Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a fetus with Cardiac valvular dysplasia type 1 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with Cardiac valvular dysplasia type 1 (CVDP1).@*METHODS@#A CVDP1 fetus identified at the Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital on July 7, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the fetus was collected. The fetus and its parents were subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES), and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The fetus had exhibited generalized edema, complex cardiac malformation, abdominal effusion, and enhanced intestinal and renal parenchymal echoes. Trio-WES revealed that it has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene, namely c.2977C>T (p.R993*) and c.1460G>A (p.W487*), which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.2977C>T (p.R993*) variant was evaluated to be likely pathogenic (PVS1_Moderate+PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP4), whilst the c.1460G>A (p.W487*) variant was evaluated to be pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4).@*CONCLUSION@#The c.2977C>T (p.R993*) and c.1460G>A (p.W487*) compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene probably underlay the CVDP1 in the fetus. Above discovery has enriched the mutational spectrum of the PLD1 gene and provided a guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this family.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis for two Chinese pedigrees carrying large fragment deletions of 13q21 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the strategies of prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for fetuses of two families with large deletions of 13q21.@*METHODS@#Two singleton fetuses who were diagnosed with chromosome 13 microdeletions by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) at Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital in March 2021 and December 2021 respectively were selected as the study subjects. Chromosomal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were carried on amniotic samples. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the two couples for CMA assay to determine the origin of abnormal chromosomes identified in the fetuses.@*RESULTS@#The karyotypes of the two fetuses were both normal. CMA revealed that they have respectively harbored heterozygous deletions spanning 11.935 Mb at 13q21.1q21.33 and 10.995 Mb at 13q14.3q21.32, which were respectively inherited from their mother and father. Both deletions had low gene density and lacked haploinsufficient genes, and were predicted to be likely benign variants based on database and literature search. Both couples had opted to continue with the pregnancy.@*CONCLUSION@#The deletions of the 13q21 region in both families may be of benign variants. As the follow-up time was short, there was no sufficient evidence for the determination of pathogenicity, though our finding may still provide a basis for the prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Genetic analysis of a Chinese pedigree featuring non-simplex blepharocheilodontic syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic etiology of a Chinese pedigree featuring non-simplex blepharocheilodontic syndrome.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing was carried out to detect genetic variant and copy number variations (CNVs) in the pedigree. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and qPCR.@*RESULTS@#The fetus and its elder brother, father and grandfather were found to harbor a heterozygous c.83delG (p.A29Rfs*55) variant of the CTNND1 gene, which was unreported previously. In addition, its elder brother was also found to be a double heterozygote for a c.235delC (p.L79Cfs*3) variant of GJB2 gene and a c.538C>T (p.R180X) variant of GJB3 gene, which were respectively inherited from his mother and father. CNVs analysis revealed a de novo heterozygotic deletion (1.46 Mb) at 17q12 in the mother, which was confirmed by qPCR. Based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, the c.83delG variant, the c.235delC variant and the 17q12 microdeletion were predicted as pathogenic, while the c.538C>T variant was of uncertain significance.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.83delG (p.A29Rfs*55) variant of the CTNND1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of non-simplex blepharocheilodontic syndrome in this pedigree. The double heterozygous variants of c.235delC (p.L79Cfs*3) of GJB2 gene and c.538C>T (p.R180X) of GJB3 gene probably underlay the hearing loss in the elder brother. The bilateral renal cysts in the mother may be attributed to the 17q12 microdeletion. Above results have provided guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this pedigree.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a rare fetus with Protein C deficiency due to compound heterozygous variants of PROC gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic etiology for a fetus with hydrocephalus and intraventricular hemorrhage.@*METHODS@#Trio whole exome sequencing was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of the fetus and its parents.@*RESULTS@#The fetus was found to harbor c.818G>A (p.W273X) and c.833T>C (p.L278P) compound heterozygous variants of the PROC gene, which were respectively inherited from its mother and father. Based on the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PVS1_Strong+PM2_Supporting+PP4; PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP1+PP3+PP4).@*CONCLUSION@#The fetus was diagnosed with Protein C deficiency due to the c.818G>A (p.W273X) and c.833T>C (p.L278P) compound heterozygous variants of the PROC gene. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of PROC gene variants and enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.

Clinical and genetic analysis of two children with Neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia, stereotypic hand movements, and impaired language due to de novo variants of MEF2C gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology for two children with Neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia, stereotypic hand movements, and impaired language (MEDHSIL).@*METHODS@#Two children who had visited the Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital on October 15, 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for both patients. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of their family members.@*RESULTS@#The two children were respectively found to harbor a heterozygous c.138delC (p.Ile47Serfs*42) variant and a c.833del (p.L278*) variant of the MEF2C gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS2+PM2_Supporting).@*CONCLUSION@#The c.138delC and c.833del variants of the MEF2C gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of MEDHSIL in the two children. Above findings have enriched the mutational spectrum of the MEF2C gene and enabled genetic counseling for their families.

