Wilms tumors, a rare form of kidney cancer that typically affects children, can be caused by high-penetrance genetic or epigenetic factors. However, studies systematically examining both these aspects of the disease are scarce. In a new study, researchers offered germline whole-genome sequencing to all participants diagnosed with Wilms tumors from 2016 to 2021 in Denmark. […]
Latest articles
Validation and depth evaluation of low-pass genome sequencing in prenatal diagnosis using 387 amniotic fluid samples
Low-pass genome sequencing (LP GS) has been widely used in CNV detection andis considered as an alternative to chromosomal microarray analysis. However, application of LP GS as a first-line prenatal diagnostic test is not ready.The increase in sequencing depth will improve detection sensitivity, followed by the increase for cost. This could greatly block the successful […]
The crucial role of titin in fetal development: recurrent miscarriages and bone, heart and muscle anomalies characterise the severe end of titinopathies spectrum
TTN gene encodes for titin, the largest protein in the human body, with a crucial role in the development and functioning of the sarcomere. Here, we collected clinical and molecular data from a cohort of early-onset recessive titinopathy cases, and we proved that biallelic titin pathogenic variants cause recognizable fetal and developmental defects. Also, we […]
PSMD3 gene mutations cause pathological myopia
Pathological myopia (PM) is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, its exact genetic and pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. This study identifies a novel gene, PSMD3 (proteasome 26S Subunit, Non-ATPase3), with a missense mutation in a PM family. Mutation of PSMD3 decreases the mRNA and protein expression, causing apoptosis of human retinal […]
MSH2 is the very young onset ovarian cancer predisposition gene, not BRCA1
The genetic cause in women diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) under thirty years of age is unclear. It is known that the histology and genetics of these cancers are different to those in the general OC patient population. On reviewing the genes affected in women diagnosed under thirty years in the North-West of England we […]
Update of penetrance estimates in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD) is a rare genetic disorder associated with lung cysts, collapsed lungs, skin lesions, and an increased risk of both benign and malignant renal tumours. In addition to the accepted phenotypic presentation of BHD, it has been suggested that colonic polyps may also be associated with BHD syndrome. This analysis provides more precise […]
Genetic and metabolic investigations for neurodevelopmental disorders: position statement of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG)
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as global developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder are collectively the most common chronic medical conditions encountered in pediatric primary care. Given their clinical and etiological heterogeneity, the cause of NDDs can be challenging to diagnose. Guideline recommendations for appropriate metabolic and genomic investigations are inconsistent and has resulted […]
Frontotemporal dementia presentation in patients with heterozygous p.H157Y variant of TREM2
This study examined three separate Latin American families with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and found that they all had the same genetic variation (p.H157Y) in the TREM2 gene. Compared to both sporadic FTD cases and healthy controls, the three patients displayed early behavioral changes, worse cognitive impairments, and more severe brain atrophy, particularly in areas where […]
Pseudocoloboma-like maculopathy with biallelic RDH12 missense mutations
RDH12 is an enzyme for recycling visual pigment in the photoreceptor cells. Mutations in RDH12 are known for causing severe childhood-onset visual impairment or diffuse retinal degeneration. This article described a new phenotype, an autosomal recessive pseudocoloboma-like maculopathy, resulting from RDH12 mutations. Although RDH12 is primarily expressed in the photoreceptor cells, relatively normal to subnormal photoreceptor functions are observed […]
Biallelic frameshift variants in PHLDB1 cause mild type Osteogenesis Imperfecta with regressive spondylometaphyseal changes
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of disorders, mostly autosomal dominant, inherited characterized by susceptibility to fractures, resulting from a type 1 collagen defect. Although many autosomal recessive genes have been shown to cause OI in recent years, there are still patients whose molecular defect is still unknown. In this study, we described recurrent fractures, […]