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- Ain, Noor Ul, et al.
(author)
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Novel form of rhizomelic skeletal dysplasia associated with a homozygous variant in GNPNAT1
- 2021
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 58:5, s. 351-356
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Studies exploring molecular mechanisms underlying congenital skeletal disorders have revealed novel regulators of skeletal homeostasis and shown protein glycosylation to play an important role.OBJECTIVE: To identify the genetic cause of rhizomelic skeletal dysplasia in a consanguineous Pakistani family.METHODS: Clinical investigations were carried out for four affected individuals in the recruited family. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was completed using DNA from two affected and two unaffected individuals from the family. Sequencing data were processed, filtered and analysed. In silico analyses were performed to predict the effects of the candidate variant on the protein structure and function. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to study the effect of Gnpnat1 gene knockdown in primary rat chondrocytes.RESULTS: The patients presented with short stature due to extreme shortening of the proximal segments of the limbs. Radiographs of one individual showed hip dysplasia and severe platyspondyly. WGS data analyses identified a homozygous missense variant c.226G>A; p.(Glu76Lys) in GNPNAT1, segregating with the disease. Glucosamine 6-phosphate N-acetyltransferase, encoded by the highly conserved gene GNPNAT1, is one of the enzymes required for synthesis of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine, which participates in protein glycosylation. Knockdown of Gnpnat1 by siRNAs decreased cellular proliferation and expression of chondrocyte differentiation markers collagen type 2 and alkaline phosphatase, indicating that Gnpnat1 is important for growth plate chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a novel severe skeletal dysplasia associated with a biallelic, variant in GNPNAT1. Our data suggest that GNPNAT1 is important for growth plate chondrogenesis.
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- Akimoto, Chizuru, et al.
(author)
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A blinded international study on the reliability of genetic testing for GGGGCC-repeat expansions in C9orf72 reveals marked differences in results among 14 laboratories
- 2014
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 51:6, s. 419-424
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The GGGGCC-repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most frequent mutation found in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Most of the studies on C9orf72 have relied on repeat-primed PCR (RP-PCR) methods for detection of the expansions. To investigate the inherent limitations of this technique, we compared methods and results of 14 laboratories. Methods The 14 laboratories genotyped DNA from 78 individuals (diagnosed with ALS or FTD) in a blinded fashion. Eleven laboratories used a combination of amplicon-length analysis and RP-PCR, whereas three laboratories used RP-PCR alone; Southern blotting techniques were used as a reference. Results Using PCR-based techniques, 5 of the 14 laboratories got results in full accordance with the Southern blotting results. Only 50 of the 78 DNA samples got the same genotype result in all 14 laboratories. There was a high degree of false positive and false negative results, and at least one sample could not be genotyped at all in 9 of the 14 laboratories. The mean sensitivity of a combination of amplicon-length analysis and RP-PCR was 95.0% (73.9-100%), and the mean specificity was 98.0% (87.5-100%). Overall, a sensitivity and specificity of more than 95% was observed in only seven laboratories. Conclusions Because of the wide range seen in genotyping results, we recommend using a combination of amplicon-length analysis and RP-PCR as a minimum in a research setting. We propose that Southern blotting techniques should be the gold standard, and be made obligatory in a clinical diagnostic setting.
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- Albagha, O M E, et al.
(author)
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Association of oestrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms with postmenopausal bone loss, bone mass, and quantitative ultrasound properties of bone.
- 2005
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 42:3, s. 240-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The gene encoding oestrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) appears to regulate bone mineral density (BMD) and other determinants of osteoporotic fracture risk. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between common polymorphisms and haplotypes of the ESR1 gene and osteoporosis related phenotypes in a population based cohort of 3054 Scottish women. RESULTS: There was a significant association between a common haplotype "px", defined by the PvuII and XbaI restriction fragment length polymorphisms within intron 1 of the ESR1 gene, and femoral neck bone loss in postmenopausal women who had not received hormone replacement therapy (n = 945; p = 0.009). Annual rates of femoral neck bone loss were approximately 14% higher in subjects who carried one copy of px and 22% higher in those who carried two copies, compared with those who did not carry the px haplotype. The px haplotype was associated with lower femoral neck BMD in the postmenopausal women (p = 0.02), and with reduced calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) values in the whole study population (p = 0.005). There was no association between a TA repeat polymorphism in the ESR1 promoter and any phenotype studied, though on long range haplotype analysis subjects with a smaller number of TA repeats who also carried the px haplotype had reduced BUA values. CONCLUSIONS: The ESR1px haplotype is associated with reduced hip BMD values and increased rates of femoral neck bone loss in postmenopausal women. An association with BUA may explain the fact that ESR1 intron 1 alleles predict osteoporotic fractures by a mechanism partly independent of differences in BMD.
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4. |
- Antoniou, A C, et al.
(author)
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Breast and ovarian cancer risks to carriers of the BRCA1 5382insC and 185delAG and BRCA2 6174delT mutations: a combined analysis of 22 population based studies
- 2005
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 42:7, s. 602-603
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A recent report estimated the breast cancer risks in carriers of the three Ashkenazi founder mutations to be higher than previously published estimates derived from population based studies. In an attempt to confirm this, the breast and ovarian cancer risks associated with the three Ashkenazi founder mutations were estimated using families included in a previous meta-analysis of populatrion based studies. The estimated breast cancer risks for each of the founder BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were similar to the corresponding estimates based on all BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in the meta-analysis. These estimates appear to be consistent with the observed prevalence of the mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
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5. |
- Arnell, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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The genetics of primary nocturnal enuresis: inheritance and suggestion of a second major gene on chromosome 12q
- 1997
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 34:5, s. 360-5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), or bedwetting at night, affects approximately 10% of 6 year old children. Genetic components contribute to the pathogenesis and recently one locus was assigned to chromosome 13q. We evaluated the genetic factors and the pattern of inheritance for PNE in 392 families. Dominant transmission was observed in 43% and an apparent recessive mode of inheritance was observed in 9% of the families. Among the 392 probands the ratio of males to females was 3:1 indicating sex linked or sex influenced factors. Linkage to candidate regions was tested in 16 larger families segregating for autosomal dominant PNE. A gene for PNE was excluded from chromosome 13q in 11 families, whereas linkage to the interval D13S263-D13S291 was suggested (Zmax = 2.1) in three families. Further linkage analyses excluded about 1/3 of the genome at a 10 cM resolution except the region around D12S80 on chromosome 12q that showed a positive two point lod score in six of the families (Zmax = 4.2). This locus remains suggestive because the material was not sufficiently large to give evidence for heterogeneity. Our pedigree analysis indicates that major genes are involved in a large proportion of PNE families and the linkage results suggest that such a gene is located on chromosome 12q.