Analysis of TUBB2B gene variant in a fetus with complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations-7 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with dysgenesis of corpus callosum and other brain malformations.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the fetus and its parents. Suspected pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#A novel de novo missense variant c.758T>A (p.L253Q) of the TUBB2B gene was identified, which was unreported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics, the c.758T>A variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the leucine at position 253 was highly conserved among various species, and the c.758T>A variant may impact the formation of hydrogen bonds between Leu253 and Asp249 and Met257 residues, which in turn may affect the combination of GTP/GDP and function of the TUBB2B protein.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.758T>A variant of the TUBB2B gene probably underlay the fetal malformations in this Chinese family. Above discovery has enriched the spectrum of TUBB2B gene variants and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Variation analysis of EPG5 gene in a Vici syndrome family / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic etiology of Vici syndrome in a Chinese family.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing (WES) technology was used to detect gene variants in a fetus of abnormal ultrasonic structure without abnormalities in routine chromosome karyotype analysis and SNP-array. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatics prediction were performed for the suspected variants of the fetus and parents.@*RESULTS@#The fetus and the elder sister have carried c. 2427delC (p.T809fs) and c.1886A>T (p.E629V) compound heterozygous variants of the EPG5 gene, which were respectively inherited from their mother and father. Neither variant was reported previously. According to ACMG guidelines, the c.2427delC variant was predicted as pathogenic, while the c.1886A>T variant was of uncertain significance. PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN software indicated that c.1886A>T variant was probably damaging.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.2427delC and c.1886A>T variants of the EPG5 gene probably underlie the pathogenesis of the Vici syndrome in this family. Above finding has enriched the variational spectrum of EPG5 gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.

Genetic analysis of a rare fetus with mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida type / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To delineate the clinical and genetic features of a fetus with micrognathia, low-set ears, microtia, polyhydramnios and anechoic stomach by ultrasonography.@*METHODS@#Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out to detect genetic variant in the fetus, for which routine chromosomal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) yielded no positive finding. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#WES revealed that the fetus has carried a de novo nonsense c.2302C>T (p.Q768X) variant in exon 23 of the EFTUD2 gene, which was detected in neither parent. The variant was unreported previously and may lead to premature termination of the translation of EFTUD2 protein at the 768th amino acid. Bioinformatic analysis predicted the amino acid to be highly conserved and may alter the structure and function of the EFTUD2 protein.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.2302C>T variant of the EFTUD2 gene probably underlay the mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida type in the fetus. Discovery of the novel variant has enriched variant spectrum of the EFTUD2 gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of two fetuses with paternally derived 17q12 microdeletions / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To reported on two fetuses diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome.@*METHODS@#The two fetuses were respectively found to have renal abnormalities and polyhydramnios upon second and third trimester ultrasonography. Umbilical cord blood of the first fetus and amniotic fluid of the second fetus were subjected to single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) analysis. After 17q12 microdeletion was found in the first fetus, SNP-array was carried out on peripheral blood samples of the parents to determine its origin. With the medical history of the parents taken into consideration, the father underwent high-throughput sequencing for 565 urinary system-related genes to exclude pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants associated with congenital malformations of the urinary and reproductive systems.@*RESULTS@#In both fetuses, SNP-array has revealed a 1.42 Mb deletion at 17q12, or arr[hg19]17q12 (34 822 465-36 243 365) × 1. In both cases the microdeletion was inherited from the father, in whom no urinary disease-related pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants was identified.@*CONCLUSION@#Paternally derived 17q12 microdeletions probably underlay the genetic etiology of the two fetuses with renal ultrasound abnormalities and polyhydramnios. SNP-array can enable the diagnosis and facilitate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the families.

