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Functional Validation of a Novel Homozygous TTN Splice-Site Variant Reveals Aberrant Splicing in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

The TTN gene encodes a crucial structural protein within cardiac sarcomeres, and its variants may contribute to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy; however, phenotype and genotype are different. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on a Chinese proband diagnosed with HCM. In silico splicing prediction tools and minigene assays were employed to investigate the impact of the identified variant on mRNA splicing. A literature review was performed to retrieve and analyze previously reported splicing variants in the TTN gene associated with HCM. A 42-year-old male proband presented with nonobstructive HCM and paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias. A novel homozygous TTN variant was found, predicted to cause a 14-base pair deletion at a splice acceptor site. Two asymptomatic offspring were found to carry the heterozygous variant. Based on variant interpretation guidelines, the variant met the PM2_supporting criterion and was classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The predicted aberrant splicing effect was subsequently confirmed by the minigene splicing assay, demonstrating altered pre-mRNA splicing leading to an in-frame insertion/deletion (p.Arg32498_Glu32504delinsGln). Functional verification confirmed that this mutation conforms to the PM4 criterion, suggesting that it can be reclassified as a tepid VUS (scoring 3 points). The functional result might provide pathogenic evidence. We also reviewed 28 previously reported splicing variants in TTN associated with HCM. Of these, 57.1% (16/28) localized to the I-band region, whereas 21.4% (6/28) were situated in the A-band domain of titin. Notably, 21.4% (6/28) co-occurred with pathogenic variants in other sarcomeric genes (MYH7 or MYBPC3), correlating with more severe clinical phenotypes. Reclassification and reinterpretation of the variants revealed that none met the level of likely pathogenic or higher. The present case contributes a homozygous splice-site variant with experimentally confirmed aberrant splicing and an in-frame protein alteration in titin. The focus of this report is the Mendelian genetic basis of the proband's cardiomyopathy phenotype, and our data provide additional case-level and functional evidence for a possible role of specific TTN splicing defects in HCM.

Humans

Polygenic Susceptibility in Peripartum, Alcohol-Induced, and Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiomyopathies.

IMPORTANCE: Rare monogenic variants linked to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are enriched among individuals with secondary cardiomyopathies, such as peripartum (PPCM), alcohol-induced (ACM), and cancer therapy-related (CCM) cardiomyopathies. However, it remains unclear whether a polygenic predisposition to DCM also contributes to these conditions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of a DCM polygenic score with PPCM, ACM, and CCM, and to evaluate the contributions of monogenic and polygenic susceptibilities to these secondary cardiomyopathies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective genetic association analysis of data from the Mass General Brigham (MGB) Biobank (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;42&#x202f;137, 2008-2025), with replication in the UK Biobank (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;295&#x202f;160, 2005-2010), FinnGen (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;417&#x202f;950, 2017-2025), and the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;516&#x202f;066, 2011-2025). In MGB Biobank, medical records were reviewed to ascertain secondary cardiomyopathy cases and antecedent clinical risk factors. EXPOSURES: DCM polygenic risk score and DCM monogenic variants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the association of the DCM polygenic risk score with PPCM, ACM, and CCM and the prevalence of monogenic variants and a high polygenic score among individuals with cardiomyopathy. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age in the MGB Biobank was 55.7 (17.0) years at enrollment, and 24&#x202f;551 (58.3%) were female. Across the 4 study cohorts, 3414 individuals with secondary cardiomyopathy were identified, including 70 with PPCM, 2281 with ACM, and 1063 with CCM. The DCM polygenic score was associated with PPCM (odds ratio [OR], 1.82 per SD; 95% CI, 1.43-2.30), ACM (OR, 1.56; 95% CI,1.34-1.82), and CCM (OR, 1.64; 95% CI,1.24-2.15) (all with P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). Monogenic variants were enriched but present in 7 of 113 individuals with medical record-reviewed cardiomyopathy in MGB, while 66 had a high polygenic score, which conferred an approximately 3-fold increased odds of cardiomyopathy. Most individuals with cardiomyopathy lacked antecedent clinical risk factors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, individuals with PPCM, ACM, and CCM were enriched for monogenic DCM variants and a high DCM polygenic score, suggesting a shared genetic susceptibility influenced by distinct environmental precipitants. These findings support a shared genetic architecture between secondary cardiomyopathies and DCM, although additional work with larger numbers of individuals with cardiomyopathy is needed to confirm these findings.