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- Bergthorsson, J.T., et al.
(author)
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BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status and cancer family history of Danish women affected with multifocal or bilateral breast cancer at a young age
- 2001
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 38:6, s. 361-368
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction - A small fraction of breast cancer is the result of germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer susceptibility genes. Mutation carriers frequently have a positive family history of breast and ovarian cancer, are often diagnosed at a young age, and may have a higher incidence of double or multiple primary breast tumours than breast cancer patients in general. Objectives - To estimate the prevalence and spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in young Danish patients affected with bilateral or multifocal breast cancer and to determine the relationship of mutation status to family history of cancer. Subjects - From the files of the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG), we selected 119 breast cancer patients diagnosed before the age of 46 years with either bilateral (n=59) or multifocal (n=61) disease. Methods - DNA from the subjects was screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations using single strand conformation analysis (SSCA) and the protein truncation test (PTT). Observed and expected cancer incidence in first degree relatives of the patients was estimated using data from the Danish Cancer Registry. Results - Twenty four mutation carriers were identified (20%), of whom 13 had a BRCA1 mutation and 11 carried a BRCA2 mutation. Two mutations in BRCA1 were found repeatedly in the material and accounted for seven of the 24 (29%) mutation carriers. The mutation frequency was about equal in patients with bilateral (22%) and multifocal breast cancer (18%). The incidence of breast and ovarian cancer was greatly increased in first degree relatives of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, but to a much lesser degree in relatives of non-carriers. An increased risk of cancer was also noted in brothers of non-carriers. Conclusions - A relatively broad spectrum of germline mutations was observed in BRCA1 and BRCA2 and most of the mutations are present in other populations. Our results indicate that a diagnosis of bilateral and multifocal breast cancer is predictive of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status, particularly when combined with information on the patients' age at diagnosis and family history of breast/ovarian cancer.
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- Beyerlein, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Progression from islet autoimmunity to clinical type 1 diabetes is influenced by genetic factors : Results from the prospective TEDDY study
- 2019
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 56:9, s. 602-605
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Progression time from islet autoimmunity to clinical type 1 diabetes is highly variable and the extent that genetic factors contribute is unknown. Methods: In 341 islet autoantibody-positive children with the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR3/DR4-DQ8 or the HLA DR4-DQ8/DR4-DQ8 genotype from the prospective TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young) study, we investigated whether a genetic risk score that had previously been shown to predict islet autoimmunity is also associated with disease progression. Results: Islet autoantibody-positive children with a genetic risk score in the lowest quartile had a slower progression from single to multiple autoantibodies (p=0.018), from single autoantibodies to diabetes (p=0.004), and by trend from multiple islet autoantibodies to diabetes (p=0.06). In a Cox proportional hazards analysis, faster progression was associated with an increased genetic risk score independently of HLA genotype (HR for progression from multiple autoantibodies to type 1 diabetes, 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.58 per unit increase), an earlier age of islet autoantibody development (HR, 0.68, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.81 per year increase in age) and female sex (HR, 1.94, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.93). Conclusions: Genetic risk scores may be used to identify islet autoantibody-positive children with high-risk HLA genotypes who have a slow rate of progression to subsequent stages of autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes.
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12. |
- Björkman, Kristoffer, et al.
(author)
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Phenotypic spectrum and clinical course of single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion disease in the paediatric population: a multicentre study.
- 2021
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 60:1, s. 65-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (LMD) are a common genetic cause of mitochondrial disease and give rise to a wide range of clinical features. Lack of longitudinal data means the natural history remains unclear. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical spectrum in a large cohort of patients with paediatric disease onset. Methods A retrospective multicentre study was performed in patients with clinical onset <16 years of age, diagnosed and followed in seven European mitochondrial disease centres. Results A total of 80 patients were included. The average age at disease onset and at last examination was 10 and 31 years, respectively. The median time from disease onset to death was 11.5 years. Pearson syndrome was present in 21%, Kearns-Sayre syndrome spectrum disorder in 50% and progressive external ophthalmoplegia in 29% of patients. Haematological abnormalities were the hallmark of the disease in preschool children, while the most common presentations in older patients were ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia. Skeletal muscle involvement was found in 65% and exercise intolerance in 25% of the patients. Central nervous system involvement was frequent, with variable presence of ataxia (40%), cognitive involvement (36%) and stroke-like episodes (9%). Other common features were pigmentary retinopathy (46%), short stature (42%), hearing impairment (39%), cardiac disease (39%), diabetes mellitus (25%) and renal disease (19%). Conclusion Our study provides new insights into the phenotypic spectrum of childhood-onset, LMD-associated syndromes. We found a wider spectrum of more prevalent multisystem involvement compared with previous studies, most likely related to a longer time of follow-up.
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- Celse, Tristan, et al.
