Article
Genetics & Heredity
Francesca Mattioli, Lina Worpenberg, Cai-Tao Li, Nazia Ibrahim, Shagufta Naz, Saima Sharif, Saghar G. Firouzabadi, Shohreh Vosoogh, Radoslava Saraeva-Lamri, Laure Raymond, Carlos Trujillo, Nicolas Guex, Stylianos E. Antonarakis, Muhammad Ansar, Hossein Darvish, Ru-Juan Liu, Jean-Yves Roignant, Alexandre Reymond
Summary: By combining exome sequencing and functional characterization, we identified NSUN6 as a new neurodevelopmental disorder gene, with its mutations leading to intellectual disability.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ethiraj Ravindran, Gaetan Lesca, Louis Januel, Linus Goldgruber, Achim Dickmanns, Henri Margot, Angela M. Kaindl
Summary: The study reports NUP85 gene mutations in two unrelated individuals with primary autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH) and Seckel syndrome (SCKS) without symptoms of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). The mutations were found to result in reduced cell viability and altered structure and interactions of NUP85, further highlighting the crucial role of NUP85 in brain development and function.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mahesh Kamate, Thanuja Basavanagowda
Summary: ARV1 mutations can result in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, with a wide range of clinical manifestations including ataxia, ocular abnormalities, and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels. These manifestations closely resemble those of ataxia telangiectasia.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Valeriia A. Kovalskaia, Victoriia V. Zabnenkova, Marina S. Petukhova, Zhanna G. Markova, Vyacheslav Yu. Tabakov, Oxana P. Ryzhkova
Summary: Spastic paraplegia and psychomotor retardation with or without seizures (SPPRS) is a rare genetic disease caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the HACE1 gene. We report a clinical case of a 2-year-old male with previously undescribed HACE1 biallelic deletions as the causative gene. Comprehensive diagnostic approaches are needed for patients initially diagnosed with homozygous mutations in HACE1 to overcome false homozygosity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chaozhe Yang, Naoe Harafuji, Amber K. O'Connor, Robert A. Kesterson, Jacob A. Watts, Amar J. Majmundar, Daniela A. Braun, Monkol Lek, Kristen M. Laricchia, Hanan M. Fathy, Shrikant Mane, Shirlee Shril, Friedhelm Hildebrandt, Lisa M. Guay-Woodford
Summary: Mutation in the Cys1 gene causes renal cystic disease in both mouse and human, resembling ARPKD, by regulating Myc expression through interaction with necdin; rescue of cpk renal phenotype is shown by kidney-specific expression of cystin-GFP fusion protein. Additionally, in collecting duct cells, expression of cystin-GFP fusion protein down-regulates Myc expression in cpk kidneys, indicating that overexpression of the Myc proto-oncogene drives the renal cystic phenotype in the mouse.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richard G. Lee, Shanti Balasubramaniam, Maike Stentenbach, Tom Kralj, Timothy McCubbin, Benjamin Padman, Janine Smith, Lisa G. Riley, Archana Priyadarshi, Liuyu Peng, Madison R. Nuske, Richard Webster, Ken Peacock, Philip Roberts, Zornitza Stark, Gabrielle Lemire, Yoko A. Ito, Kym M. Boycott, Michael T. Geraghty, Jan Bert Klinken, Sacha Ferdinandusse, Ying Zhou, Rebecca Walsh, Esteban Marcellin, David R. Thorburn, Tony Rosciolli, Janice Fletcher, Oliver Rackham, Frederic M. Vaz, Gavin E. Reid, Aleksandra Filipovska
Summary: This study reports four individuals with mitochondrial encephalopathy caused by biallelic variants in the CRLS1 gene. The study provides evidence that these variants lead to dysfunction in cardiolipin synthase 1 (CRLS1), resulting in impaired mitochondrial morphology and biogenesis. The study also identifies key signatures in cardiolipin and proteome profiles, which can be used for future diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Abhimanyu Garg, Wee-Teik Keng, Zhenkang Chen, Adwait Amod Sathe, Chao Xing, Pavithira Devi Kailasam, Yanqiu Shao, Nicholas P. Lesner, Claire B. Llamas, Anil K. Agarwal, Prashant Mishra
