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1.
J Intellect Disabil Res ; 68(6): 610-619, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38500391

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study was to evaluate gait parameters in people with intellectual disability (ID) and without intellectual disability (WID) in two different walking conditions [single task vs. dual task (DT)]. A secondary aim was to evaluate the dual-task cost (DTC) that the DT causes in each group. METHODS: A total of 119 participants joined in this study: 56 ID (30 men) and 63 WID (30 men). The OptoGait system was used to assess gait. In addition, Witty photocells were added to assess gait under the DT condition. RESULTS: Single support time was lower for participants with ID (P < 0.01), while double support time was higher (P < 0.05). All coefficients of variation for gait parameters were higher in participants with ID. Additionally, changes in gait were observed in both groups during the DT condition compared with the single-task condition. These changes were larger for participants with ID in step length, double support time and gait speed (P < 0.001), resulting in a higher DTC in these variables in the ID group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups reduced gait performance in the DT condition. However, greater gait variability occurred in the ID group. In addition, DTC was higher for the ID group in all variables analysed. Therefore, people with ID show worse gait performance during a DT than people WID.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Humans , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Female , Adult , Psychomotor Performance/physiology , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Gait/physiology
2.
J Intellect Disabil Res ; 68(6): 620-638, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38504557

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sleep-wake problems and depressive symptoms are common in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and are thought to be related to the unstable sleep-wake rhythm in this population. Previously, we showed that after increasing environmental light exposure, mid-sleep and sleep onset advanced, and mood improved over a period of 14 weeks after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the living room of people with IDs. We invited participants of that short-term study to take part in the current study on sleep-wake rhythm, mood and behaviour in older adults with IDs 1 year after installing environmental dynamic light installations in the common living rooms of six group homes. METHODS: A pre-post study was performed from October 2017 to February 2019. We included 45 participants (63.5 ± 8.5 years, 67% female) from six group home facilities who provided data at baseline (9, 4 and 1 weeks prior to installing light installations), short term (3, 7 and 14 weeks after installing light installations) and 1 year (54 weeks after installing light installations). Wrist activity was measured with actigraphy (GENEActiv) to derive the primary outcome of interdaily stability of sleep-wake rhythms as well as sleep estimates. Mood was measured with the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale. Behaviour was measured with the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist. RESULTS: One year after installing dynamic lighting, we did not find a change in interdaily stability. Total sleep time decreased (ß = -25.40 min; confidence interval: -10.99, -39.82), and sleep onset time was delayed (ß = 25.63 min; confidence interval: 11.18, 40.08). No effect on mood or behaviour was found. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a change in sleep-wake rhythm, mood or behaviour in older persons with IDs living in care facilities 1 year after installing the light. We did find evidence for a long-term effect on sleep duration and sleep timing. The results have to be interpreted with care as the current study had a limited number of participants. The need for more research on the long-term effects of enhancing environmental light in ID settings is evident.


Subject(s)
Affect , Intellectual Disability , Lighting , Humans , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Aged , Affect/physiology , Actigraphy , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Group Homes , Sleep/physiology
3.
Epilepsy Behav ; 154: 109730, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38521028

ABSTRACT

PCDH19 clustering epilepsy (PCDH19-CE) is an X-linked epilepsy disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID) and behavioral disturbances, which is caused by PCDH19 gene variants. PCDH19 pathogenic variant leads to epilepsy in heterozygous females, not in hemizygous males and the inheritance pattern is unusual. The hypothesis of cellular interference was described as a key pathogenic mechanism. According to that, males do not develop the disease because of the uniform expression of PCDH19 (variant or wild type) unless they have a somatic variation. We conducted a literature review on PCDH19-CE pathophysiology and concluded that other significant mechanisms could contribute to pathogenesis including: asymmetric cell division and heterochrony, female-related allopregnanolone deficiency, altered steroid gene expression, decreased Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA) function, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. Being aware of these mechanisms helps us when we should decide which therapeutic option is more suitable for which patient.