(author)
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OTX2 duplications : a recurrent cause of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum
- 2023
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 60:6, s. 620-626
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is the second most common cause of head and neck malformations in children after orofacial clefts. OAVS is clinically heterogeneous and characterised by a broad range of clinical features including ear anomalies with or without hearing loss, hemifacial microsomia, orofacial clefts, ocular defects and vertebral abnormalities. Various genetic causes were associated with OAVS and copy number variations represent a recurrent cause of OAVS, but the responsible gene often remains elusive.Methods We described an international cohort of 17 patients, including 10 probands and 7 affected relatives, presenting with OAVS and carrying a 14q22.3 microduplication detected using chromosomal microarray analysis. For each patient, clinical data were collected using a detailed questionnaire addressed to the referring clinicians. We subsequently studied the effects of OTX2 overexpression in a zebrafish model.Results We defined a 272 kb minimal common region that only overlaps with the OTX2 gene. Head and face defects with a predominance of ear malformations were present in 100% of patients. The variability in expressivity was significant, ranging from simple chondromas to severe microtia, even between intrafamilial cases. Heterologous overexpression of OTX2 in zebrafish embryos showed significant effects on early development with alterations in craniofacial development.Conclusions Our results indicate that proper OTX2 dosage seems to be critical for the normal development of the first and second branchial arches. Overall, we demonstrated that OTX2 genomic duplications are a recurrent cause of OAVS marked by auricular malformations of variable severity.
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19. |
- Christensen, Alex Hörby, et al.
(author)
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Genotype-phenotype correlation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy-risk of arrhythmias and heart failure.
- 2021
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In: Journal of medical genetics. - : BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. - 1468-6244 .- 0022-2593.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is predominantly caused by desmosomal genetic variants, and clinical hallmarks include arrhythmias and systolic dysfunction. We aimed at studying the impact of the implicated gene(s) on the disease course.The Nordic ARVC Registry holds data on a multinational cohort of ARVC families. The effects of genotype on electrocardiographic features, imaging findings and clinical events were analysed.We evaluated 419 patients (55% men), with a mean follow-up of 11.2±7.4 years. A pathogenic desmosomal variant was identified in 62% of the 230 families: PKP2 in 41%, DSG2 in 13%, DSP in 7% and DSC2 in 3%. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% on cardiac MRI was more frequent among patients with DSC2/DSG2/DSP than PKP2 ARVC (27% vs 4%, p<0.01). In contrast, in Cox regression modelling of patients with definite ARVC, we found a higher risk of arrhythmias among PKP2 than DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers: HR 0.25 (0.10-0.68, p<0.01) for atrial fibrillation/flutter, HR 0.67 (0.44-1.0, p=0.06) for ventricular arrhythmias and HR 0.63 (0.42-0.95, p<0.05) for any arrhythmia. Gene-negative patients had an intermediate risk (16%) of LVEF ≤45% and a risk of the combined arrhythmic endpoint comparable with DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers. Male sex was a risk factor for both arrhythmias and reduced LVEF across all genotype groups (p<0.01).In this large cohort of ARVC families with long-term follow-up, we found PKP2 genotype to be more arrhythmic than DSC2/DSG2/DSP or gene-negative carrier status, whereas reduced LVEF was mostly seen among DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers. Male sex was associated with a more severe phenotype.
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20. |
- Christensen, Alex Horby, et al.
(author)
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Genotype-phenotype correlation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy-risk of arrhythmias and heart failure
- 2022
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 59:9, s. 858-864
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is predominantly caused by desmosomal genetic variants, and clinical hallmarks include arrhythmias and systolic dysfunction. We aimed at studying the impact of the implicated gene(s) on the disease course. Methods The Nordic ARVC Registry holds data on a multinational cohort of ARVC families. The effects of genotype on electrocardiographic features, imaging findings and clinical events were analysed. Results We evaluated 419 patients (55% men), with a mean follow-up of 11.2 +/- 7.4 years. A pathogenic desmosomal variant was identified in 62% of the 230 families: PKP2 in 41%, DSG2 in 13%, DSP in 7% and DSC2 in 3%. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <= 45% on cardiac MRI was more frequent among patients with DSC2/DSG2/DSP than PKP2 ARVC (27% vs 4%, p<0.01). In contrast, in Cox regression modelling of patients with definite ARVC, we found a higher risk of arrhythmias among PKP2 than DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers: HR 0.25 (0.10-0.68, p<0.01) for atrial fibrillation/flutter, HR 0.67 (0.44-1.0, p=0.06) for ventricular arrhythmias and HR 0.63 (0.42-0.95, p<0.05) for any arrhythmia. Gene-negative patients had an intermediate risk (16%) of LVEF <= 45% and a risk of the combined arrhythmic endpoint comparable with DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers. Male sex was a risk factor for both arrhythmias and reduced LVEF across all genotype groups (p<0.01). Conclusion In this large cohort of ARVC families with long-term follow-up, we found PKP2 genotype to be more arrhythmic than DSC2/DSG2/DSP or gene-negative carrier status, whereas reduced LVEF was mostly seen among DSC2/DSG2/DSP carriers. Male sex was associated with a more severe phenotype.
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21. |
- Clendenning, M, et al.
(author)
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A frame-shift mutation of PMS2 is a widespread cause of Lynch syndrome
- 2008
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 45:6, s. 340-345
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: When compared to the other mismatch repair genes involved in Lynch syndrome, the identification of mutations within PMS2 has been limited (<2% of all identified mutations), yet the immunohistochemical analysis of tumour samples indicates that approximately 5% of Lynch syndrome cases are caused by PMS2. This disparity is primarily due to complications in the study of this gene caused by interference from pseudogene sequences. Methods: Using a recently developed method for detecting PMS2 specific mutations, we have screened 99 patients who are likely candidates for PMS2 mutations based on immunohistochemical analysis. Results: We have identified a frequently occurring frame-shift mutation (c.736_741del 6ins11) in 12 ostensibly unrelated Lynch syndrome patients (20% of patients we have identified with a deleterious mutation in PMS2, n = 61). These individuals all display the rare allele (population frequency <0.05) at a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 11, and have been shown to possess a short common haplotype, allowing us to calculate that the mutation arose around 1625 years ago (65 generations; 95% confidence interval 22 to 120). Conclusion: Ancestral analysis indicates that this mutation is enriched in individuals with British and Swedish ancestry. We estimate that there are >10 000 carriers of this mutation in the USA alone. The identification of both the mutation and the common haplotype in one Swedish control sample (n = 225), along with evidence that Lynch syndrome associated cancers are rarer than expected in the probands' families, would suggest that this is a prevalent mutation with reduced penetrance.
