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PubMed2026

Targeting cancer stem cells predicts response and reverses chemoresistance in ascites-derived ovarian cancer organoids.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer (OC) is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, where tumor heterogeneity and rapid development of chemoresistance contribute to a poor prognosis. The lack of reliable predictive biomarkers further hinders the development of effective treatment strategies. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have recently emerged as promising preclinical models with the potential to predict therapeutic responses. METHODS: OC PDOs were generated from ascites samples representing diverse histological subtypes. Histological and genomic fidelity to parental tumors was confirmed through histopathological analysis and whole-exome sequencing. Drug sensitivity to cisplatin and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors was evaluated and correlated with 1-year clinical outcomes. We also investigated the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic herpes simplex virus 2 (OH2) both as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin. The expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers CD44 and ALDH1A1 under treatment conditions was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. RESULTS: PDOs were successfully established with an 86.2% success rate. These PDOs faithfully recapitulated the histopathological and genomic features of their corresponding tumors, maintaining intratumoral heterogeneity, and were amenable to xenotransplantation. Drug sensitivity assays demonstrated that PDOs accurately predicted patient-specific responses to cisplatin and PARP inhibitors. OH2 exhibited direct cytotoxicity in both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant PDOs, reducing cell viability by 20-60%. Notably, the combination treatment with OH2 and cisplatin enhanced antitumor efficacy, resulting in a significant reduction of the CD44+CSC subpopulation. CONCLUSIONS: Ascites-derived OC PDOs represent a robust platform for individualized drug testing. The combination of OH2 and cisplatin offers a novel and effective strategy for circumventing chemoresistance in OC.

Female↗

PubMed2024

SLC40A1-related hemochromatosis associated with a p.Y333H mutation in mainland China: a pedigree report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Haemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterized by the excessive deposition of iron in various tissues and organs, eventually results in organ damage including cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, etc. SLC40A1-related haemochromatosis is associated with gain-of-function mutations in the SLC40A1 gene, which encodes ferroportin. While sporadic reports of this condition exist in mainland China, the understanding of the phenotype and genetic pattern associated with the SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation remains incomplete. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a pedigree with heterozygous p.Y333H mutation in Chinese Han population. The proband is a 64-year-old man complaining of persistent abnormality of liver enzyme levels for 1 year, with a history of knee joint pain, diabetes and skin pigmentation. He displayed markedly elevated serum ferritin level and transferrin saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed iron deposition in the liver, spleen, and pancreas, along with cirrhosis and splenomegaly. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous allelic variant c.997T > C (p.Y333H). Genetic screening of family members identified four first-degree relatives and three second-degree relatives having the same mutation. Additional cases with this mutation from two published studies were included. Among the probands and screened relatives, all eight males aged over 30 y had ferritin level > 1000 µg/L, transferrin saturation > 90%. Four patients with organ damage in the present study received therapeutic phlebotomy, alleviating clinical symptoms and improving in transferrin saturation and serum ferritin. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the largest pedigree with heterozygous SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation in the Chinese population to date. In Chinese families, males over 30 years old with hemochromatosis due to SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation exhibit severe iron overload phenotypes.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

Consider CUX1 variants in children with a variation of sex development: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The Cut Homeobox 1 (CUX1) gene has been implicated in a number of developmental processes and has recently emerged as an important cause of developmental delay and impaired intellectual development. Individuals with variants in CUX1 have been described with a variety of co-morbidities including variations in sex development (VSD) although these features have not been closely documented. CASE PRESENTATION: The proband is a 14-year-old male who presented with congenital complex hypospadias, neurodevelopmental differences, and subtle dysmorphism. A family history of neurodevelopmental differences and VSD was noted. Microarray testing and whole exome sequencing found the 46,XY proband had a large heterozygous in-frame deletion of exons 4-10 of the CUX1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Our review of the literature has revealed that variants in CUX1 are associated with a range of VSD and suggest this gene should be considered in cases where a VSD is noted at birth, especially if there is a familial history of VSD and/or neurodevelopmental differences. Further work is required to fully investigate the role and regulation of CUX1 in sex development.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

A healthy live birth after mosaic blastocyst transfer in preimplantation genetic testing for GATA1-related cytopenia combined with HLA matching.