Subject(s)
Cadherins , Epilepsy , Protocadherins , Humans , Epilepsy/genetics , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Cadherins/genetics , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Female , Male , Clinical Relevance
4.
Seizure ; 117: 50-55, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38325220

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective chart review aims to quantify the rate of patients with intellectual disability (ID) accessing an Australian ambulatory EEG service, and understand the clinical implications of discontinuing studies prematurely. METHODS: Electronic records of referrals, patient monitoring notes, and EEG reports were accessed retrospectively. Each referral was assessed to determine whether the patient had an ID. For each study where patients were discharged prematurely, the outcomes of their EEG report were assessed and compared between the ID and non-ID groups. Exploratory analysis was performed assessing the effects of age, the percentage of the requested monitoring undertaken, and outcome rates as a function of monitoring duration. RESULTS: There were significantly more patients in the ID group with early disconnection than the non-ID group (Chi squared test, p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in the rates of clinical outcomes between the ID and non-ID groups amongst patients who disconnected early. CONCLUSIONS: Although rates of early disconnection are higher in those with ID, study outcomes are largely similar between patients with and without ID in this retrospective analysis of an ambulatory EEG service. SIGNIFICANCE: Ambulatory EEG is a viable modality of EEG monitoring for patients with ID.


Subject(s)
Electroencephalography , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , Male , Female , Adult , Young Adult , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Child , Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Australia , Monitoring, Ambulatory , Aged
5.
J Med Genet ; 61(6): 578-585, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38290825

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Speech and language impairments are core features of the neurodevelopmental genetic condition Kleefstra syndrome. Communication has not been systematically examined to guide intervention recommendations. We define the speech, language and cognitive phenotypic spectrum in a large cohort of individuals with Kleefstra syndrome. METHOD: 103 individuals with Kleefstra syndrome (40 males, median age 9.5 years, range 1-43 years) with pathogenic variants (52 9q34.3 deletions, 50 intragenic variants, 1 balanced translocation) were included. Speech, language and non-verbal communication were assessed. Cognitive, health and neurodevelopmental data were obtained. RESULTS: The cognitive spectrum ranged from average intelligence (12/79, 15%) to severe intellectual disability (12/79, 15%). Language ability also ranged from average intelligence (10/90, 11%) to severe intellectual disability (53/90, 59%). Speech disorders occurred in 48/49 (98%) verbal individuals and even occurred alongside average language and cognition. Developmental regression occurred in 11/80 (14%) individuals across motor, language and psychosocial domains. Communication aids, such as sign and speech-generating devices, were crucial for 61/103 (59%) individuals including those who were minimally verbal, had a speech disorder or following regression. CONCLUSIONS: The speech, language and cognitive profile of Kleefstra syndrome is broad, ranging from severe impairment to average ability. Genotype and age do not explain the phenotypic variability. Early access to communication aids may improve communication and quality of life.


Subject(s)
Chromosome Deletion , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 , Cognition , Craniofacial Abnormalities , Intellectual Disability , Phenotype , Humans , Male , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Child , Adolescent , Female , Adult , Child, Preschool , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9/genetics , Young Adult , Infant , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Craniofacial Abnormalities/physiopathology , Speech , Speech Disorders/genetics , Speech Disorders/physiopathology , Language , Intelligence/genetics , Language Disorders/genetics , Language Disorders/physiopathology , Heart Defects, Congenital
7.
Pediatr Neurol ; 126: 65-73, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34740135