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- Dahgam, Santosh, et al.
(author)
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Haplotypes of the inducible nitric oxide synthase gene are strongly associated with exhaled nitric oxide levels in adults: a population-based study
- 2014
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 51:7, s. 449-454
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Previous genetic association studies have reported evidence for association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NOS2 gene, encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), to variation in levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in children and adults. In this study, we evaluated 10 SNPs in the region of chromosome 17 from 26.07Mb to 26.13Mb to further understand the contribution of NOS2 to variation in levels of FENO. Methods In a cohort of 5912 adults 25-75years of age, we investigated the relationship between NOS2 haplotypes and FENO, and effect modification by asthma. Results Seven common (frequency 5%) haplotypes (H1-H7) were inferred from all possible haplotype combinations. One haplotype (H3) was significantly associated with lower levels of FENO: -5.8% (95% CI -9.8 to -1.7; p=0.006) compared with the most common baseline haplotype H1. Two haplotypes (H5 and H6) were significantly associated with higher levels of FENO: +10.7% (95% CI 5.0 to 16.7; p=0.0002) and +14.9% (95% CI 10.6 to 19.3; p=7.8x10(-13)), respectively. The effect of haplotype H3 was mainly seen in subjects with asthma (-21.6% (95% CI -33.5 to -5.9)) and was not significant in subjects without asthma (-4.2% (95% CI -8.4 to 0.2)). The p value for interaction between H3 and asthma status was 0.004. Conclusions Our findings suggest that several common haplotypes in the NOS2 gene contribute to variation in FENO in adults. We also saw some evidence of effect modification by asthma status on haplotype H3.
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- Dahgam, Santosh, et al.
(author)
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the NOS2 and NOS3 genes are associated with exhaled nitric oxide
- 2012
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 49:3, s. 200-205
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Polymorphisms in nitric oxide synthase genes (NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3) have been suggested to have a major impact on fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), a biomarker of airway inflammation. However, the genetic contribution of NOS polymorphisms to FENO is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate comprehensively the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in all three NOS genes and FENO in an adult population, and to assess whether such associations are modified by asthma or atopy. Method In 1737 adults from a Swedish general population sample, FENO was measured and genetic variation in the NOS genes was assessed using 49 SNPs. The genetic effect of NOS polymorphisms on FENO, asthma, and atopy was estimated using multiple regression methods. Results In a multi-SNP model based on stepwise regression analysis, two SNPs in NOS2 and one in NOS3 showed independent associations with levels of FENO. For NOS2 SNP rs9901734, subjects had 5.3% (95% CI 1.0% to 9.7%) higher levels of FENO per G allele, and for rs3729508, subjects with CC or CT genotypes had 9.4% (95% CI 3.1% to 15.2%) higher levels compared with TT. For NOS3 SNP rs7830, subjects with GT or TT had 5.6% (95% CI 0.4% to 11.1%) higher levels than GG; the genetic effect of this SNP was stronger in asthmatics (21.9%, 95% CI 4.6% to 42.0%). Conclusion These results suggest that NOS2 is the major NOS gene determining variability in exhaled nitric oxide in the healthy adult population, while NOS3 may play a more important role in asthmatic adults.
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- Dahlqvist, Johanna, et al.
(author)
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Congenital ichthyosis : mutations in ichthyin are associated with specific structural abnormalities in the granular layer of epidermis
- 2007
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 44:10, s. 615-620
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a heterogeneous group of skin disorders. Several mutant genes have been identified in ARCI, but the association between genotype and phenotype is poorly understood. Methods: To investigate genotype–phenotype correlations in ARCI, we selected 27 patients from 18 families with specific ultrastructural features of the epidermis. The characteristic findings using electron microscopy (EM) were abnormal lamellar bodies and elongated membranes in the stratum granulosum, classified as ARCI EM type III. DNA samples from a subset of affected individuals were screened for homozygous genomic regions, and a candidate gene region was identified on chromosome 5q33. The region coincides with the ichthyin gene, previously reported as mutated in ARCI. Results: Mutation screening of ichthyin revealed missense or splice-site mutations in affected members from 16 of 18 (89%) families with characteristics of ARCI EM type III. In a control group of 18 patients with ARCI without EM findings consistent with type III, we identified one patient homozygous for a missense mutation in ichthyin. Discussion: Our findings indicate a strong association between ultrastructural abnormalities in the granular layer of epidermis and ichthyin mutations. The results also suggest that EM provides a tool for specific diagnosis in a genetically homogenous subgroup of patients with ARCI.
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- Dalgaard, Marlene D., et al.