Clinical value of routine non-invasive prenatal testing for the screening of non-target chromosomal abnormalities / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for the identification of sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), copy number variants (CNVs) and rare autosomal trisomies (RATs).@*METHODS@#A total of 11 429 women with singleton pregnancy in Ningbo area were screened by NIPT. 106 women were subjected to invasive prenatal diagnosis due to high risk of chromosomal abnormalities other than 21, 18 and 13 aneuploidies. All cases were followed up for pregnancy outcome and postnatal status.@*RESULTS@#Sixty-six women were signaled by NIPT for fetal SCAs, among whom 54 were willing to undergo prenatal diagnosis. Eighteen cases of fetal SCAs were verified as true positives and 4 were suspected positives, which yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) of 33.3%. Half of the women decided to continue their pregnancy. Forty women were signaled by NIPT for fetal CNVs, among which 32 underwent prenatal diagnosis. 19 cases of fetal CNVs were verified as true positives and 3 cases were suspected positives, which yielded a PPV of 46.8%. All women with pathological or possibly pathological CNVs decided to terminate their pregnancies. Thirty-one women were signaled for with fetal RATs. Two fetuses were confirmed to harbor mosaicism trisomies by prenatal diagnosis, and 1 case was suspected to be positive, which yielded a PPV of 9.7%. All of the three women have decided to terminate their pregnancy.@*CONCLUSION@#In addition to aneuploidies of target chromosomes, NIPT also has important value for the detection of SCAs and CNVs. The results can help to further reduce birth defects. Nevertheless, in view of its low PPV, pregnant women with positive result still need appropriate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis to avoid unnecessary induced labor.

TNF-β genetic variant contributes to the risk of non-small cell lung cancer / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of TNF-β 252A >G variant with the risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total 956 patients with NSCLC were recruited between January 2000 and December 2008 at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science as the case group, and 994 frequency-matched controls were randomly selected from a pool of cancer-free subjects recruited from a nutritional group. All the participants were unrelated Han Chinese. There were no age, gender restrictions. Smoking status of the subjects was surveyed. Informed consent was obtained and 3 ml peripheral blood was collected from each subject. All samples were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP). The OR and 95%CI were estimated by logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between TNF-β 252 A/G variant and the risk of lung cancer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of TNF-β 252 AA, AG and GG genotype were 30.9% (307/994) , 47.4% (471/994) and 21.7% (216/994) in lung cancer cases and 35.7% (341/956) , 48.1% (460/956) and 16.2% (155/956) in controls. Logistic regression analysis revealed that TNF-β 252 GG genotype contributed to a decreased risk of developing NSCLC (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.49-0.83) compared with AA genotype. When stratified by smoking status, the individuals with 252 GG genotype had a significant increased risk of NSCLC (OR = 1.54, 95%CI:1.00-2.39) among smokers; which was less than those with AA genotype among smokers (OR = 2.88, 95%CI:1.91-2.24). When further stratified by smoking index, individuals with 252 GG genotype had a significant decreased risk of NSCLC among heavy smokers with OR (95%CI) of 2.24 (1.33-3.74), which was less than those with AA genotype (OR = 4.62, 95%CI:2.88-7.41).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNF-β genetic variant may interact with environment factor to contribute to the susceptibility to NSCLC.</p>

Changes of myeloid derived suppressor cells and T cells in lung cancer mice / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells( MDSC) in immune organs of lung cancer mice.Methods: Lung cancer mouse models were made by subcutaneously injection of Lewis lung cancer cell line( LLC).The CD4+T cell,CD8+T cell and MDSC were detected by flow cytometry.Results:Compared to that of normal control mice,the ratio and numbers of CD4+and CD8+T cell were significantly decreased in the spleen and lymph nodes of lung cancer mice.The number of CD4+T cells had no significant change while CD8+T cells decreased in the bone marrow of lung cancer mice.However,the ratio and number of MDSC were significantly increased in the bone marrow,spleen and lymph nodes of lung cancer mice compared to that of normal control mice.Conclusion: The development of lung cancer leads to decreased T cells and increased MDSC;which may induce immune tolerance to tumor cells.

The relationship between Gly587Arg variant of COX-2 gene and the primary liver cancer / 中国综合临床

Objective To explore the association of COX-2 Gly587Arg polymorphism with the risk of primary liver cancer.Methods Two hundred and seventy patients with primary liver cancer and 540 health people were selected as our subjects.DNA were extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes,and genotypes were measured by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.Odds ratios(OR) and 95％ confidence intervals(CI) were estimated by logistic regression.Results Two kinds of genotype (587Gly/ Gly and Gly/Arg) were found in all participants.No one carried 587Arg/Arg genotype.Among primary liver cancer patients,91.5％ (247/270,) 8.5％ (23/270) of individuals carried 587Gly/Arg and Gly/Arg genotype,which was significantly higher than that of controls (96.5％ (521/540,) 3.5％ (19/540)).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that individual carried 587Gly/Arg genotype had an increased risk of developing primary liver cancer (OR =2.56,95％ CI =1.37-4.79,P =0.003) compared with 587Gly/Gly carriers.Conclusion COX-2 Gly587Arg polymorphism is a risk factor for primary liver cancer in Han.