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Semaphorins and plexins are ligands and cell surface receptors that regulate multiple neurodevelopmental processes such as axonal growth and guidance. PLXNA3 is a plexin gene located on the X chromosome that encodes the most widely expressed plexin receptor in fetal brain, plexin-A3. Plexin-A3 knockout mice demonstrate its role in semaphorin signaling in vivo. The clinical manifestations of semaphorin/plexin neurodevelopmental disorders have been less widely explored. This study describes the neurological and neurodevelopmental phenotypes of boys with maternally inherited hemizygous PLXNA3 variants. METHODS: Data-sharing through GeneDx and GeneMatcher allowed identification of individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities (autism/ID) and hemizygous PLXNA3 variants in collaboration with their physicians and genetic counselors, who completed questionnaires about their patients. In silico analyses predicted pathogenicity for each PLXNA3 variant. RESULTS: We assessed 14 boys (mean age, 10.7 [range 2 to 25] years) with maternally inherited hemizygous PLXNA3 variants and autism/ID ranging from mild to severe. Other findings included fine motor dyspraxia (92%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity traits, and aggressive behaviors (63%). Six patients (43%) had seizures. Thirteen boys (93%) with PLXNA3 variants showed novel or very low allele frequencies and probable damaging/disease-causing pathogenicity in one or more predictors. We found a genotype-phenotype correlation between PLXNA3 cytoplasmic domain variants (exons 22 to 32) and more severe neurodevelopmental disorder phenotypes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We report 14 boys with maternally inherited, hemizygous PLXNA3 variants and a range of neurodevelopmental disorders suggesting a novel X-linked intellectual disability syndrome. Greater understanding of PLXNA3 variant pathogenicity in humans will require additional clinical, computational, and experimental validation.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics , Cell Adhesion Molecules/physiology , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/physiology , Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Semaphorins/physiology , Adolescent , Adult , Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Genetic Association Studies , Humans , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Signal Transduction/physiology , Young Adult
8.
Brain Dev ; 44(2): 148-152, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34579981

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in TCF4. Seizures have been found to vary among patients with PTHS. We report the case of a PTHS patient with a novel missense mutation in the gene TCF4, presenting with two types of early epileptic encephalopathy. CASE REPORT: The patient was a Japanese boy. His first seizure was reported at 17 days of age, with twitching of the left eyelid and tonic-clonic seizures on either side of his body. An ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) showed epileptic discharges arising independently from both hemispheres, occasionally resembling migrating partial seizures of infancy (MPSI) that migrated from one side to the other. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed agenesis of the corpus callosum. His facial characteristics included a distinctive upper lip and thickened helices. His seizures were refractory, and psychomotor development was severely delayed. At the age of 10 months, he developed West syndrome with spasms and hypsarrhythmia. After being prescribed topiramate (TPM), his seizures and EEG abnormalities dramatically improved. Also, psychomotor development progressed. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel de novo missense mutation in exon 18 (NM_001083962.2:c.1718A > T, p.(Asn573Ile)), corresponding to the basic region of the basic helix-loop-helix domain, which may be a causative gene for epileptic encephalopathy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with PTHS treated with TPM, who presented with both MPSI as well as West syndrome. This may help provide new insights regarding the phenotypes caused by mutations in TCF4.


Subject(s)
Facies , Hyperventilation , Intellectual Disability , Spasms, Infantile , Transcription Factor 4/genetics , Anticonvulsants/pharmacology , Humans , Hyperventilation/diagnosis , Hyperventilation/drug therapy , Hyperventilation/genetics , Hyperventilation/physiopathology , Infant , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/drug therapy , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Mutation, Missense , Spasms, Infantile/diagnosis , Spasms, Infantile/drug therapy , Spasms, Infantile/genetics , Spasms, Infantile/physiopathology , Topiramate/pharmacology
9.
Brain Dev ; 44(3): 229-233, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34876316

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Wilms' tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation (WAGR) syndrome is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome caused by a de novo deletion including the 11p13 region. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently observed in patients with WAGR syndrome, few reports have comprehensively described its characteristics. We herein present the detailed neuropsychological and neurophysiological findings of a patient with WAGR syndrome complicated with severe psychomotor developmental delay and ASD. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is presently a 6-year-old boy. Microarray analysis revealed a 7.1 Mb loss at 11p14.3-p13 and a 9.3 Mb loss at 11p13-p12, which encompassed the PAX6, WT1, and PRRG4 genes. His behavioral features were characteristic even among the ASD population: severe hypoesthesia to touch, pain, and temperature in addition to remarkable sensory seeking posing a high risk of serious accident. Sensory Profile analysis objectively identified a strong preference for sensory stimulation. Furthermore, his somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) showed a mild delay in central conduction time, suggesting partial brain stem dysfunction-induced hypoalgesia. DISCUSSION: This first attempt to characterize sensory dysfunction using Sensory Profile and SSEP in WAGR syndrome may contribute to understanding its neuropsychological features and improve the quality of rehabilitation and socioeducational support in affected children.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , WAGR Syndrome/diagnosis , Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics , Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology , Child , Electroencephalography , Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory/physiology , Humans , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , WAGR Syndrome/genetics , WAGR Syndrome/physiopathology
10.
Mol Cell ; 82(1): 90-105.e13, 2022 01 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34942119