(author)
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A genome-wide association study of men with symptoms of testicular dysgenesis syndrome and its network biology interpretation
- 2012
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 49:1, s. 58-65
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) is a common disease that links testicular germ cell cancer, cryptorchidism and some cases of hypospadias and male infertility with impaired development of the testis. The incidence of these disorders has increased over the last few decades, and testicular cancer now affects 1% of the Danish and Norwegian male population. Methods To identify genetic variants that span the four TDS phenotypes, the authors performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Affymetrix Human SNP Array 6.0 to screen 488 patients with symptoms of TDS and 439 selected controls with excellent reproductive health. Furthermore, they developed a novel integrative method that combines GWAS data with other TDS-relevant data types and identified additional TDS markers. The most significant findings were replicated in an independent cohort of 671 Nordic men. Results Markers located in the region of TGFBR3 and BMP7 showed association with all TDS phenotypes in both the discovery and replication cohorts. An immunohistochemistry investigation confirmed the presence of transforming growth factor beta receptor type III (TGFBR3) in peritubular and Leydig cells, in both fetal and adult testis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the KITLG gene showed significant associations, but only with testicular cancer. Conclusions The association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the TGFBR3 and BMP7 genes, which belong to the transforming growth factor b signalling pathway, suggests a role for this pathway in the pathogenesis of TDS. Integrating data from multiple layers can highlight findings in GWAS that are biologically relevant despite having border significance at currently accepted statistical levels.
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27. |
- Dhanraj, Santhosh, et al.
(author)
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Bone marrow failure and developmental delay caused by mutations in poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN)
- 2015
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 52:11, s. 738-748
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Deadenylation regulates RNA function and fate. Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) is a deadenylase that processes mRNAs and non-coding RNA. Little is known about the biological significance of germline mutations in PARN. Methods We identified mutations in PARN in patients with haematological and neurological manifestations. Genomic, biochemical and knockdown experiments in human marrow cells and in zebrafish have been performed to clarify the role of PARN in the human disease. Results We identified large monoallelic deletions in PARN in four patients with developmental delay or mental illness. One patient in particular had a severe neurological phenotype, central hypomyelination and bone marrow failure. This patient had an additional missense mutation on the non-deleted allele and severely reduced PARN protein and deadenylation activity. Cells from this patient had impaired oligoadenylation of specific H/ACA box small nucleolar RNAs. Importantly, PARN-deficient patient cells manifested short telomeres and an aberrant ribosome profile similar to those described in some variants of dyskeratosis congenita. Knocking down PARN in human marrow cells and zebrafish impaired haematopoiesis, providing further evidence for a causal link with the human disease. Conclusions Large monoallelic mutations of PARN can cause developmental/mental illness. Biallelic PARN mutations cause severe bone marrow failure and central hypomyelination.
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- Fallah, Mahdi, et al.
(author)
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Risk of thyroid cancer in first-degree relatives of patients with non-medullary thyroid cancer by histology type and age at diagnosis: a joint study from five Nordic countries
- 2013
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 50:6, s. 373-382
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background We aimed to estimate lifetime cumulative risk of thyroid cancer (CRTC) in first-degree relatives of patients with non-medullary thyroid cancers (NMTC), including papillary (PTC)/follicular/oxyphilic/anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, by histology and age at diagnosis in patients and their relatives. Design A population-based cohort of 63 495 first-degree relatives of 11 206 NMTC patients diagnosed in 1955-2009 in Nordic countries was followed for cancer incidence. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using histology-specific, age-specific, sex-specific, period-specific and country-specific incidence rates as reference. Results The 0-84-year CRTC in female relatives of a patient with PTC was 2%, representing a threefold increase over the general population risk (SIR=2.9, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.4; Men: CRTC=1%, SIR=2.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.3). When there were >= 2 PTC patients diagnosed at age <60 years in a family, CRTC for female relatives was 10% (male 24%). Twins had a 23-fold increased risk of concordant PTC. Family history of follicular/oxyphilic/anaplastic carcinoma increased CRTC in relatives to about 1-2%. Although no familial case of concordant oxyphilic/anaplastic carcinoma was found, familial risks of discordant histology types of NMTC were interchangeably high for most of the types, for example, higher risk of PTC when a first-degree relative had follicular (SIR=3.0, 95% CI 1.7 to 4.9) or anaplastic (SIR=3.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.4) carcinoma. The earlier a patient was diagnosed with PTC in a family, the higher was the SIR in his/her younger relatives. There was a tendency towards concordant age at diagnosis of thyroid cancer among relatives of PTC patients. Conclusions This study provides clinically relevant risk estimates for family members of NMTC patients.
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34. |
- Forsberg, Lars A., et al.
(author)
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Non-heritable genetics of human disease : spotlight on post-zygotic genetic variation acquired during lifetime
- 2013
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 50:1, s. 1-10
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The heritability of most common, multifactorial diseases is rather modest and known genetic effects account for a small part of it. The remaining portion of disease aetiology has been conventionally ascribed to environmental effects, with an unknown part being stochastic. This review focuses on recent studies highlighting stochastic events of potentially great importance in human disease-the accumulation of post-zygotic structural aberrations with age in phenotypically normal humans. These findings are in agreement with a substantial mutational load predicted to occur during lifetime within the human soma. A major consequence of these results is that the genetic profile of a single tissue collected at one time point should be used with caution as a faithful portrait of other tissues from the same subject or the same tissue throughout life. Thus, the design of studies in human genetics interrogating a single sample per subject or applying lymphoblastoid cell lines may come into question. Sporadic disorders are common in medicine. We wish to stress the non-heritable genetic variation as a potentially important factor behind the development of sporadic diseases. Moreover, associations between post-zygotic mutations, clonal cell expansions and their relation to cancer predisposition are central in this context. Post-zygotic mutations are amenable to robust examination and are likely to explain a sizable part of non-heritable disease causality, which has routinely been thought of as synonymous with environmental factors. In view of the widespread accumulation of genetic aberrations with age and strong predictions of disease risk from such analyses, studies of post-zygotic mutations may be a fruitful approach for delineation of variants that are causative for common human disorders.
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35. |
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36. |
- Frank, DN, et al.