Summary: This study reported a rare form of progeria caused by a homozygous missense variant in the TOMM7 gene. The abnormality in mitochondrial protein import due to the mutation resulted in severe growth retardation and progeroid features.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Veronica Arora, Suliman Khan, Ayman W. El-Hattab, Ratna Dua Puri, Maria Eugenia Rocha, Rijad Merdzanic, Omid Paknia, Christian Beetz, Arndt Rolfs, Aida M. Bertoli-Avella, Peter Bauer, Ishwar C. Verma
Summary: A study identified the causal role of GFRA1 gene variants in bilateral renal agenesis, potentially manifesting as an autosomal recessive, nonsyndromic form. This finding will facilitate early genetic diagnosis and improved genetic counseling for families at risk of BRA.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hanan E. Shamseldin, Nada Derar, Hamad Alzaidan, Naif AlHathal, Abdullah Alfalah, Firdous Abdulwahab, Tariq Alzaid, Salim Alkeraye, Saud A. Alobaida, Fowzan S. Alkuraya
Summary: This article reports two consanguineous families with congenital ichthyosis, and identifies novel homozygous likely deleterious variants in PRSS8 through positional mapping and exome sequencing. The variant affecting canonical splice site was associated with reduced abundance of the normal transcript, while the missense variant altered a highly conserved residue. The phenotype observed in Prss8 knockout mice resembles the symptoms in human patients, suggesting a novel PRSS8-related ichthyosis disorder.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Guillaume Olivier, Marta Corton, Daniela Intartaglia, Sanne K. Verbakel, Panagiotis Sergouniotis, Guylene Le Meur, Claire-Marie Dhaenens, Helene Naacke, Almudena Avila-Fernandez, Carel B. Hoyng, Jeroen Klevering, Beatrice Bocquet, Agathe Roubertie, Audrey Senechal, Sandro Banfi, Agnes Muller, Christian L. Hamel, Graeme C. Black, Ivan Conte, Susanne Roosing, Xavier Zanlonghi, Carmen Ayuso, Isabelle Meunier, Gael Manes
Summary: This study reveals a previously unreported association between monoallelic or biallelic IMPG1 variants and RP, as well as the identification of new genetic variants associated with this gene. The clinical diagnosis of the IMPG1 retinopathy-associated variant has been revised from benign concentric annular macular dystrophy to RP with early macular involvement.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Le Guo, Bob P. H. Engelen, Irene M. G. M. Hemel, Irenaeus F. M. de Coo, Maaike Vreeburg, Suzanne C. E. H. Sallevelt, Debby M. E. Hellebrekers, Ed H. Jacobs, Farah Sadeghi-Niaraki, Florence H. J. van Tienen, Hubert J. M. Smeets, Mike Gerards
Summary: In a Dutch patient with non-consanguineous mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, two compound heterozygous variants in SLIRP were found through whole exome sequencing. Experimental results showed that the SLIRP variants led to reduced mitochondrial mass and impaired OXPHOS activity in patient fibroblasts. Restoration of wild-type SLIRP expression partly recovered OXPHOS activity, confirming the causality of the variants.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Daniel L. Polla, Mohammad Ali Farazi Fard, Zahra Tabatabaei, Parham Habibzadeh, Olga A. Levchenko, Pooneh Nikuei, Periklis Makrythanasis, Mureed Hussain, Sandra von Hardenberg, Sirous Zeinali, Mohammad-Sadegh Fallah, Janneke H. M. Schuurs-Hoeijmakers, Mohsin Shahzad, Fareeha Fatima, Neelam Fatima, Laura Donker Kaat, Hennie T. Bruggenwirth, Leah R. Fleming, John Condie, Rafal Ploski, Agnieszka Pollak, Jacek Pilch, Nina A. Demina, Alena L. Chukhrova, Vasilina S. Sergeeva, Hanka Venselaar, Amira T. Masri, Hanan Hamamy, Federico A. Santoni, Katrin Linda, Zubair M. Ahmed, Nael Nadif Kasri, Arjan P. M. de Brouwer, Anke K. Bergmann, Sven Hethey, Majid Yavarian, Muhammad Ansar, Saima Riazuddin, Sheikh Riazuddin, Mohammad Silawi, Gaia Ruggeri, Filomena Pirozzi, Ebrahim Eftekhar, Afsaneh Taghipour Sheshdeh, Shima Bahramjahan, Ghayda M. Mirzaa, Alexander V. Lavrov, Stylianos E. Antonarakis, Mohammad Ali Faghihi, Hans van Bokhoven