Humans

Bidirectional Risk Modulator and Modifier Variant of Dilated and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in BAG3.

IMPORTANCE: The genetic factors that modulate the reduced penetrance and variable expressivity of heritable dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are largely unknown. BAG3 genetic variants have been implicated in both DCM and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), nominating BAG3 as a gene that harbors potential modifier variants in DCM. OBJECTIVE: To interrogate the clinical traits and diseases associated with BAG3 coding variation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a cross-sectional study in the Penn Medicine BioBank (PMBB) enrolling patients of the University of Pennsylvania Health System's clinical practice sites from 2014 to 2023. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was linked to electronic health record (EHR) data to associate BAG3 coding variants with EHR phenotypes. This was a health care population-based study including individuals of European and African genetic ancestry in the PMBB with WES linked to EHR phenotypes, with replication studies in BioVU, UK Biobank, MyCode, and DCM Precision Medicine Study. EXPOSURES: Carrier status for BAG3 coding variants. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Association of BAG3 coding variation with clinical diagnoses, echocardiographic traits, and longitudinal outcomes. RESULTS: In PMBB (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;43&#x202f;731; median [IQR] age, 65 [50-76] years; 21&#x202f;907 female [50.1%]), among 30&#x202f;324 European and 11&#x202f;198 African individuals, the common C151R variant was associated with decreased risk for DCM (odds ratio [OR],&#x2009;0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.92) and simultaneous increased risk for HCM (OR,&#x2009;1.59; 95% CI, 1.25-2.02), which was confirmed in the replication cohorts. C151R carriers exhibited improved longitudinal outcomes compared with noncarriers as assessed by age at death (hazard ratio [HR],&#x2009;0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.96; median [IQR] age, 71.8 [63.1-80.7] in carriers and 70.3 [61.6-79.2] in noncarriers) and heart transplant (HR,&#x2009;0.81; 95% CI, 0.66-0.99; median [IQR] age, 56.7 [46.1-63.1] in carriers and 55.6 [45.2-62.9] in noncarriers). C151R was associated with reduced risk of DCM (OR,&#x2009;0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.74) and heart failure (OR,&#x2009;0.27; 95% CI, 0.14-0.50) among individuals harboring truncating TTN variants in exons with high cardiac expression (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;358). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: BAG3 C151R was identified as a bidirectional modulator of risk along the DCM-HCM spectrum, as well as an important genetic modifier variant in TTN-mediated DCM. This work expands on the understanding of the etiology and penetrance of DCM, suggesting that BAG3 C151R is an important genetic modifier variant contributing to the variable expressivity of DCM, warranting further exploration of its mechanisms and of genetic modifiers in DCM more broadly.

Humans

RBM20 Truncating Variants and Human Cardiomyopathy.