(author)
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Otitis media susceptibility and shifts in the head and neck microbiome due to SPINK5 variants
- 2021
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In: Journal of medical genetics. - : BMJ. - 1468-6244 .- 0022-2593. ; 58:7, s. 442-452
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Otitis media (OM) susceptibility has significant heritability; however, the role of rare variants in OM is mostly unknown. Our goal is to identify novel rare variants that confer OM susceptibility.MethodsWe performed exome and Sanger sequencing of >1000 DNA samples from 551 multiethnic families with OM and unrelated individuals, RNA-sequencing and microbiome sequencing and analyses of swabs from the outer ear, middle ear, nasopharynx and oral cavity. We also examined protein localisation and gene expression in infected and healthy middle ear tissues.ResultsA large, intermarried pedigree that includes 81 OM-affected and 53 unaffected individuals cosegregates two known rare A2ML1 variants, a common FUT2 variant and a rare, novel pathogenic variant c.1682A>G (p.Glu561Gly) within SPINK5 (LOD=4.09). Carriage of the SPINK5 missense variant resulted in increased relative abundance of Microbacteriaceae in the middle ear, along with occurrence of Microbacteriaceae in the outer ear and oral cavity but not the nasopharynx. Eight additional novel SPINK5 variants were identified in 12 families and individuals with OM. A role for SPINK5 in OM susceptibility is further supported by lower RNA counts in variant carriers, strong SPINK5 localisation in outer ear skin, faint localisation to middle ear mucosa and eardrum and increased SPINK5 expression in human cholesteatoma.ConclusionSPINK5 variants confer susceptibility to non-syndromic OM. These variants potentially contribute to middle ear pathology through breakdown of mucosal and epithelial barriers, immunodeficiency such as poor vaccination response, alteration of head and neck microbiota and facilitation of entry of opportunistic pathogens into the middle ear.
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37. |
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38. |
- Ghavami, S., et al.
(author)
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Apoptosis and cancer : mutations within caspase genes
- 2009
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : B M J Group. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 46:8, s. 497-510
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The inactivation of programmed cell death has profound effects not only on the development but also on the overall integrity of multicellular organisms. Beside developmental abnormalities, it may lead to tumorigenesis, autoimmunity, and other serious health problems. Deregulated apoptosis may also be the leading cause of cancer therapy chemoresistance. Caspase family of cysteinyl-proteases plays the key role in the initiation and execution of programmed cell death. This review gives an overview of the role of caspases, their natural modulators like IAPs, FLIPs, and Smac/Diablo in apoptosis and upon inactivation, and also in cancer development. Besides describing the basic mechanisms governing programmed cell death, a large part of this review is dedicated to previous studies that were focused on screening tumours for mutations within caspase genes as well as their regulators. The last part of this review discusses several emerging treatments that involve modulation of caspases and their regulators. Thus, we also highlight caspase cascade modulating experimental anticancer drugs like cFLIP-antagonist CDDO-Me; cIAP1 antagonists OSU-03012 and ME-BS; and XIAP small molecule antagonists 1396-11, 1396-12, 1396-28, triptolide, AEG35156, survivin/Hsp90 antagonist shephedrin, and some of the direct activators of procaspase-3.
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39. |
- Giedraitis, Vilmantas, et al.
(author)
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New Alzheimer's disease locus on chromosome 8
- 2006
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 43:12, s. 931-935
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Family history is one of the most consistent risk factors for dementia. Therefore, analysis of families with a distinct inheritance pattern of disease can be a powerful approach for the identification of previously unknown disease genes. Objective: To map susceptibility regions for Alzheimer's disease. Methods: A complete genome scan with 369 microsatellite markers was carried out in 12 extended families collected in Sweden. Age at disease onset ranged from 53 to 78 years, but in 10 of the families there was at least one member with age at onset of <= 65 years. Mutations in known early-onset Alzheimer's disease susceptibility genes have been excluded. All people were genotyped for APOE, but no clear linkage with the epsilon 4 allele was observed. Results: Although no common disease locus could be found in all families, in two families an extended haplotype was identified on chromosome 8q shared by all affected members. In one of the families, a non-parametric multi-marker logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 4.2 (p = 0.004) was obtained and analysis based on a dominant model showed a parametric LOD score of 2.4 for this region. All six affected members of this family shared a haplotype of 10 markers spanning about 40 cM. Three affected members in another family also shared a haplotype in the same region. Conclusion: On the basis of our data, we propose the existence of a dominantly acting Alzheimer's disease susceptibility locus on chromosome 8.
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40. |
- Goldstein, Alisa M, et al.
(author)
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Features associated with germline CDKN2A mutations: a GenoMEL study of melanoma-prone families from three continents
- 2007
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 44:2, s. 99-106
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The major factors individually reported to be associated with an increased frequency of CDKN2A mutations are increased number of patients with melanoma in a family, early age at melanoma diagnosis, and family members with multiple primary melanomas (MPM) or pancreatic cancer. METHODS: These four features were examined in 385 families with > or =3 patients with melanoma pooled by 17 GenoMEL groups, and these attributes were compared across continents. RESULTS: Overall, 39% of families had CDKN2A mutations ranging from 20% (32/162) in Australia to 45% (29/65) in North America to 57% (89/157) in Europe. All four features in each group, except pancreatic cancer in Australia (p = 0.38), individually showed significant associations with CDKN2A mutations, but the effects varied widely across continents. Multivariate examination also showed different predictors of mutation risk across continents. In Australian families, > or =2 patients with MPM, median age at melanoma diagnosis < or =40 years and > or =6 patients with melanoma in a family jointly predicted the mutation risk. In European families, all four factors concurrently predicted the risk, but with less stringent criteria than in Australia. In North American families, only > or =1 patient with MPM and age at diagnosis < or =40 years simultaneously predicted the mutation risk. CONCLUSIONS: The variation in CDKN2A mutations for the four features across continents is consistent with the lower melanoma incidence rates in Europe and higher rates of sporadic melanoma in Australia. The lack of a pancreatic cancer-CDKN2A mutation relationship in Australia probably reflects the divergent spectrum of mutations in families from Australia versus those from North America and Europe. GenoMEL is exploring candidate host, genetic and/or environmental risk factors to better understand the variation observed.