Summary: The study identified biallelic variants in the TMEM222 gene as a novel underlying cause of an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder in 17 individuals from nine unrelated families. Further investigation revealed relatively high levels of TMEM222 expression in the human brain, particularly in the parietal and occipital cortex, with subcellular localization analysis showing TMEM222 localizing to early endosomes in synapses of mature neurons.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hila Fridman, Helger G. Yntema, Reedik Magi, Reidar Andreson, Andres Metspalu, Massimo Mezzavila, Chris Tyler-Smith, Yali Xue, Shai Carmi, Ephrat Levy-Lahad, Christian Gilissen, Han G. Brunner
Summary: Genome sequencing revealed that each individual in the European population carries at least 2 pathogenic variants, with nearly 1% of European couples facing the risk of having a child with a severe genetic disorder. The risk is significantly higher for first cousins and particularly increased for skeletal disorders and intellectual disabilities due to their unique genetic architecture.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Niccolo E. Mencacci, Marisa M. Brockmann, Jinye Dai, Sander Pajusalu, Burcu Atasu, Joaquin Campos, Gabriela Pino, Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, Christopher Patzke, Michael Schwake, Arianna Tucci, Alan Pittman, Javier Simon-Sanchez, Gemma L. Carvill, Bettina Balint, Sarah Wiethoff, Thomas T. Warner, Apostolos Papandreou, Audrey Soo, Reet Rein, Liis Kadastik-Eerme, Sanna Puusepp, Karit Reinson, Tiiu Tomberg, Hasmet Hanagasi, Thomas Gasser, Kailash P. Bhatia, Manju A. Kurian, Ebba Lohmann, Katrin Ounap, Christian Rosenmund, Thomas C. Sudhof, Nicholas W. Wood, Dimitri Krainc, Claudio Acuna
Summary: The study found that variants in the TSPOAP1 gene can lead to autosomal recessive dystonia in 7 patients from different families. The results indicate that these variants affect neurotransmission, potentially leading to the development of dystonia.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Fang Fu, Ru Li, Ting-ying Lei, Dan Wang, Xin Yang, Jin Han, Min Pan, Li Zhen, Jian Li, Fa-tao Li, Xiang-yi Jing, Dong-zhi Li, Can Liao
Summary: This study identified compound heterozygous mutations in the ASXL3 gene associated with congenital heart disease, which may influence cardiac development through affecting cell apoptosis and cardiac structure. The mutations affected the expression of mRNAs associated with cell apoptosis and proliferation, suggesting a potential role of ASXL3 in cardiac development.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Patrick Santens
ACTA NEUROLOGICA BELGICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin Guilliams, Johnny Bonnardel, Birthe Haest, Bart Vanderborght, Camille Wagner, Anneleen Remmerie, Anna Bujko, Liesbet Martens, Tinne Thone, Robin Browaeys, Federico F. De Ponti, Bavo Vanneste, Christian Zwicker, Freya R. Svedberg, Tineke Vanhalewyn, Amanda Goncalves, Saskia Lippens, Bert Devriendt, Eric Cox, Giuliano Ferrero, Valerie Wittamer, Andy Willaert, Suzanne J. F. Kaptein, Johan Neyts, Kai Dallmeier, Peter Geldhof, Stijn Casaert, Bart Deplancke, Peter ten Dijke, Anne Hoorens, Aude Vanlander, Frederik Berrevoet, Yves Van Nieuwenhove, Yvan Saeys, Wouter Saelens, Hans Van Vlierberghe, Lindsey Devisscher, Charlotte L. Scott
Summary: This study presents a spatial proteogenomic atlas of the liver, combining multiple omics datasets, and reveals the cellular niches and transcriptomic identities of Kupffer cells and lipid-associated macrophages. It also demonstrates the inducibility of lipid-associated macrophages by local lipid exposure and the crucial role of ALK1-BMP9/10 axis in Kupffer cell development.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Elke de Boer, Burcu Yaldiz, Anne-Sophie Denomme-Pichon, Leslie Matalonga, Steve Laurie, Wouter Steyaert, Rick de Reuver, Christian Gilissen, Michael Kwint, Rolph Pfundt, Alain Verloes, Michel A. A. P. Willemsen, Bert B. A. de Vries, Antonio Vitobello, Tjitske Kleefstra, Lisenka E. L. M. Vissers