ABSTRACT

Neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders provide insights into mechanisms of human brain development. Here, we report an intellectual disability syndrome caused by the loss of APC7, a core component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase anaphase promoting complex (APC). In mechanistic studies, we uncover a critical role for APC7 during the recruitment and ubiquitination of APC substrates. In proteomics analyses of the brain from mice harboring the patient-specific APC7 mutation, we identify the chromatin-associated protein Ki-67 as an APC7-dependent substrate of the APC in neurons. Conditional knockout of the APC coactivator protein Cdh1, but not Cdc20, leads to the accumulation of Ki-67 protein in neurons in vivo, suggesting that APC7 is required for the function of Cdh1-APC in the brain. Deregulated neuronal Ki-67 upon APC7 loss localizes predominantly to constitutive heterochromatin. Our findings define an essential function for APC7 and Cdh1-APC in neuronal heterochromatin regulation, with implications for understanding human brain development and disease.


Subject(s)
Apc7 Subunit, Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome/metabolism , Brain/enzymology , Heterochromatin/metabolism , Intellectual Disability/enzymology , Neural Stem Cells/enzymology , Neurogenesis , Adolescent , Animals , Antigens, CD , Apc7 Subunit, Anaphase-Promoting Complex-Cyclosome/genetics , Behavior, Animal , Brain/growth & development , Cadherins/genetics , Cadherins/metabolism , Cell Line , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Heterochromatin/genetics , Humans , Infant , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Intellectual Disability/psychology , Intelligence , Ki-67 Antigen/genetics , Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism , Male , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Mitosis , Mutation , Neural Stem Cells/pathology , Proteolysis , Signal Transduction , Syndrome , Ubiquitination , Young Adult
11.
Neurobiol Dis ; 163: 105587, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34923109

ABSTRACT

Monoamine neurotransmitter abundance affects motor control, emotion, and cognitive function and is regulated by monoamine oxidases. Among these, Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes the degradation of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin into their inactive metabolites. Loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked MAOA gene have been associated with Brunner syndrome, which is characterized by various forms of impulsivity, maladaptive externalizing behavior, and mild intellectual disability. Impaired MAOA activity in individuals with Brunner syndrome results in bioamine aberration, but it is currently unknown how this affects neuronal function, specifically in dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Here we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived DA neurons from three individuals with Brunner syndrome carrying different mutations and characterized neuronal properties at the single cell and neuronal network level in vitro. DA neurons of Brunner syndrome patients showed reduced synaptic density but exhibited hyperactive network activity. Intrinsic functional properties and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic transmission were not affected in DA neurons of individuals with Brunner syndrome. Instead, we show that the neuronal network hyperactivity is mediated by upregulation of the GRIN2A and GRIN2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), resulting in increased NMDAR-mediated currents. By correcting a MAOA missense mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing we normalized GRIN2A and GRIN2B expression, NMDAR function and neuronal population activity to control levels. Our data suggest that MAOA mutations in Brunner syndrome increase the activity of dopaminergic neurons through upregulation of NMDAR function, which may contribute to the etiology of Brunner syndrome associated phenotypes.


Subject(s)
Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders/genetics , Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Monoamine Oxidase/deficiency , Monoamine Oxidase/genetics , Mutation , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism , Aggression , Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders/metabolism , Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders/physiopathology , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/physiopathology , Humans , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Intellectual Disability/metabolism , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Monoamine Oxidase/metabolism , Nerve Net/metabolism , Nerve Net/physiopathology , Synapses/metabolism , Synaptic Transmission/genetics
12.
J Clin Lab Anal ; 36(1): e24127, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34877714