BACKGROUND: GATA1-related cytopenia (GRC) is characterized by thrombocytopaenia and/or anaemia ranging from mild to severe. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a healing therapeutic choice for GRC patients. We identified a novel pathogenic variant (GATA1: c.1019delG) in a boy with GATA1-related cytopenia. Then we performed preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in this GRC family. After a mosaic embryo transfered, a healthy and HLA-compatible with the proband baby was delivered. CASE PRESENTATION: The proband is a 6-year-old boy who was diagnosed to have transfusion-dependent anaemia since 3 year old. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) showed that the proband has a hemizygous variant c.1019delG in GATA1, which is inherited from his mother. His parents decided to undergo PGT to have a health and HLA-compatible offspring. After whole genome amplification (WGA) of biopsied trophectoderm (TE) cells, next generation sequencing (NGS)-based PGT was preformed to analyse embryos on chromosomal aneuploidy, target mutation and HLA typing. There were 3 embryos HLA-matched to the proband. The genotypes of the 3 embryos were heterozygous variant, hemizygous variant, normal respectively. After a heterozygous, mosaic partial trisomy (chr)16, and HLA-matched embryo transfer, a healthy baby was delivered and whose HSCT is compatible with the proband. CONCLUSIONS: NGS-based PGT-HLA is a valuable procedure for the treatment of GATA1-related cytopenia caused by GATA1 variants, or other haematological disorders, oncological and immunological diseases. Furthermore, our study reconfirms that mosaic embryos transfer would bring healthy offspring.

Child↗

PubMed2024

Macrothrombocytopenia with leukocyte inclusions in a patient with Wilson disease: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in ATP7B. Clinical manifestations primarily involve liver and nervous system lesions, with rarely observed hematologic manifestations. CASE PRESENTATION: In the present case, a patient with WD presented with thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and Döhle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in the leukocytes. Initially, the May-Hegglin anomaly was considered; however, whole-exome sequencing did not reveal any mutation in the MYH9 gene but a heterozygous mutation was found in (C.2804 C > T, p.T935M) in the ATP7B gene. After two years, the patient developed tremors in his hands, lower limb stiffness, and foreign body sensation in the eyes. Additionally, Kayser-Fleischer rings in the corneal limbus were detected by slit-lamp examination. Copper metabolism test indicated a slight decrease in serum ceruloplasmin. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the inclusion bodies of leukocytes were swollen mitochondria. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that the copper levels were almost 20-fold higher in the leukocytes of the patient than in those of the control group. Based on the Leipzig scoring system, a diagnosis of WD was confirmed. Zinc sulfate treatment ameliorated the patient's symptoms and enhanced platelet, serum ceruloplasmin, and albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this case represents the first documented instance of WD presenting as thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and Döhle-like cytoplasmic inclusions in the leukocytes. Excessive cellular copper accumulation likely underlies these findings; however, understanding precise mechanisms warrants further investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2024

A novel splice-altering TNC variant (c.5247A > T, p.Gly1749Gly) in an Chinese family with autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the pathogenic gene in a Chinese family with non-syndromic hearing loss and identify a novel mutation site in the TNC gene. METHODS: A five-generation Chinese family from Anhui Province, presenting with autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss, was recruited for this study. By analyzing the family history, conducting clinical examinations, and performing genetic analysis, we have thoroughly investigated potential pathogenic factors in this family. The peripheral blood samples were obtained from 20 family members, and the pathogenic genes were identified through whole exome sequencing. Subsequently, the mutation of gene locus was confirmed using Sanger sequencing. The conservation of TNC mutation sites was assessed using Clustal Omega software. We utilized functional prediction software including dbscSNV_AdaBoost, dbscSNV_RandomForest, NNSplice, NetGene2, and Mutation Taster to accurately predict the pathogenicity of these mutations. Furthermore, exon deletions were validated through RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: The family exhibited autosomal dominant, progressive, post-lingual, non-syndromic hearing loss. A novel synonymous variant (c.5247A > T, p.Gly1749Gly) in TNC was identified in affected members. This variant is situated at the exon-intron junction boundary towards the end of exon 18. Notably, glycine residue at position 1749 is highly conserved across various species. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that this synonymous mutation leads to the disruption of the 5' end donor splicing site in the 18th intron of the TNC gene. Meanwhile, verification experiments have demonstrated that this synonymous mutation disrupts the splicing process of exon 18, leading to complete exon 18 skipping and direct splicing between exons 17 and 19. CONCLUSION: This novel splice-altering variant (c.5247A > T, p.Gly1749Gly) in exon 18 of the TNC gene disrupts normal gene splicing and causes hearing loss among HBD families.