IMPORTANCE: Genetic diagnosis has become increasingly important to guide clinical decision-making for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) missense variants in the gene RBM20 cause a highly penetrant arrhythmogenic DCM, but the role of RBM20 truncating variants (RBM20tvs) is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of RBM20 variants to arrhythmogenic DCM. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this cohort study, participants in the genome-first UK Biobank (UKB) and All of Us populations were evaluated to assess the etiologic fraction, natural history and penetrance of RBM20 variants. Retrospective data were collected from an international cohort of patients with DCM and RBM20 variants identified at centers of excellence for genetic heart disease and compared based on time to event. Study dates are not disclosed because the institutional review board did not authorize the sharing of this information. EXPOSURES: RBM20 variants were compared to known P/LP variants and variants of uncertain significance in RBM20 as well as titin truncating variants (TTNtvs). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Major ventricular arrhythmias, end-stage heart failure, and heart failure hospitalization as measured by medical record review (retrospective cohort) and diagnostic codes (UKB). RESULTS: Two main cohorts were studied for this project. In UK Biobank, a cohort of participants with RBM20tvs, RBM20 synonymous variants, and TTNtvs was studied. Of these 4249 participants, 1869 (44%) were male. The mean (SD) age at enrollment was 56 (8.2) years. In the RBM20 registry, of 179 patients, 105 (58.6%) were male, and the mean (SD) age at enrollment was 43.8 (19.1) years. A validation cohort from the All of Us biobank was also used. This consisted of 7002 participants, 4342 of whom (62.0%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 52.7 (16.7) years. The etiologic fraction of RBM20 variants in arrhythmogenic DCM was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.32-0.67; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). In genome-first biobanks, lifetime incidence of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or major ventricular arrhythmia diagnosis was lower in participants with RBM20 variants than in those with TTNtvs (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.84; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). Patients with RBM20tvs and DCM presented to referral centers later in life than those with P/LP RBM20 and DCM (mean [SD], 53 [10] vs 34 [18] years; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001) and were less likely to have a family history of sudden cardiac arrest (2 of 10 [20%] vs 11 of 17 [65%]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.046) or cardiomyopathy (2 of 10 [20%] vs 14 of 18 [78%]; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.001). There was no significant difference in age- and sex-adjusted incident major heart failure or arrhythmia events between patients with RBM20tv and DCM or those with P/LP RBM20 and DCM, though sex-adjusted lifetime hazard was reduced in those with RBM20tv and DCM (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.56; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;.01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study found that RBM20 variants contributed to arrhythmogenic DCM phenotypes but conferred reduced lifetime disease penetrance compared to TTNtvs and milder disease severity alone than P/LP RBM20 variants. Their potential for additive interactions with other damaging variants should be considered in patients with DCM and their families.

Humans

Alpha protein kinase 3 gene therapy restores heart function in mouse and human models of cardiomyopathy.

Truncating variants in the ALPK3 gene (encoding alpha protein kinase 3) cause severe cardiomyopathy for which no curative treatment exists1-3. Here we establish an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene replacement therapy to deliver full-length human ALPK3. AAV-ALPK3 prevented disease in neonatal Alpk3-mutant mice and reversed established pathology in adults, with proteomic analysis demonstrating reversal of more than 95% of the molecular disease signature. Beyond ALPK3 deficiency, we explored broader therapeutic potential based on ALPK3's regulatory role in proteostasis, a pathway commonly disrupted across cardiomyopathies. ALPK3 expression is reduced in cardiomyocytes with TTN-truncating variants, the most prevalent cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, and the encoded titin protein has a protein quality control network in common with ALPK3. AAV-ALPK3 restored contractile function in human cardiac organoids with an ALPK3- or TTN-truncating variant. These findings provide proof of concept for ALPK3 gene therapy in patients with ALPK3 cardiomyopathy and reveal potential for indication expansion to cardiomyopathies associated with TTN-truncating variants, which are not amenable to gene replacement therapy due to size limitations.

Animals

Generation of two homozygous iPSC lines carrying variants of uncertain significance in LMNA associated with cardiomyopathy.

Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the LMNA gene represent a major challenge in clinical genetics, as insufficient functional evidence limits their interpretation and clinical decision-making in laminopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here, we generated two isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines carrying homozygous LMNA variants, c.293A&#xa0;>&#xa0;G (p.Glu98Gly) and c.439G&#xa0;>&#xa0;A (p.Ala147Thr) by prime editing of a healthy donor iPSC line. Both variants are located within Coil 1B domain of lamin A. The edited iPSC lines retain normal morphology, pluripotency, genomic integrity, and trilineage differentiation capacity, providing a valuable platform for functional characterization and potential clinical reclassification of LMNA VUS.