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease with endocrine and neuroectodermal aberrations with heterogeneous phenotypes and disease course. The most common phenotypes of the disease are progressive sensorineural hearing loss and alopecia, mild-to-moderate mental retardation and hypogonadism. The disease results from mutations in the DCAF17 gene. METHOD: Here, we reported a large consanguineous pedigree with multiple affected individuals with Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome phenotypes. Laboratory tests confirmed the endocrine perturbance in affected individuals. To find out the underlying genetic change, whole-exome sequencing was carried out. RESULT: Analysis of the exome data identified a splicing-site deletion NM_025000.3:c.1423-1_1425delGACA in DCAF17 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed the co-segregation of the variant with the disease phenotypes in the family. CONCLUSION: The variant is predicted to cause aberrant splicing, i.e., exon skipping, resulting in the translation of a truncated functionless protein which results in appearance of typical phenotypic features and clinical laboratory findings of Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome in affected members of the family.


Subject(s)
Alopecia/genetics , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/genetics , Basal Ganglia Diseases/genetics , Diabetes Mellitus/genetics , Hypogonadism/genetics , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes/genetics , Adolescent , Alopecia/pathology , Alopecia/physiopathology , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/pathology , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/physiopathology , Basal Ganglia Diseases/pathology , Basal Ganglia Diseases/physiopathology , Child , Consanguinity , DNA Mutational Analysis , Diabetes Mellitus/pathology , Diabetes Mellitus/physiopathology , Facies , Female , Humans , Hypogonadism/pathology , Hypogonadism/physiopathology , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Pedigree , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Scalp/pathology
13.
PLoS One ; 16(12): e0261298, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34932566

ABSTRACT

Models of attention demonstrated the existence of top-down, bottom-up, and history-driven attentional mechanisms, controlled by partially segregated networks of brain areas. However, few studies have examined the specific deficits in those attentional mechanisms in intellectual disability within the same experimental setting. The aim of the current study was to specify the attentional deficits in intellectual disability in top-down, bottom-up, and history-driven processing of multisensory stimuli, and gain insight into effective attentional cues that could be utilized in cognitive training programs for intellectual disability. The performance of adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability (n = 20) was compared with that of typically developing controls (n = 20) in a virtual reality visual search task. The type of a spatial cue that could aid search performance was manipulated to be either endogenous or exogenous in different sensory modalities (visual, auditory, tactile). The results identified that attentional deficits in intellectual disability are overall more pronounced in top-down rather than in bottom-up processing, but with different magnitudes across cue types: The auditory or tactile endogenous cues were much less effective than the visual endogenous cue in the intellectual disability group. Moreover, the history-driven processing in intellectual disability was altered, such that a reversed priming effect was observed for immediate repetitions of the same cue type. These results suggest that the impact of intellectual disability on attentional processing is specific to attentional mechanisms and cue types, which has theoretical as well as practical implications for developing effective cognitive training programs for the target population.


Subject(s)
Attention/physiology , Auditory Perception/physiology , Cues , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Reaction Time , Virtual Reality , Visual Perception/physiology , Acoustic Stimulation , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , Intellectual Disability/psychology , Male , Medical History Taking , Middle Aged , Photic Stimulation , Young Adult
14.
Ann Clin Transl Neurol ; 8(11): 2199-2204, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34612606

ABSTRACT

Two siblings presented similarly with congenital hypotonia, lactic acidosis, and failure to thrive. Later in childhood, the brother developed cystinuria and nephrolithiasis whereas the older sister suffered from cystinuria and chronic neurobehavioral disturbances. Biopsied muscle studies demonstrated deficient cytochrome c oxidase activities consistent with a mitochondrial disease. Whole exome sequencing (WES), however, revealed a homozygous 2p21 deletion involving two contiquous genes, SLC3A1 (deletion of exons 2-10) and PREPL (deletion of exons 2-14). The molecular findings were consistent with the hypotonia-cystinuria 2p21 deletion syndrome, presenting similarly in infancy with mitochondrial dysfunction but diverging later in childhood and displaying intrafamilial phenotypic variability.


