cause of familial short stature (FSS). Appropriate growth-promoting therapies effectively improve the patient height. Here, we report a therapeutic assessment of cases of seven families of FSS patients with heterozygous ACAN variants. Our findings provide a valuable theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. METHODS From December 2020 to June 2021, 32 FSS patients were examined in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Tianjin, China) by whole-exome sequencing to determine whether ACAN variants were present. Their clinical data were summarized and scrupulously analyzed. RESULTS We found seven novel heterozygous ACAN variants: c.1051 + 2T > A, c.313T > C (p.S105P), c.2660C > G (p.S887X), c.2153C > A (p. T718K), c.7243delG (p.D2415Tfs*4), c.2911G > T (p.G971X), c.758-7T > C. All seven patients had proportionate short stature and mild skeletal dysplasia. Endocrine examination results were normal. Only one of the patients had an advanced bone age (1.1 years older than chronological age), whereas the other patients had normal bone ages. All of them had a family history of short stature, with or without osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. All seven patients accepted treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and were regularly followed up. One patient did not come at the follow-up visit. The height of the remaining six patients before and after the treatment was -2.89 ± 0.68 SDS, -1.91 ± 0.93 SDS, respectively, with a treatment course of 1.85 ± 1.91 years. A good therapeutic response was observed in all of them. CONCLUSIONS In this study, seven novel heterozygous variants in ACAN were discovered, which expanded the spectrum of the already established ACAN pathogenic variants. In FSS cohort, the proportion of ACAN variants accounted was large. The treatment with rhGH effectively increased the patient height, but further studies with longer follow-up periods and more extensive observations are required to elucidate the long-term effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihong Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Geli Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaqi Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lele Niu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Chen M, Miao H, Liang H, Ke X, Yang H, Gong F, Wang L, Duan L, Chen S, Pan H, Zhu H. Clinical Characteristics of Short-Stature Patients With Collagen Gene Mutation and the Therapeutic Response to rhGH. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:820001. [PMID: 35250876 PMCID: PMC8889571 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.820001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Clinical genetic evaluation has been demonstrated as an important tool to elucidate the causes of growth disorders. Genetic defects of collagen formation (the collagenopathies) have been reported to be associated with short stature and skeletal dysplasias. Etiological diagnosis of skeletal abnormality-related short stature is challenging, and less is known about recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy. OBJECTIVE This is a single-center cohort study which aims at exploring the genetic architecture of short-stature children with skeletal abnormalities and evaluating the frequency of collagenopathies to determine their phenotype, including the rhGH treatment response. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and six children with short stature and skeletal abnormalities were enrolled who were evaluated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect variants in the skeletal collagen genes including COL1A1, COL1A2, COL2A1, COL9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL10A1, COL11A1, and COL11A2. The results were evaluated using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Clinical characteristics and rhGH treatment response were summarized. RESULTS Twenty-four pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of collagen genes were found in 26 of 106 (24.5%) short-stature patients with skeletal abnormalities, of which COL2A1 mutations were the most common, accounting for about 57.7%. Other frequent mutations associated with skeletal development include FGFR3, ACAN, NPR2, COMP, and FBN1 in 12.2%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.4%, and 0.4%, respectively, resulting in significantly different degrees of short stature. An overview of clinical features of collagenopathies showed growth retardation, skeletal abnormalities, and heterogeneous syndromic abnormalities involving facial, eye, hearing, and cardiac abnormalities. The average height of 9 patients who received rhGH treatment improved from a median of -3.2 ± 0.9 SDS to -2.2 ± 1.3 SDS after 2.8 ± 2.1 years. The most significant height improvement of 2.3 SDS and 1.7 SDS was also seen in two patients who had been treated for more than 6 years. CONCLUSIONS A proband-based NGS revealed that distinct genetic architecture underlies short stature in varying degrees and clinical features. Skeletal abnormality-related short stature involving multiple systems should be tested for skeletal collagen gene mutation. Limited rhGH treatment data indicate an improved growth rate and height, and close monitoring of adverse reactions such as scoliosis is required.