Adult↗

PubMed2025

A pathogenic COL7A1 variant highlights semi-dominant inheritance in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare subtype of inherited epidermolysis bullosa, caused by variants in the collagen type VII alpha 1 chain (COL7A1) gene (MIM120120). Both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance has been reported with variable phenotype. We investigated a Pakistani family with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa via exome sequencing and identified a pathogenic nonsense variant in COL7A1 NM_000094 c.1573 C > T:p.(Arg525*). The inheritance pattern observed was consistent with a semi-dominant model, where heterozygous parents exhibited a mild phenotype, and homozygous children were more severely affected. For dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, loss-of-function variants are typically associated with the autosomal recessive form, while missense variants are linked to the autosomal dominant form. A review of the literature suggests a semi-dominance pattern for some missense variants, particularly glycine substitutions, but this concept had not been formally recognized. This study highlights the importance of considering semi-dominant inheritance models for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and other Mendelian diseases with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, as it can significantly impact diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Antenatal phenotype associated with PAK2 pathogenic variants: bilateral pleural effusion as a warning sign.

Fetal pleural effusions can arise in various contexts with different prognosis. They have been reported in fetuses presenting with hereditary or acquired conditions. One particularly rare genetic disorder, known as Knobloch syndrome, seems to emerge as a potential new cause of fetal pleural effusions, associated with severe outcomes. Knobloch syndrome 1 can be caused by biallelic variants in COL18A1. It is primarily characterized by its ophthalmic features, including severe vitreoretinal degeneration with retinal detachment and macular abnormalities. Neurological defects such as encephalocele and developmental delay, along with skeletal and renal malformations, are also associated with the syndrome. The Knobloch syndrome 2 is caused by monoallelic variants in the kinase domain of PAK2. It is less described and seems to also be associated with cardiac and respiratory damage in addition to the Knobloch syndrome 1 phenotype. PAK2 is a ubiquitous protein with a major implication in regulation and remodeling of the cytoskeleton and numerous other cellular pathways. Knobloch-associated variants seem to cause a loss of the kinase function of the protein. Even if the ophthalmic defects are almost constant, PAK2-associated Knobloch syndrome has slightly different features from Knobloch syndrome 1 in which pulmonary and lymphatic damages are still unseen. In a prenatal trio exome sequencing, we identified a novel de novo PAK2 missense variant, NM_002577.4:c.836 A > C, p.(Gln279Pro), classified as likely pathogenic in a 24 weeks of gestation fetus whose only sign was severe bilateral pleural effusion. From a literature review of patients, we recognize this sign as an important antenatal indicator of Knobloch syndrome 2, as it was the first sign identifiable in 2 out of 5 patients. This adds new evidence for the implication of this gene in fetal pleural effusions, with potentially severe outcomes.

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PubMed2025

Dynamic clustering of genomics cohorts beyond race, ethnicity-and ancestry.

BACKGROUND: Recent decades have witnessed a steady decrease in the use of race categories in genomic studies. While studies that still include race categories vary in goal and type, these categories already build on a history during which racial color lines have been enforced and adjusted in the service of social and political systems of power and disenfranchisement. For early modern classification systems, data collection was also considerably arbitrary and limited. Fixed, discrete classifications have limited the study of human genomic variation and disrupted widely spread genetic and phenotypic continuums across geographic scales. Relatedly, the use of broad and predefined classification schemes-e.g. continent-based-across traits can risk missing important trait-specific genomic signals. METHODS: To address these issues, we introduce a dynamic approach to clustering human genomics cohorts based on genomic variation in trait-specific loci and without using a set of predefined categories. We tested the approach on whole-exome sequencing datasets in ten cancer types and partitioned them based on germline variants in cancer-relevant genes that could confer cancer type-specific disease predisposition. RESULTS: Results demonstrate clustering patterns that transcend discrete continent-based categories across cancer types. Functional analysis based on cancer type-specific clusterings also captures the fundamental biological processes underlying cancer, differentiates between dynamic clusters on a functional level, and identifies novel potential drivers overlooked by a predefined continent-based clustering. CONCLUSIONS: Through a trait-based lens, the dynamic clustering approach reveals genomic patterns that transcend predefined classification categories. We propose that coupled with diverse data collection, new clustering approaches have the potential to draw a more complete portrait of genomic variation and to address, in parallel, technical and social aspects of its study.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

A case of congenital heart defects and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy caused by activation of a cryptic splice donor in NOTCH1.