Humans

Incidence of Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With Titin Truncating Variants Across the Ventricular Morphofunctional Phenotypic Spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Titin truncating variants (TTNtvs), the most common genetic cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), are over-represented in early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and unexplained sudden cardiac arrest/death (SCA/SCD), suggesting they can cause arrhythmias before development of overt ventricular cardiomyopathy. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the incidence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) between TTNtv-positive patients with genotype-positive but phenotype-negative (G+/P-) disease, nondilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC), and DCM. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,229 patients in our Arrhythmogenic/Dilated Cardiomyopathy Registry was used to identify those with pathogenic/likely pathogenic TTNtvs. Patients were classified as having G+/P- disease, NDLVC, or DCM using the 2023 European Society of Cardiology guideline for cardiomyopathies. The incidence of AF, sustained VA, appropriate defibrillator therapies, SCA, and SCD was ascertained from medical records. RESULTS: Among 253 TTNtv-positive patients (mean age of 45 &#xb1; 16 years; 59% male), 54 (21%) were G+/P-, 49 (20%) were NDLVC, and 150 (59%) were DCM. During a median follow-up of 3.8 years at our institution, new-onset AF was seen in 67 patients (26% of those at risk). There was no significant difference in survival from new-onset AF in patients with NDLVC (HR: 3.29; 95% CI: 0.71-15.3; P = 0.13), although DCM was associated with worse AF-free survival (HR: 4.86; 95% CI: 1.17-20.1; P = 0.03). New-onset VAs were seen in 44 (17%) patients during follow-up, including SCA in 12 (5%) patients. There was no association between NDLVC (HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.19-2.69; P = 0.62) and DCM (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.37-2.54; P = 0.95) phenotypes compared with G+/P- patients. Cardiac transplantation was done in 14 (6%) patients, and 6 (2%) died of cardiac causes, including 2 cases of SCD. CONCLUSIONS: When stratified by morphofunctional phenotype, there was no difference in VAs across morphofunctional phenotypes in patients with TTNtvs. This highlights that patients with TTNtvs may be at risk of SCA/SCD even without overt ventricular cardiomyopathy. The risk of new-onset AF was highest in patients with DCM but was seen at all phenotypic stages during follow-up.

arrhythmia

Vitamin D Pathway Activation Reduces Cardiomyocyte DNA Damage and Improves Cardiac Contractility in Preclinical Models.

BACKGROUND: In heart failure (HF), DNA damage caused by various external stressors contributes to cardiac dysfunction through the activation of DNA damage response pathways. To date, no clinical strategies have been established to restore cardiac function by reducing accumulated DNA damage. We previously found that vitamin D improved contractility in lamin A/C (LMNA) p.Q353R-mutant induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSCMs), but whether this effect extends to other LMNA variants and in vivo models remained uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of vitamin D pathway activation with cardiomyocyte phosphorylated histone H2AX (&#x3b3;H2AX) foci and contractile phenotypes in patient-derived iPSCMs and mouse models of HF. METHODS: iPS cell lines were generated from dilated cardiomyopathy patients carrying the LMNA p.R225X mutation, and the effects of vitamin D treatment on &#x3b3;H2AX foci and cardiomyocyte contractility were evaluated. In addition, the effects of the vitamin D analog paricalcitol were evaluated in Lmna p.R225X mice and in a pressure overload mouse model of HF. RESULTS: Consistent with previous findings, vitamin D treatment reduced &#x3b3;H2AX foci in cardiomyocytes derived from LMNA p.R225X mutant iPS cells through upregulating the expression of DNA repair factors, and improved contractility in these iPSCMs. Furthermore, paricalcitol reduced &#x3b3;H2AX foci and attenuated cardiac dysfunction in both Lmna p.R225X mice and pressure overload HF model mice. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D pathway activation improved contractile phenotypes across complementary preclinical models and was accompanied by reduced &#x3b3;H2AX foci or related transcriptional changes. These findings support further mechanistic and preclinical investigation.

DNA damage

[New methods in early diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy caused by adriamycin].