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41. |
- Granadillo, JL, et al.
(author)
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Pathogenic variants in TNRC6B cause a genetic disorder characterised by developmental delay/intellectual disability and a spectrum of neurobehavioural phenotypes including autism and ADHD
- 2020
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In: Journal of medical genetics. - : BMJ. - 1468-6244 .- 0022-2593. ; 57:10, s. 717-724
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rare variants in hundreds of genes have been implicated in developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID) and neurobehavioural phenotypes. TNRC6B encodes a protein important for RNA silencing. Heterozygous truncating variants have been reported in three patients from large cohorts with autism, but no full phenotypic characterisation was described.MethodsClinical and molecular characterisation was performed on 17 patients with TNRC6B variants. Clinical data were obtained by retrospective chart review, parent interviews, direct patient interaction with providers and formal neuropsychological evaluation.ResultsClinical findings included DD/ID (17/17) (speech delay in 94% (16/17), fine motor delay in 82% (14/17) and gross motor delay in 71% (12/17) of subjects), autism or autistic traits (13/17), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (11/17), other behavioural problems (7/17) and musculoskeletal findings (12/17). Other congenital malformations or clinical findings were occasionally documented. The majority of patients exhibited some dysmorphic features but no recognisable gestalt was identified. 17 heterozygous TNRC6B variants were identified in 12 male and five female unrelated subjects by exome sequencing (14), a targeted panel (2) and a chromosomal microarray (1). The variants were nonsense (7), frameshift (5), splice site (2), intragenic deletions (2) and missense (1).ConclusionsVariants in TNRC6B cause a novel genetic disorder characterised by recurrent neurocognitive and behavioural phenotypes featuring DD/ID, autism, ADHD and other behavioural abnormalities. Our data highly suggest that haploinsufficiency is the most likely pathogenic mechanism. TNRC6B should be added to the growing list of genes of the RNA-induced silencing complex associated with ID/DD, autism and ADHD.
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42. |
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43. |
- Halvardson, Jonatan, et al.
(author)
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Mutations in HECW2 are associated with intellectual disability and epilepsy
- 2016
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 53:10, s. 697-704
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: De novo mutations are a frequent cause of disorders related to brain development. We report the results of screening patients diagnosed with both epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID) using exome sequencing to identify known and new causative de novo mutations relevant to these conditions.METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed on 39 patient-parent trios to identify de novo mutations. Clinical significance of de novo mutations in genes was determined using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics standard guidelines for interpretation of coding variants. Variants in genes of unknown clinical significance were further analysed in the context of previous trio sequencing efforts in neurodevelopmental disorders.RESULTS: In 39 patient-parent trios we identified 29 de novo mutations in coding sequence. Analysis of de novo and inherited variants yielded a molecular diagnosis in 11 families (28.2%). In combination with previously published exome sequencing results in neurodevelopmental disorders, our analysis implicates HECW2 as a novel candidate gene in ID and epilepsy.CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of exome sequencing as a diagnostic approach for ID and epilepsy, and confirm previous results regarding the importance of de novo mutations in this patient group. The results also highlight the utility of network analysis and comparison to previous large-scale studies as strategies to prioritise candidate genes for further studies. This study adds knowledge to the increasingly growing list of causative and candidate genes in ID and epilepsy and highlights HECW2 as a new candidate gene for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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44. |
- Helgadottir, H., et al.
(author)
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Efficacy of novel immunotherapy regimens in patients with metastatic melanoma with germline CDKN2A mutations
- 2020
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 57:5, s. 316-321
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Inherited CDKN2A mutation is a strong risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Moreover, carriers have been found to have poor melanoma-specific survival. In this study, responses to novel immunotherapy agents in CDKN2A mutation carriers with metastatic melanoma were evaluated. Methods CDKN2A mutation carriers that have developed metastatic melanoma and undergone immunotherapy treatments were identified among carriers enrolled in follow-up studies for familial melanoma. The carriers' responses were compared with responses reported in phase III clinical trials for CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. From publicly available data sets, melanomas with somatic CDKN2A mutation were analysed for association with tumour mutational load. Results Eleven of 19 carriers (58%) responded to the therapy, a significantly higher frequency than observed in clinical trials (p=0.03, binomial test against an expected rate of 37%). Further, 6 of the 19 carriers (32%) had complete response, a significantly higher frequency than observed in clinical trials (p=0.01, binomial test against an expected rate of 7%). In 118 melanomas with somatic CDKN2A mutations, significantly higher total numbers of mutations were observed compared with 761 melanomas without CDKN2A mutation (Wilcoxon test, p<0.001). Conclusion Patients with CDKN2A mutated melanoma may have improved immunotherapy responses due to increased tumour mutational load, resulting in more neoantigens and stronger antitumorous immune responses.
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45. |
- Helgadottir, Hildur, et al.
(author)
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High risk of tobacco-related cancers in CDKN2A mutation-positive melanoma families.
- 2014
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 51:8, s. 545-552
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Germline mutations in the tumour suppressor gene CDKN2A occur in 5-20% of familial melanoma cases. A single founder mutation, p.Arg112dup, accounts for the majority of CDKN2A mutations in Swedish carriers. In a national program, carriers of p.Arg112dup mutation have been identified. The aim of this study was to assess cancer risks in p.Arg112dup carriers and their first degree relatives (FDRs) and second degree relatives (SDRs).
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46. |
- Hofmeister, Wolfgang, et al.
(author)
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CTNND2-a candidate gene for reading problems and mild intellectual disability.
