Pathogenic variants in PALB2 is associated with an increased risk of breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. In our case-control study of more than 15,000 women from two multi-ethnic South East Asian populations (Malaysia and Singapore), we found that PALB2 carriers have a 5 fold increased risk of breast cancer compared to healthy individuals. Notably, many of the variants identified in this […]
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High cumulative risk of colorectal cancers and desmoid tumours and fibromatosis in South Asian APC mutation carriers
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited syndrome due to APC gene mutation. The extensive colorectal polyps and cancer risk requires lifelong endoscopic surveillance, often with preventive colorectal surgery before cancer development. FAP manifestation depend on the location of APC mutation which could vary in different populations. We report several novel mutations and a […]
High likelihood of actionable pathogenic variant detection in breast cancer genes in women with very early onset breast cancer
Women diagnosed with breast cancer at a very early age (≤30 years) are more likely to have a genetic predisposition. Pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 are often associated with an early onset of disease. However, the association is unclear for other breast cancer associated genes. Here, we assessed the contribution of pathogenic variants […]
Rising of LOXHD1 as a signature causative gene of down-sloping hearing loss in people in their teens and twenties
Down-sloping sensorineural hearing loss is an easy-to-overlook issue for its significance. However, it can hamper efficient communication and in-depth social interaction, and learning ability is severely damaged especially in people in their teens and twenties. Even people with the disease usually don’t seek for medical advice or supportive devices because converstion might be possible in […]
Refining the mutational spectrum and gene-phenotype correlates in pontocerebellar hypoplasia: results of a multicentric study
Pontocerebellar hypoplasias (PCH) comprise a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders profoundly impacting on child neurodevelopment. Genotype-phenotype associations are still limited, with negative consequences on prognosis and counselling. Here, we provide a comprehensive and systematic phenotypic assessment of 56 PCH patients with different genetic etiology. We identified three major PCH genes and investigated their association with […]
Genetic variants associated with expression of TCF19 contribute to the risk of head and neck cancer in Chinese population
Our study identified a novel functional variant rs3094187 associated with SCCHN risk, which could modify TCF19 expression by regulating the binding affinity of the transcription factor SREBF1. Further functional investigations demonstrated that TCF19 was overexpressed in SCCHN and the inhibition of TCF19 might attenuate the proliferation and migration of SCCHN cell lines, as well as […]
Diagnostic criteria for constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD): recommendations from the international consensus working group
Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome or CMMRD is a rare, hereditary cancer condition impacting mainly children and young adults. CMMRD individuals get malignant cancers of all types but most commonly brain, intestines (colon) and blood cancers. In the past, most of these patients used to die before adulthood, however, nowadays it is very important to […]
Preimplantation genetic testing for a chr14q32 microdeletion in a family with Kagami-Ogata syndrome and Temple syndrome
We inherit 23 chromosomes from each of our parents which contain our DNA and our genes. Some genes can be turn “on” (expressed) or “off” resulting in expression from the maternally or paternally inherited copy, but not both. This process is called Genomic Imprinting. Here we describe a family with a microdeletion within an imprinted […]
Surgical decision making in premenopausal BRCA carriers considering risk-reducing early salpingectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy: a qualitative study
Early removal of tubes followed by later removal of ovaries, offers high-risk women a new two-step option of reducing their ovarian cancer risk, whilst avoiding early menopause. Results from a study in high-risk women undergoing surgical prevention in the UK PROTECTOR trial suggests women more concerned about detrimental impact of menopause chose this new two-step […]
Uptake and efficacy of bilateral risk reducing surgery in unaffected female BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers
This is an original research article on uptake, timing and efficacy of bilateral risk reducing surgery (RRM and RRSO) in 887 female BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers unaffected by cancer at testing. This is one of the largest prospective cohorts, covering both surgeries, published to date. More than 50% of women in the study underwent RRM and more […]