Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common forms of substance use disorders. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of AUD-associated variants, including those in alcohol metabolism genes. It is important to understand where and how these genetic variants may modulate gene expression, making individuals more vulnerable to AUD. In this […]
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Clinical and genetic features of somatic mosaicism in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most common adult muscular diseases, shows significant clinical heterogeneity that can be partially explained by somatic mosaicism. We here report our findings from the prospective, hospital-based, case-control, observational study of 35 mosaic FSHD patients recruited over 10 years. This largest-to-date mosaic FSHD cohort exhibited significant clinical heterogeneity and relatively […]
Bi-allelic variants in MAATS1 encoding CFAP91, a calmodulin- and spoke-associated complex protein, cause severe astheno-teratozoospermia and male infertility
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) consistently lead to male infertility due to a reduced or absent sperm motility. Despite numerous genes described to be associated with MMAF, more than half of the cases analyzed remain unresolved, suggesting that many yet uncharacterized gene defects account for this phenotype. In this study, we identified […]
Pathogenic variants in TNRC6B cause a genetic disorder characterised by developmental delay/intellectual disability and a spectrum of neurobehavioural phenotypes including autism and ADHD
We report a new genetic disorder in 17 patients characterized by developmental delay especially in their speech, a variable degree of intellectual disability, decreased muscle tone, as well as neurobehavioral difficulties including autism and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. All patients have genetic variants in a gene called TNRC6B, which is important for the regulation […]
Severity of oro-dental anomalies in Loeys-Dietz syndrome segregates by gene mutation
Rare diseases that have multisystemic involvements often feature oral and dental manifestations that are overlooked even though they may significantly affect patients’ quality of life. In this study, we thoroughly characterized the oro-dental anomalies in Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the cardiovascular system. The most frequent anomalies include abnormal palate, short mandible and tooth […]
Association between genetic polymorphisms and endometrial cancer risk: a systematic review
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are differences in single building blocks of DNA between individuals. Hundreds of SNPs have been shown to influence susceptibility to disease and response to treatment. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the literature to identify SNPs that contribute to endometrial cancer risk. We report 24 SNPs of highest significance, and no […]
RE-DEFINITION OF FAMILIAL INTESTINAL GASTRIC CANCER: CLINICAL AND GENETIC PERSPECTIVES
Familial Intestinal Gastric Cancer (FIGC) remains genetically unexplained and poorly characterized, preventing the design of testing criteria for genetic diagnosis. We analyzed family trees from FIGC families and compared their tumour and normal genetic profiles with those of sporadic stomach cancer patients. We found that FIGC families present 2 or more stomach cancers, but may […]
MicroRNA-4516-mediated regulation of MAPK10 relies on 3’UTR cis-acting variants and contributes to the altered risk of Hirschsprung disease
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a life-threatening genetic disorder in which the enteric nervous system (ENS) is completely missing from the distal gut. However, the contribution of genetic factors to HSCR remains unclear. In this paper, we identify MAPK10 as a HSCR susceptibility gene, which is directly regulated by miR-4516, and interestingly, the regulatory mechanism is […]
Investigating the genetic susceptibility to exertional heat illness
Some people show an increased propensity to develop heat illness, rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown) or both following heavy exercise suggesting a genetic contribution. Variants in a number of genes, including RYR1 are associated with rhabdomyolysis but the situation with exertional heat illness is less certain. We found potentially pathogenic (disease-related) variants in 20 genes in […]
Phenotype of genetically confirmed Silver-Russell syndrome beyond childhood
Silver Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare disorder affecting growth and behaviour, caused by faults in the biological control of growth factors vital to early development. We studied the medical history of 33 older people with SRS. 60% had significantly reduced height, though 70% had received treatment; this suggests a need for improved intervention. In […]