The cytostatic drug Adriamycin can, when given in overdose, cause a congestive (dilative) cardiomyopathy. In 120 patients, chest X-ray and ECG proved unsuitable for the early detection of this cardiomyopathy. However, a relatively early diagnosis of a cardiomyopathy can be made using echocardiography, radiocardiography, including determination of the minimal cardiac transit time, and through the determination of systolic time intervals. Especially the latter method represents a simple, economic, and yet exact means for the early recognition of Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomegaly

Artificial intelligence-derived myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance for prognosis in cardiomyopathy: A systematic review of a sparse evidence base.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial fibrosis on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and parametric mapping, is an established predictor of adverse events in cardiomyopathy. We assessed whether artificial intelligence (AI) quantification of fibrosis adds independent prognostic value. METHODS: We searched six databases, a clinical-trials register, and a preprint server from inception to 13 June 2026. Eligible studies used AI to generate a fibrosis marker in adults with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy, with covariate-adjusted outcomes over &#x2265;12 months. Risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST, PROBAST+AI, and QUIPS. Fewer than three comparable studies precluded meta-analysis; certainty was rated using GRADE. RESULTS: Of 448 records (381 after de-duplication), 18 full texts were reviewed and two included, one peer-reviewed and one preprint. In an ischemic-cardiomyopathy registry (Ghanbari et al.; n = 216 analytic, 26 events), AI-derived dense LGE scar predicted arrhythmic events (univariable hazard ratio [HR] 2.35, 95% CI 1.33-4.15), and AI-derived but not manual scar improved discrimination beyond guideline criteria (area under the curve 0.63 to 0.68; p = 0.02). In a nonischemic dilated-cardiomyopathy preprint (Kim et al.; n = 347, 119 events), automated extracellular volume &#x2265;30% predicted cardiovascular death or heart-failure hospitalization (adjusted HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.32-3.03). Both were at high risk of bias, with data-derived thresholds and no external validation. CONCLUSIONS: Across only two studies, AI-derived fibrosis was independently associated with adverse cardiovascular events, but its added value over manual quantification remains unproven. Certainty was very low. The evidence base is sparse and not yet ready for clinical use.

Humans

Exploring genetic mapping and co-expression patterns to illuminate significance of Tbx20 in cardiac biology.

The transcription factor Tbx20 is integral to heart development and plays a significant role in various cardiac diseases. Despite its established importance, the regulatory mechanisms and functional significance of Tbx20 remain incompletely understood. To elucidate these mechanisms, we initially conducted eQTL mapping to identify genetic loci associated with Tbx20 expression in heart tissue from BXD mice. Co-expression and enrichment analyses revealed pathways linked to Tbx20, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and FoxO signaling. Additionally, protein-protein interaction studies identified essential cardiac proteins, such as Myl2 and Myl7, along with upstream regulators like Mef2c. To validate our bioinformatic findings, we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to assess the relative mRNA expression levels of TBX20 and Mef2c in the heart tissues of BXD mice compared to their parental strains (B6 and D2). Our results demonstrated significant up-regulation of both TBX20 and Mef2c in the BXD group relative to the parental strains. Conversely, both genes were down-regulated in B6, D2, Control, and Treatment groups when compared to BXD mice. These findings confirm the predicted regulatory roles of TBX20 and Mef2c in cardiac development as suggested by our initial analyses.This study not only reinforces the critical role of Tbx20 in cardiac gene regulation but also highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disorders. Further investigations into Tbx20 and its interactions will enhance our understanding of heart biology and contribute to the development of targeted therapies for heart diseases.

Animals

Cardiac sarcoidosis. Diagnosis with endomyocardial biopsy and treatment with corticosteroids.

A 27 year old woman was hospitalized for progressive dyspnea, fatigue and retrosternal chest pain. She had progressive cardiac enlargement with clinical and laboratory confirmation of a dilated cardiomyopathy. Transvenous percutaneous right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy yielded a specimen showing a noncaseating granuloma. The patient's dyspnea responded dramatically to steroid therapy with corresponding improvement in radiographic and echographic measures of ventricular performance. This case illustrates the problem of diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis when there is no apparent evidence of other organ involvement.