BACKGROUND: NOTCH1 is associated with two disorders of vascular development, Adams-Oliver Syndrome 5 (AOS5) and aortic valve disease 1 (AOVD1). Here we report a disease-causing variant in NOTCH1 that has a previously undemonstrated effect on splicing. Additionally, we found that the proband has the optic phenotype of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) which has been reported for probands with pathogenic variants in genes in the notch signaling pathway, but never for NOTCH1. CASE PRESENTATION: The proband presented with a ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and ocular findings consistent with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), which NOTCH1 has not been associated with to date. Trio exome sequencing identified a paternally inherited variant of uncertain significance in NOTCH1:c.2153 A > G. We assessed the variant's effect using RT-PCR, finding an increased use of a cryptic donor compared to the control. On this basis, we were able to re-classify this variant as pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS: We expand the phenotypic spectrum of NOTCH1 and contribute to the building evidence that variants in NOTCH1 cause a spectrum of disorders of vascular development.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Different mutations in TBL1XR1 lead to diverse phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorder: two case reports.

The TBL1XR1 gene (Transducin beta-like 1X-linked receptor 1) is responsible for encoding the TBL1XR1 protein, an important component of the NCoR and SMRT corepressor complexes. 48 missense variants of the TBL1XR1 gene have been reported, which are associated with various phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders, including West syndrome, Pierpont syndrome, and others. However, given the important role of TBL1XR1 in neurological diseases, it is still necessary to further explore the variation of TBL1XR1. In this study, we present two patients with distinct variants and phenotypes. Patient 1 exhibits global developmental delay, intellectual disability, delayed language development, and seizures. While patient 2 displays mild facial dysmorphism, significant developmental delay, feeding difficulties, and increased muscle tone. Through trio whole-exome sequencing, two novel pathogenic variants in the TBL1XR1 gene were identified: A heterozygous NM_024665.6:c.940G > T (p.Val314Phe) variant in patient 1 and a heterozygous NM_024665.6:c.1387G > T (p.Asp463Tyr) in patient 2. Discovery of these two novel variant sites expands the mutation spectrum associated with the TBL1XR1 gene.