Summary: In this study, a de novo disease-causing variant in TUBB3 was identified by reanalyzing exome sequencing data using a genome-wide variant calling approach. This approach enabled the detection of diagnostically relevant variants that would have been missed in a target-based calling strategy, particularly in genes with robust off-target coverage. This highlights the potential benefits of performing genomewide variant calling for identifying pathogenic variants in individuals with intellectual disability.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Lukas Nollet, Matthias Van Gils, Andy Willaert, Paul J. Coucke, Olivier M. Vanakker
Summary: Excessive DDR/PARP1 signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of PXE, contributing to aberrant mineralization. Treatment with the PARP1 inhibitor minocycline attenuates this signaling and reduces ectopic calcification. This study provides new insights for the treatment of PXE.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Tim Van Damme, Marlies Colman, Delfien Syx, Fransiska Malfait
Summary: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders with clinical presentations that vary widely. Different genetic defects are associated with the different EDS types. Features of EDS include joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, fragility, atrophic scarring, and easy bruising, but other signs and symptoms may also be present. Differential diagnosis from other inborn errors of metabolism is necessary for diagnosing EDS.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Wouter Steyaert, Matthew J. Varney, Jeffrey L. Benovic, John Creemers, Marijn M. Speeckaert, Paul J. Coucke, Joris R. Delanghe
Summary: A previously undescribed form of type 2 diabetes mellitus is reported in a Flemish family. The study found that patients with this form of diabetes have markedly elevated gastrin levels, which are not linked to gastrointestinal symptoms. Further investigation revealed a mutation in the GRK6 gene that may impair prohormone processing and contribute to the development of the disease.
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Anna K. Sommer, Iris B. A. W. te Paske, Jose Garcia-Pelaez, Andreas Laner, Elke Holinski-Feder, Verena Steinke-Lange, Sophia Peters, Laura Valle, Isabel Spier, David Huntsman, Richarda M. de Voer, Nicoline Hoogerbrugge, Stefan Aretz, Carla Oliveira
Summary: Patients with suspected genetic tumor risk syndromes are being analyzed in the Solve-RD project to uncover known and novel cancer predisposing genes. The project aims to reanalyze available whole-exome sequencing data and apply a multidimensional omics approach. Currently, data from 294 cases have been analyzed, and further molecular profiling and deep learning techniques are planned.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Scott Barish, Mumine Senturk, Kelly Schoch, Amanda L. Minogue, Diego Lopergolo, Chiara Fallerini, Jake Harland, Jacob H. Seemann, Nicholas Stong, Peter G. Kranz, Sujay Kansagra, Mohamad A. Mikati, Joan Jasien, Mays El-Dairi, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Paolo Galluzzi, Francesca Ariani, Alessandra Renieri, Francesca Mari, Michael F. Wangler, Swathi Arur, Yong-Hui Jiang, Shinya Yamamoto, Vandana Shashi, Hugo J. Bellen
Summary: In this study, two individuals with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and dysmorphic features were found to carry damaging variants in the DROSHA gene. Functional studies in model organisms suggest that these variants have a severe impact on the nervous system.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nika Schuermans, Dimitri Hemelsoet, Wim Terryn, Sanne Steyaert, Rudy Van Coster, Paul J. Coucke, Wouter Steyaert, Bert Callewaert, Elke Bogaert, Patrick Verloo, Arnaud V. Vanlander, Elke Debackere, Jody Ghijsels, Pontus LeBlanc, Hannah Verdin, Leslie Naesens, Filomeen Haerynck, Steven Callens, Bart Dermaut, Bruce Poppe
