ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the pathogenicity of a gene variant of unknown significance (VUS) is crucial for molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling, but can be challenging. This is especially so in phenotypically variable diseases, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHL). vHL is caused by germline mutations in the VHL gene, which predispose to the development of multiple tumors such as central nervous system hemangioblastomas and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). OBJECTIVE: We propose a method for the evaluation of VUS pathogenicity through our experience with the VHL missense mutation c.241C>T (p.P81S). METHOD: 1) Clinical evaluation of known variant carriers: We evaluated a family of five VHL p.P81S carriers, as well as the clinical characteristics of all the p.P81S carriers reported in the literature; 2) Evaluation of tumor tissue via genetic analysis, histology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC); 3) Assessment of the variant's impact on protein structure and function, using multiple databases, in silico algorithms, and reports of functional studies. RESULTS: Only one family member had clinical signs of vHL with early-onset RCC. IHC analysis showed no VHL protein expressed in the tumor, consistent with biallelic VHL inactivation. The majority of in silico algorithms reported p.P81S as possibly pathogenic in relation to vHL or RCC, but there were discrepancies. Functional studies suggest that p.P81S impairs the VHL protein's function. CONCLUSION: The VHL p.P81S mutation is most likely a low-penetrant pathogenic variant predisposing to RCC development. We suggest the above-mentioned method for VUS evaluation with use of different methods, especially a variety of in silico methods and tumor tissue analysis.
ABSTRACT
Hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 30% of all colorectal cancers, but currently only 5% of these families can be explained by highly penetrant, inherited mutations. In the remaining 25% it is not possible to perform a gene test to identify the family members who would benefit from prophylactic screening. Consequently, all family members are asked to follow a screening program. The purpose of this study was to localize a new gene which causes colorectal cancer. We performed a linkage analysis using data from a SNP6.0 chip in one large family with 12 affected family members. We extended the linkage analysis with microsatellites (STS) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) and looked for the loss of heterozygosity in tumour tissue. Furthermore, we performed the exome sequencing of one family member and we sequenced candidate genes by use of direct sequencing. Major rearrangements were excluded after karyotyping. The linkage analysis with SNP6 data revealed three candidate areas, on chromosome 2, 6 and 11 respectively, with a LOD score close to two and no negative LOD scores. After extended linkage analysis, the area on chromosome 6 was excluded, leaving areas on chromosome 2 and chromosome 11 with the highest possible LOD scores of 2.6. Two other studies have identified 11q24 as a candidate area for colorectal cancer susceptibility and this area is supported by our results.