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PubMed2026

Patient-derived organoids predict responses to chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors in advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: While tumor organoids hold promise for personalized medicine, clinical validation of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) organoids as predictors of therapeutic efficacy-particularly for PARP inhibitors (PARPi)-remains unestablished. METHODS: Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were established from treatment-naive EOC specimens and characterized by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and whole-exome sequencing. Drug sensitivity testing (DST) was performed using carboplatin, paclitaxel, and PARPi (olaparib and niraparib). Clinical homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status was assessed by tumor sequencing. Organoid responses were prospectively compared to patient outcomes after first-line chemotherapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel) and PARPi maintenance. RESULTS: PDOs were successfully established from 21 of 30 patients (70%) across multiple EOC subtypes and preserved the histopathological features and genomic landscapes of their corresponding primary tumors. Organoid-based DST accurately predicted responses to first-line carboplatin/paclitaxel, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 62.88-100%), specificity of 66.67% (95% CI 12.53-98.23%), accuracy of 91.67% (95% CI 61.52-99.79%), AUC of 0.95 (95% CI 0.85-1.00), and Cohen's kappa of 0.75 (95% CI 0.30-1.00). In evaluating PARPi response, organoids revealed discrepancies between genomic HRD status and actual drug responses. One HRD-positive PDO was PARPi-resistant, consistent with patient non-response, while two HRR-proficient PDOs showed PARPi sensitivity and corresponding clinical benefit. CONCLUSIONS: EOC-derived PDOs provide a robust platform for predicting chemotherapy response and offer added value in assessing PARPi efficacy beyond genomic profiling. Combination of organoid-based testing with genomic analysis may improve precision treatment strategies in EOC.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Neonatal Aicardi-Goutières syndrome presenting with macrophage activation syndrome-like hyperinflammation and severe congenital glaucoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal-onset Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a rare monogenic type I interferonopathy that may mimic congenital infection and can present with severe multisystem inflammation. The distinction between primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and AGS-associated macrophage activation syndrome (MAS)-like hyperinflammation can be challenging in neonates. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a term neonate presenting with cholestatic jaundice, a generalized blueberry muffin-like ecchymotic-purpuric rash, cytopenias, hyperferritinemia, hepatosplenomegaly, intracranial calcifications, and severe bilateral congenital glaucoma. Extensive infectious evaluation was negative. The patient fulfilled five of eight HLH-2004 criteria, consistent with a severe MAS-like hyperinflammatory phenotype. Dexamethasone and intravenous immunoglobulin had been initiated at the referring center for presumed virus-associated HLH but were not continued after transfer to our unit. With persistent disease activity, negative microbiological studies, and neuroimaging strongly suggestive of a type I interferonopathy, ruxolitinib was initiated on day of life (DOL) 34 before molecular confirmation. Exome sequencing subsequently identified homozygous pathogenic variants in RNASEH2B and CYP1B1, supporting AGS type 2 and primary congenital glaucoma (glaucoma 3 A), respectively. Serial laboratory data showed sustained improvement after initiation of JAK1/2 inhibition, although the observational nature of a single case and other immunomodulatory exposures limit causal attribution. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the clinical overlap between neonatal AGS and MAS-like hyperinflammation, underscores the potential role of early mechanism-based therapy in selected critically ill neonates with suspected interferonopathy, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genomic evaluation when severe ocular disease accompanies AGS. The identified CYP1B1 variant provides a strong molecular explanation for the patient's congenital glaucoma.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Non-syndromic premature ovarian insufficiency associated with monoallelic LIG4 mutation via haploinsufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous reproductive disorder, with genetic factors, particularly defects in DNA damage response pathways, increasingly implicated in its pathogenesis. DNA ligase IV (LIG4) is a key enzyme in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway responsible for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, its role in non-syndromic POI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential contribution of LIG4 variants to non-syndromic POI. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous frameshift variant in LIG4 (c.1271_1275del) in a three-generation Han Chinese family with non-syndromic POI, which co-segregated with affected individuals. AlphaFold-based structural modeling predicted truncation of the C-terminal XRCC4 interaction region. Functional experiments demonstrated that the mutant LIG4 protein showed reduced stability and was predominantly mislocalized to the cytoplasm of cells. In ovarian KGN cells, LIG4 depletion reduced cell viability, induced stress-associated cellular senescence, and impaired DNA damage repair capacity. In LIG4 knockout 293T cells, co-transfection of wild-type and mutant constructs revealed dose-dependent functional impairment, resulting in increased apoptosis under basal conditions and after phleomycin induced DNA damage, together with delayed repair of DSBs. Reanalysis of public single-cell RNA sequencing data further showed stage specific upregulation of LIG4 during oocyte maturation. Co-expression network analysis revealed enrichment in the Fanconi anemia pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway, and glycan metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that monoallelic LIG4 mutations may represent a potential genetic etiology for non-syndromic POI with sex-limited penetrance. While further validation in more physiologically relevant models is warranted, our data indicate that LIG4 haploinsufficiency may impair DSB repair and disrupt molecular pathways crucial for oocyte maturation and survival, highlighting a potential role of the NHEJ pathway in maintaining human ovarian function.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Rare damaging CCR2 variants are associated with lower lifetime cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND: Previous work has shown a role of CCL2, a key chemokine governing monocyte trafficking, in atherosclerosis. However, it remains unknown whether targeting CCR2, the cognate receptor of CCL2, provides protection against human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Computationally predicted damaging or loss-of-function (REVEL > 0.5) variants within CCR2 were detected in whole-exome-sequencing data from 454,775 UK Biobank participants and tested for association with cardiovascular endpoints in gene-burden tests. Given the key role of CCR2 in monocyte mobilization, variants associated with lower monocyte count were prioritized for experimental validation. The response to CCL2 of human cells transfected with these variants was tested in migration and cAMP assays. Validated damaging variants were tested for association with cardiovascular endpoints, atherosclerosis burden, and vascular risk factors. Significant associations were replicated in six independent datasets (n = 1,062,595). RESULTS: Carriers of 45 predicted damaging or loss-of-function CCR2 variants (n = 787 individuals) were at lower risk of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. One of these variants (M249K, n = 585, 0.15% of European ancestry individuals) was associated with lower monocyte count and with both decreased downstream signaling and chemoattraction in response to CCL2. While M249K showed no association with conventional vascular risk factors, it was consistently associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.81, p = 6.1 × 10-5) and coronary artery disease (OR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.63-0.87, p = 2.9 × 10-4) in the UK Biobank and in six replication cohorts. In a phenome-wide association study, there was no evidence of a higher risk of infections among M249K carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Carriers of an experimentally confirmed damaging CCR2 variant are at a lower lifetime risk of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease without carrying a higher risk of infections. Our findings provide genetic support for the translational potential of CCR2-targeting as an atheroprotective approach.