Summary: UD-PrOZA is an innovative interdisciplinary platform for diagnosing rare diseases in adults and supporting translational research. It combines a multidisciplinary clinical approach with state-of-the-art genomic technologies, working in collaboration with research facilities to diagnose patients.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gelana Khazeeva, Karolis Sablauskas, Bart van der Sanden, Wouter Steyaert, Michael Kwint, Dmitrijs Rots, Max Hinne, Marcel van Gerven, Helger Yntema, Lisenka Vissers, Christian Gilissen
Summary: DeNovoCNN is a new method that utilizes deep convolutional neural network to accurately identify De novo mutations in genetic disorders. Trained on a large dataset, DeNovoCNN excels in recall and precision, outperforming existing methods.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ilse Meerschaut, Wouter Steyaert, Thierry Bove, Katrien Francois, Thomas Martens, Katya De Groote, Hans De Wilde, Laura Muino Mosquera, Joseph Panzer, Kristof Vandekerckhove, Lara Moons, Petra Vermassen, Sofie Symoens, Paul J. Coucke, Daniel De Wolf, Bert Callewaert
Summary: Congenital heart defects are the most common anomalies in liveborn children. The genetic basis of isolated CHD is complex and not well understood. Exome sequencing was performed in parent-offspring trios with isolated CHD, revealing new and rare variants in cardiac-relevant genes. Somatic mutations were not found to be a common cause of isolated CHD. Rare de novo and inherited protein-damaging variants may contribute to isolated CHD as part of a polygenic disease model.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Patrick Santens, Arnout Bruggeman, Nika Schuermans, Hannah Verdin, Bart Dermaut
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Yana Criel, Claire Boon, Emma Depuydt, Jara Stalpaert, Eline Huysman, Marijke Miatton, Patrick Santens, Pieter van Mierlo, Miet De Letter
Summary: The current study investigated the effects of aging and sex on phoneme discrimination and categorization using MMN and P300 ERPs. The results showed that elderly individuals had reduced MMN and P300 amplitudes compared to young individuals, but the scalp distribution was unaffected. The P300 latency was delayed in elderly individuals compared to young individuals, but no differences in MMN latency were observed. Sex had no significant effects on MMN and P300 measures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robin Wijngaard, German Demidov, Luke O'Gorman, Jordi Corominas-Galbany, Burcu Yaldiz, Wouter Steyaert, Elke de Boer, Lisenka E. L. M. Vissers, Erik-Jan Kamsteeg, Rolph Pfundt, Hilde Swinkels, Amber den Ouden, Iris B. A. W. te Paske, Richarda M. de Voer, Laurence Faivre, Anne-Sophie Denomme-Pichon, Yannis Duffourd, Antonio Vitobello, Martin Chevarin, Volker Straub, Ana Toepf, Anneke J. van der Kooi, Francesca Magrinelli, Clarissa Rocca, Michael G. Hanna, Jana Vandrovcova, Stephan Ossowski, Steven Laurie, Christian Gilissen
Summary: Mobile element insertions (MEIs) are a known cause of genetic disease. This study evaluated six MEI detection tools on exome sequencing (ES) data and genome sequencing (GS) data. Results showed significant differences in tool performance between ES and GS data. MELT performed best on ES data, and combining it with SCRAMble increased the detection rate of MEIs. Applying both tools to a large number of samples resulted in additional diagnoses for previously undiagnosed patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Robin Wijngaard, German Demidov, Luke O'Gorman, Jordi Corominas-Galbany, Burcu Yaldiz, Wouter Steyaert, Elke de Boer, Lisenka E. L. M. Vissers, Erik-Jan Kamsteeg, Rolph Pfundt, Hilde Swinkels, Amber den Ouden, Iris B. A. W. te Paske, Richarda M. de Voer, Laurence Faivre, Anne-Sophie Denomme-Pichon, Yannis Duffourd, Antonio Vitobello, Martin Chevarin, Volker Straub, Ana Toepf, Anneke J. van der Kooi, Francesca Magrinelli, Clarissa Rocca, Michael G. Hanna, Jana Vandrovcova, Stephan Ossowski, Steven Laurie, Christian Gilissen
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)