Adult

Network Interactions of Circulating FGF23, HRG-HMGB1, and Cardiac Disease in CKD.

KEY POINTS: Multitrait analysis of genome-wide association study boosts the statistical power to identify novel genetic traits for fibroblast growth factor 23. A functional genomics approach aided network discovery to identify histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) and high-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) as key regulators of cardiac disease in CKD. Integration of clinical and genetic data enhances the discovery power and is crucial for understanding the genetic underpinnings of mineral bone disorder related to CKD. BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with mineral metabolism markers but have exclusively focused on single-trait analysis. In this study, we performed a multitrait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) of mineral metabolism, exploring overlapping genetic architecture between traits to identify novel genetic associations for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). METHODS: We applied MTAG to variants common to GWAS of five genetically correlated mineral metabolism markers in participants of European ancestry. We integrated UK Biobank GWAS for blood levels for phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcium (n=366,484) and Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genetic Epidemiology GWAS for parathyroid hormone (n=29,155) and FGF23 (n=13,716). We then used supervised and unsupervised deep machine learning to identify novel associations between genetic traits and FGF23. RESULTS: MTAG increased the effective sample size for mineral metabolism markers to n=50,325 for FGF23. After clumping, MTAG identified independent genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms for all traits, including 62 loci for FGF23. Many of these loci have not been previously reported in single-trait analyses. Through a functional genomics approach, we identified histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as master regulators of downstream canonical pathways associated with circulating FGF23, and both genes were highly enriched in hypertrophied cardiac tissue of deceased hemodialysis patients. In addition, we found that DNMT3A was associated with uremic toxin, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, a biomarker of DNA damage. In silico gene perturbation analysis revealed that DNMT3A is protective in patients with heart failure caused by hypertrophied or dilated cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of MTAG analysis of mineral metabolism markers to boost the number of genome-wide significant loci for FGF23 to identify novel genetic traits. Functional genomics revealed novel networks that inform unique cellular functions and identified HRG and HMGB1 as key master regulators of FGF23 and cardiovascular disease in CKD.

bones, stones, and mineral metabolism

Multisystem Proteinopathy

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a genetically heterogeneous, multisystem degenerative disorder characterized by adult-onset proximal and distal muscle weakness (clinically resembling a limb-girdle muscular dystrophy syndrome), early-onset Paget disease of bone (PDB), and premature frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Muscle weakness progresses to involve other limb and respiratory muscles. PDB involves focal areas of increased bone turnover that typically lead to spine and/or hip pain and localized enlargement and deformity of the long bones; pathologic fractures occur on occasion. Early stages of FTD are characterized by dysnomia, dyscalculia, comprehension deficits, and paraphasic errors, with minimal impairment of episodic memory; later stages are characterized by inability to speak, auditory comprehension deficits for even one-step commands, alexia, and agraphia. Mean age at diagnosis for muscle disease is 43 years, PDB is 41 years, and FTD is 56 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson disease are now known to be part of the spectrum of findings associated with MSP. DIAGNOSIS/TESTING: The diagnosis of MSP is established in a proband with typical clinical findings and a heterozygous pathogenic variant in VCP, HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2B1, or SQSTM1 identified by molecular genetic testing. MANAGEMENT: Treatment of manifestations: Weight control to avoid obesity; physical therapy and stretching exercises to promote mobility and prevent contractures; occupational therapy and mechanical aids (canes, walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs) as needed for ambulation/mobility; surgical intervention for foot deformity and scoliosis as needed; respiratory aids when indicated; assisted living arrangements for muscle weakness and/or dementia; bisphosphonates to relieve pain and disability from PDB; social and emotional support; education regarding safety precautions. Surveillance: Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram with repeat cardiac evaluation every two to three years or earlier if symptomatic; annual pulmonary function studies; sleep studies as clinically indicated; annual alkaline phosphatase measurement; skeletal imaging as indicated for evaluation of PDB; neurologic and neuropsychological assessment every two to three years or more frequently as needed; multidisciplinary monitoring for respiratory, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and cognitive decline. GENETIC COUNSELING: MSP is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Most individuals diagnosed with MSP have an affected parent. Estimates based largely on VCP-MSP suggest that approximately 5% of individuals have a de novo pathogenic variant. Each child of an individual with MSP has a 50% chance of inheriting the MSP-related pathogenic variant. Marked intrafamilial variability may be observed among heterozygous family members, including differences in age at onset, severity, rate of progression, and the specific combination of manifestations. Once the MSP-related pathogenic variant has been identified in an affected family member, predictive testing for at-risk family members and prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing are possible.