Humans↗

PubMed2017

Reanalysis of BRCA1/2 negative high risk ovarian cancer patients reveals novel germline risk loci and insights into missing heritability.

While up to 25% of ovarian cancer (OVCA) cases are thought to be due to inherited factors, the majority of genetic risk remains unexplained. To address this gap, we sought to identify previously undescribed OVCA risk variants through the whole exome sequencing (WES) and candidate gene analysis of 48 women with ovarian cancer and selected for high risk of genetic inheritance, yet negative for any known pathogenic variants in either BRCA1 or BRCA2. In silico SNP analysis was employed to identify suspect variants followed by validation using Sanger DNA sequencing. We identified five pathogenic variants in our sample, four of which are in two genes featured on current multi-gene panels; (RAD51D, ATM). In addition, we found a pathogenic FANCM variant (R1931*) which has been recently implicated in familial breast cancer risk. Numerous rare and predicted to be damaging variants of unknown significance were detected in genes on current commercial testing panels, most prominently in ATM (n = 6) and PALB2 (n = 5). The BRCA2 variant p.K3326*, resulting in a 93 amino acid truncation, was overrepresented in our sample (odds ratio = 4.95, p = 0.01) and coexisted in the germline of these women with other deleterious variants, suggesting a possible role as a modifier of genetic penetrance. Furthermore, we detected loss of function variants in non-panel genes involved in OVCA relevant pathways; DNA repair and cell cycle control, including CHEK1, TP53I3, REC8, HMMR, RAD52, RAD1, POLK, POLQ, and MCM4. In summary, our study implicates novel risk loci as well as highlights the clinical utility for retesting BRCA1/2 negative OVCA patients by genomic sequencing and analysis of genes in relevant pathways.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

A case report of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome with adrenal crisis and sensorineural hearing loss: clinical highlights and management pitfalls.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare association of Xp21 contiguous gene deletion syndrome (CGDS) featuring sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. CASE PRESENTATION: A male infant presented with a salt-wasting adrenal crisis consistent with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita. His follow-up clinical course during childhood revealed global developmental delay and SNHL, the latter of which has been under-reported in the literature for this condition. At five years of age, the development of progressive proximal muscle weakness and markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels led to a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The patient also exhibited pseudohypertriglyceridemia and elevated urinary glycerol, consistent with glycerol kinase deficiency. While initial exome sequencing failed to detect the genetic abnormality, subsequent chromosomal microarray analysis identified an Xp21 CGDS involving NR0B1, IL1RAPL1, DMD, and GK. Treatment of adrenal insufficiency with fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone was complicated by the higher steroid doses required for the management of DMD, resulting in exogenous Cushing syndrome and associated complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the necessity of evaluating for Xp21 CGDS in patients presenting with adrenal crisis and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management to optimize outcomes in this complex pediatric endocrine disorder.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Exploring the tumor suppressor role of RIN1 in familial thyroid carcinoma.

The genetic component is thought to play an important role in the development of familial non-medullary thyroid carcinoma (fNMTC), but the involved molecular mechanisms and genes are poorly understood. The MAPK kinase cascade, particularly involving RAS and BRAF, is crucial in cancer development, with RIN1 emerging as a notable gene due to its differential expression across various tumor types. We identified a frameshift mutation (c.798delC: p.V267Sfs*83) in the RIN1 gene in a family with non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) through whole-exome sequencing. Paraffin-embedded tumor tissues were analyzed to investigate the mutation's characteristics and its potential implications within the thyroid cellular context. Functional assays and RNA sequencing using CRISPR/Cas9-edited Nthy-ori 3-1 thyroid cell line and xenograft zebrafish models confirmed the mutation effect and the putative RIN1 tumor suppressor role. The study revealed significant alterations in cellular behavior upon RIN1 knockout, including increased cell viability, proliferation and colony formation, alongside morphological changes indicative of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Enhanced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT suggested MAPK pathway dysregulation following RIN1 depletion, supporting its potential tumor suppressive role. Phenotypic rescue experiments confirmed that reintroduction of wild-type RIN1 restored normal cellular behavior. RNA sequencing demonstrated differential gene expression between RIN1-/- and control cells, particularly affecting pathways associated with cancer progression, closely resembled signatures specific to NMTC. This study provides compelling evidence supporting RIN1 as a tumor suppressor gene within thyroid cells. In addition, the findings highlight its potential significance as novel gene involved in FNMTC pathogenesis.

Humans↗