- 2015
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 52:2, s. 111-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cytogenetically visible chromosomal translocations are highly informative as they can pinpoint strong effect genes even in complex genetic disorders.METHODS AND RESULTS: Here, we report a mother and daughter, both with borderline intelligence and learning problems within the dyslexia spectrum, and two apparently balanced reciprocal translocations: t(1;8)(p22;q24) and t(5;18)(p15;q11). By low coverage mate-pair whole-genome sequencing, we were able to pinpoint the genomic breakpoints to 2 kb intervals. By direct sequencing, we then located the chromosome 5p breakpoint to intron 9 of CTNND2. An additional case with a 163 kb microdeletion exclusively involving CTNND2 was identified with genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridisation. This microdeletion at 5p15.2 is also present in mosaic state in the patient's mother but absent from the healthy siblings. We then investigated the effect of CTNND2 polymorphisms on normal variability and identified a polymorphism (rs2561622) with significant effect on phonological ability and white matter volume in the left frontal lobe, close to cortical regions previously associated with phonological processing. Finally, given the potential role of CTNND2 in neuron motility, we used morpholino knockdown in zebrafish embryos to assess its effects on neuronal migration in vivo. Analysis of the zebrafish forebrain revealed a subpopulation of neurons misplaced between the diencephalon and telencephalon.CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our human genetic and in vivo data suggest that defective migration of subpopulations of neuronal cells due to haploinsufficiency of CTNND2 contribute to the cognitive dysfunction in our patients.
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47. |
- Huesing, Anika, et al.
(author)
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Prediction of breast cancer risk by genetic risk factors, overall and by hormone receptor status
- 2012
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 49:9, s. 601-608
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective There is increasing interest in adding common genetic variants identified through genome wide association studies (GWAS) to breast cancer risk prediction models. First results from such models showed modest benefits in terms of risk discrimination. Heterogeneity of breast cancer as defined by hormone-receptor status has not been considered in this context. In this study we investigated the predictive capacity of 32 GWAS-detected common variants for breast cancer risk, alone and in combination with classical risk factors, and for tumours with different hormone receptor status. Material and methods Within the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium, we analysed 6009 invasive breast cancer cases and 7827 matched controls of European ancestry, with data on classical breast cancer risk factors and 32 common gene variants identified through GWAS. Discriminatory ability with respect to breast cancer of specific hormone receptor-status was assessed with the age adjusted and cohort-adjusted concordance statistic (AUROC(a)). Absolute risk scores were calculated with external reference data. Integrated discrimination improvement was used to measure improvements in risk prediction. Results We found a small but steady increase in discriminatory ability with increasing numbers of genetic variants included in the model (difference in AUROC(a) going from 2.7% to 4%). Discriminatory ability for all models varied strongly by hormone receptor status. Discussion and conclusions Adding information on common polymorphisms provides small but statistically significant improvements in the quality of breast cancer risk prediction models. We consistently observed better performance for receptor-positive cases, but the gain in discriminatory quality is not sufficient for clinical application.
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48. |
- Järvelä, I, et al.
(author)
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Rapid diagnostic test for the major mutation underlying Batten disease
- 1996
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 33:12, s. 1041-1042
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Batten disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder of childhood in western countries. A novel cDNA responsible for Batten disease has recently been identified. We have developed a rapid diagnostic solid phase minisequencing test to detect the major 1.02 kb deletion which is responsible for 81% of affected chromosomes in Batten disease worldwide. In Finland, 90% of Batten chromosomes carry the major deletion owing to the enrichment of the CLN3 gene in the isolated Finnish population.
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49. |
- Kalokairinou, Louiza, et al.
(author)
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Regulating the advertising of genetic tests in Europe : a balancing act
- 2017
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 54:10, s. 651-656
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests (GT) have provoked criticism over their potential adverse impact on public health. The European Parliament called for a ban on DTC advertising of GT during the debate for the adoption of a European Regulation on in vitro diagnostic medical devices. This proposal, however, was not ultimately retained in the final text. Instead, the regulation includes an article prohibiting misleading claims for this kind of advertising. These two different approaches raise questions about the optimal degree of regulation. Herein, we provide an overview of the ways GT have been advertised and related ethical issues. Subsequently, the laws regulating the advertising of GT at the European Union and national level are examined. Finally, recent regulatory developments are discussed.
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50. |
- Karppinen, S. -M., et al.
(author)
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Nordic collaborative study of the BARD1 Cys557Ser allele in 3956 patients with cancer: enrichment in familial BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation-negative breast cancer but not in other malignancies
- 2006
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In: Journal of Medical Genetics. - : BMJ. - 0022-2593 .- 1468-6244. ; 43:11, s. 856-862
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: BARD1 was originally identified as a BRCA1- interacting protein but has also been described in tumour-suppressive functions independent of BRCA1. Several studies have indicated that the BARD1 gene is a potential target for germline changes predisposing to breast and ovarian cancer. The C- terminal Cys557Ser change has previously been uncovered to associate with an increased risk of breast cancer and was recently shown to result in defective apoptotic activities. Aim and methods: Conformation- sensitive gel electrophoresis, minisequencing, TaqMan assays, denaturing high- performance liquid chromatography analysis and DNA sequencing were used to investigate the prevalence of the Cys557Ser allele in a large Nordic case - control study cohort consisting of 2906 patients with breast or ovarian cancer, 734 with prostate cancer, 188 with colorectal cancer, 128 men with breast cancer, and 3591 controls from Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Results: The frequency of the BARD1 Cys557Ser variant seemed to increase among patients from families with breast or ovarian cancer lacking BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: a significant difference was obtained compared with controls ( 6.8% v 2.7%; p < 0.001; odds ratio ( OR) 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7 to 4.0) and with patients from BRCA1/ BRCA2 mutation- positive families ( 6.8% v 2.2%; p = 0.01; OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 8.3). In contrast, no major association with male breast, ovarian, colorectal or prostate cancer was observed. Additionally, a novel BARD1 allele resulting in Ser558Pro was identified in familial breast cancer cases. Conclusion: These results provide further evidence that BARD1 Cys557Ser confers a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women.
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