Inclusion Body Myopathy with Early-Onset Paget Dis

Progression to left ventricular dilatation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Congestive heart failure with dilated left ventricle developed in two patients with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Both patients previously underwent cardiac surgery for relief of their outflow obstruction. Alterations in structure and function of the left ventricle during their episode of cardiac failure and thereafter were documented by echocardiography. The findings suggest that progression to left ventricular dilatation is a potential complication in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic

Genetic Determinants of Early Heart Failure in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Prospective NC-DEFINE Study.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the most severe form of congenital heart disease, are at high risk for heart failure (HF). HF in early life is a major contributor to mortality in this vulnerable population. However, reliable approaches to identify infants at highest risk for early HF are currently lacking. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultra-rare variants in cardiomyopathy-associated genes are associated with HF risk in HLHS. METHODS: Neonates with HLHS were prospectively enrolled within the first 21 days of life at Duke University Health System. Children and adults with HLHS who were older than 21 days were enrolled from Duke University Health System and the University of North Carolina into an ambispective cohort. External HLHS cohorts from Nationwide Children's Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center were evaluated to assess for reproducibility across institutions. Participants underwent genome sequencing, and ultra-rare variants in dilated cardiomyopathy-associated genes (minor allele frequency &#x2264;0.01%) were evaluated. The primary outcome was HF, categorized as severe (ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or death) or medically managed (reduced systemic ventricular ejection fraction and/or HF diagnosis requiring initiation or escalation of HF therapy). Associations between variant status and HF risk were assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Among 35 neonates in the prospective cohort, 7 (20.0%) developed severe HF, 10 (28.6%) developed medically managed HF, and 18 (51.4%) remained HF free. The presence of a likely pathogenic/pathogenic variant was associated with a marked 9-fold increased risk of severe HF compared with genotype-negative individuals (P = 0.02). Most severe HF events occurred within the first month of life (67%). Similar associations between likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants and severe HF were observed in the Nationwide Children's Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center cohorts (11- and 3-fold increased risk, respectively; all P < 0.05). Associations were attenuated in the ambispective cohort (all P > 0.05), which consisted of individuals significantly older than the prospective cohort (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first prospective evidence linking dilated cardiomyopathy-associated variants to early-onset HF in HLHS. These findings suggest that genetic variation may contribute to myocardial vulnerability in HLHS, highlighting the potential for genetic screening to enable early risk stratification and guide precision medicine approaches in this high-risk population.

Humans

Progressive cardiomyopathy with intercalated disc disorganization in a rat model of Becker dystrophy.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X-linked disorder due to in-frame mutations in the DMD gene, leading to a less abundant and truncated dystrophin. BMD is less common and severe than Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as well as less investigated. To accelerate the search for innovative treatments, we developed a rat model of BMD by deleting the exons 45-47 of the Dmd gene. Here, we report a functional and histopathological evaluation of these rats during their first year of life, compared to DMD and control littermates. BMD rats exhibit moderate damage to locomotor and diaphragmatic muscles but suffer from a progressive cardiomyopathy. Single nuclei RNA-seq analysis of cardiac samples revealed shared transcriptomic abnormalities in BMD and DMD rats and highlighted an altered end-addressing of TMEM65 and Connexin-43 at the intercalated disc, along with electrocardiographic abnormalities. Our study documents the natural history of a translational preclinical model of BMD and reports a cellular mechanism for the cardiac dysfunction in BMD and DMD offering opportunities to further investigate the organization role of dystrophin in intercellular communication.

Animals