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Wei M, Ying Y, Li Z, Weng Y, Luo X. Identification of novel ACAN mutations in two Chinese families and genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with 74 pathogenic ACAN variations. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2021; 9:e1823. [PMID: 34605228 PMCID: PMC8606199 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ACAN (OMIM 155760) is located on chromosome 15q26 and encodes the production of aggrecan. Aggrecan is a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan with a molecular weight of 254 kDa and contains 2530 amino acids. It is a critical structural component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage, including growth plate, articular, and intervertebral disk cartilage. It plays a key role in bone development. Methods Here, we describe two pedigrees with loss‐of‐function variants in ACAN. Whole exome sequencing was performed for the probands from each family. We illustrate the clinical variability associated with ACAN variants. Results The proband of pedigree A manifested short stature, relative macrocephaly, mild flat nasal bridge, low‐set ears, short neck, and short thumbs. The proband of pedigree B had short height, abnormal vertebral development, and central precocious puberty. By trio‐based whole exome sequencing and in silico analyses, we identified two de novo heterozygous variants of ACAN: NM_013227.4: c.116dupT, p.Arg40Glufs*51 and NM_013227.4: c.2367delC, p.Ser790Glnfs*20 (accession number: AC103982.10). Conclusion The clinical manifestations of ACAN gene variants are diverse. ACAN gene variants are important genetic factors for short stature and should be considered as the differential diagnosis of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqin Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuxi Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mancioppi V, Prodam F, Mellone S, Ricotti R, Giglione E, Grasso N, Vurchio D, Petri A, Rabbone I, Giordano M, Bellone S. Retrospective Diagnosis of a Novel ACAN Pathogenic Variant in a Family With Short Stature: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Front Genet 2021; 12:708864. [PMID: 34456977 PMCID: PMC8397523 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.708864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Short stature is a frequent disorder in the pediatric population and can be caused by multiple factors. In the last few years, the introduction of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in the molecular diagnostic workflow led to the discovery of mutations in novel genes causing short stature including heterozygous mutations in ACAN gene. It encodes for aggrecan, a primary proteoglycan component specific for the structure of the cartilage growth plate, articular and intervertebral disc. We report a novel ACAN heterozygous pathogenic variant in a family with idiopathic short stature, early-onset osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis dissecans (SSOAOD). We also performed a literature review summarizing the clinical characteristic of ACAN's patients. The probands are two Caucasian sisters with a family history of short stature and osteoarthritis dissecans. They showed dysmorphic features such as mild midface hypoplasia, brachydactyly and broad thumbs, especially the great toes. The same phenotype was presented in the mother who had had short stature and suffered from intervertebral disc disease. DNA sequencing identified a heterozygous pathogenic variation (c.4390delG p.Val1464Ter) in the sisters, with a maternal inheritance. The nonsense mutation, located on exon 12, results in premature truncation and presumed loss of protein function. In terms of treatment, our patients underwent recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy, associated with gonadotropin releasing hormone therapy, in order to block early growth cessation and therefore reach a better final height. Our case suggests that SSOAOD ACAN related should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with autosomal dominant short stature and family history of joints disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mancioppi
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Flavia Prodam
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Simona Mellone
- Laboratory of Genetics, SCDU Biochimica Clinica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberta Ricotti
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Enza Giglione
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicolino Grasso
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Denise Vurchio
- Laboratory of Genetics, SCDU Biochimica Clinica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonella Petri
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivana Rabbone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mara Giordano
- Laboratory of Genetics, SCDU Biochimica Clinica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bellone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Wit JM. Should Skeletal Maturation Be Manipulated for Extra Height Gain? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:812196. [PMID: 34975773 PMCID: PMC8716689 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.812196] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal maturation can be delayed by reducing the exposure to estrogens, either by halting pubertal development through administering a GnRH analogue (GnRHa), or by blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens through an aromatase inhibitor (AI). These agents have been investigated in children with growth disorders (off-label), either alone or in combination with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). GnRHa is effective in attaining a normal adult height (AH) in the treatment of children with central precocious puberty, but its effect in short children with normal timing of puberty is equivocal. If rhGH-treated children with growth hormone deficiency or those who were born small-for-gestational age are still short at pubertal onset, co-treatment with a GnRHa for 2-3 years increases AH. A similar effect was seen by adding rhGH to GnRHa treatment of children with central precocious puberty with a poor AH prediction and by adding rhGH plus GnRHa to children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia with a poor predicted adult height on conventional treatment with gluco- and mineralocorticoids. In girls with idiopathic short stature and relatively early puberty, rhGH plus GnRHa increases AH. Administration of letrozole to boys with constitutional delay of growth puberty may increase AH, and rhGH plus anastrozole may increase AH in boys with growth hormone deficiency or idiopathic short stature, but the lack of data on attained AH and potential selective loss-of-follow-up in several studies precludes firm conclusions. GnRHas appear to have a good overall safety profile, while for aromatase inhibitors conflicting data have been reported.
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