Subject(s)
Craniofacial Abnormalities/diagnosis , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Craniofacial Abnormalities/physiopathology , Cystinuria/diagnosis , Cystinuria/genetics , Cystinuria/physiopathology , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Mitochondrial Diseases/diagnosis , Mitochondrial Diseases/genetics , Mitochondrial Diseases/physiopathology , Muscle Hypotonia/diagnosis , Muscle Hypotonia/genetics , Muscle Hypotonia/physiopathology , Adult , Chromosome Deletion , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21/genetics , Female , Humans , Male , Siblings , Young Adult
15.
Am J Med Genet A ; 185(11): 3384-3389, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34448338

ABSTRACT

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a heterogenous group of conditions characterized by the co-occurrence of epilepsy and intellectual/developmental disability. Despite several known DEE-related genes, including these encoding ion channels, still many cases remain without molecular diagnosis. Here, we present a 2-year-old girl with severe DEE in whom whole exome sequencing revealed de novo p.(Val471Leu) variant in the KCNC2 encoding Kv3.2, a voltage-gated potassium channel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third DEE case due to KCNC2 mutation. Our clinical and molecular findings, particularly the recurrence of p.(Val471Leu) in patient with similar clinical phenotype, further support KCNC2 as a novel DEE-associated gene.


Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/genetics , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Shaw Potassium Channels/genetics , Brain Diseases/physiopathology , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/physiopathology , Epilepsy , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Mutation, Missense/genetics , Phenotype , Exome Sequencing
16.
Am J Med Genet A ; 185(11): 3446-3458, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34436830

ABSTRACT

The study aimed at widening the clinical and genetic spectrum of ASXL3-related syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by truncating variants in the ASXL3 gene. In this international collaborative study, we have undertaken a detailed clinical and molecular analysis of 45 previously unpublished individuals with ASXL3-related syndrome, as well as a review of all previously published individuals. We have reviewed the rather limited functional characterization of pathogenic variants in ASXL3 and discuss current understanding of the consequences of the different ASXL3 variants. In this comprehensive analysis of ASXL3-related syndrome, we define its natural history and clinical evolution occurring with age. We report familial ASXL3 pathogenic variants, characterize the phenotype in mildly affected individuals and discuss nonpenetrance. We also discuss the role of missense variants in ASXL3. We delineate a variable but consistent phenotype. The most characteristic features are neurodevelopmental delay with consistently limited speech, significant neuro-behavioral issues, hypotonia, and feeding difficulties. Distinctive features include downslanting palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, tubular nose with a prominent nasal bridge, and low-hanging columella. The presented data will inform clinical management of individuals with ASXL3-related syndrome and improve interpretation of new ASXL3 sequence variants.


Subject(s)
Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology , Developmental Disabilities/physiopathology , Female , Genetic Variation/genetics , Humans , Hypertelorism/genetics , Hypertelorism/physiopathology , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Muscle Hypotonia/genetics , Muscle Hypotonia/physiopathology , Mutation/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/physiopathology , Phenotype , Young Adult
17.
PLoS One ; 16(8): e0256294, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34428249

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize evidence on the prevalence and incidence of physical health conditions in people with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: We searched Medline, PsycInfo, and Embase for eligible studies and extracted the prevalence, incidence, and risk of physical health conditions in people with ID. RESULTS: Of 131 eligible studies, we synthesized results from 77 moderate- to high-quality studies, which was mainly limited to high-income countries. The highest prevalence estimates were observed for epilepsy, ear and eye disorders, cerebral palsy, obesity, osteoporosis, congenital heart defects, and thyroid disorders. Some conditions were more common in people with a genetic syndrome. Compared with the general population, many health conditions occur more frequently among people with ID, including asthma and diabetes, while some conditions such as non-congenital circulatory diseases and solid cancers occur at the same or lower rate. The latter associations may reflect under-detection. CONCLUSIONS: People with ID have a health profile more complex than previously known. There is a pressing need for targeted, evidence-informed population health initiatives including preventative programs for this population.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability/epidemiology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Prevalence , Asthma/epidemiology , Asthma/physiopathology , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology , Cerebral Palsy/epidemiology , Cerebral Palsy/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/physiopathology , Epilepsy/epidemiology , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Eye Diseases/epidemiology , Eye Diseases/physiopathology , Female , Heart Defects, Congenital/epidemiology , Heart Defects, Congenital/physiopathology , Humans , Intellectual Disability/complications , Male , Obesity/epidemiology , Obesity/physiopathology , Osteoporosis/epidemiology , Osteoporosis/physiopathology , Thyroid Diseases/epidemiology , Thyroid Diseases/physiopathology
18.
Genes (Basel) ; 12(8)2021 08 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34440431

ABSTRACT

KBG syndrome is a neurodevelopmental autosomal dominant disorder characterized by short stature, macrodontia, developmental delay, behavioral problems, speech delay and delayed closing of fontanels. Most patients with KBG syndrome are found to have a mutation in the ANKRD11 gene or a chromosomal rearrangement involving this gene. We hereby present clinical evaluations of 23 patients aged 4 months to 26 years manifesting clinical features of KBG syndrome. Mutation analysis in the patients was performed using panel or exome sequencing and array CGH. Besides possessing dysmorphic features typical of the KBG syndrome, nearly all patients had psychomotor hyperactivity (86%), 81% had delayed speech, 61% had poor weight gain, 56% had delayed closure of fontanel and 56% had a hoarse voice. Macrodontia and a height range of -1 SDs to -2 SDs were noted in about half of the patients; only two patients presented with short stature below -3 SDs. The fact that wide, delayed closing fontanels were observed in more than half of our patients with KBG syndrome confirms the role of the ANKRD11 gene in skull formation and suture fusion. This clinical feature could be key to the diagnosis of KBG syndrome, especially in young children. Hoarse voice is a previously undescribed phenotype of KBG syndrome and could further reinforce clinical diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Bone Diseases, Developmental/genetics , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Repressor Proteins/genetics , Tooth Abnormalities/genetics , Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnosis , Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnostic imaging , Abnormalities, Multiple/physiopathology , Adolescent , Adult , Bone Diseases, Developmental/diagnosis , Bone Diseases, Developmental/diagnostic imaging , Bone Diseases, Developmental/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16/genetics , Comparative Genomic Hybridization , Dwarfism/genetics , Dwarfism/physiopathology , Facies , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Infant , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/diagnostic imaging , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Mutation/genetics , Phenotype , Tooth Abnormalities/diagnosis , Tooth Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging , Tooth Abnormalities/physiopathology , Exome Sequencing , Young Adult
19.
Genes (Basel) ; 12(8)2021 08 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34440449

ABSTRACT

ARID1B is one of the most frequently mutated genes in intellectual disability (~1%). Most variants are readily classified, since they are de novo and are predicted to lead to loss of function, and therefore classified as pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants. However, familial loss-of-function variants can also occur and can be challenging to interpret. Such variants may be pathogenic with variable expression, causing only a mild phenotype in a parent. Alternatively, since some regions of the ARID1B gene seem to be lacking pathogenic variants, loss-of-function variants in those regions may not lead to ARID1B haploinsufficiency and may therefore be benign. We describe 12 families with potential loss-of-function variants, which were either familial or with unknown inheritance and were in regions where pathogenic variants have not been described or are otherwise challenging to interpret. We performed detailed clinical and DNA methylation studies, which allowed us to confidently classify most variants. In five families we observed transmission of pathogenic variants, confirming their highly variable expression. Our findings provide further evidence for an alternative translational start site and we suggest updates for the ACMG guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants to incorporate DNA methylation studies and facial analyses.


Subject(s)
DNA Methylation/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Abnormalities, Multiple/epidemiology , Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Abnormalities, Multiple/physiopathology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Face/abnormalities , Female , Gene Expression Regulation/genetics , Hand Deformities, Congenital/epidemiology , Hand Deformities, Congenital/genetics , Hand Deformities, Congenital/physiopathology , Humans , Intellectual Disability/epidemiology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Loss of Function Mutation/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Phenotype , Young Adult
20.
Pediatr Neurol ; 123: 43-49, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34399109

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The neurodevelopmental impairment in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) has a multifactorial origin. Various factors have been proposed as predictors of neurological outcome such as tuber load, seizure onset, and TSC2 mutation. Cerebellar lesions have been associated with worse neuroradiological phenotype, but their contribution is not well understood. METHODS: A partly retrospective and partly prospective pediatric cohort study was conducted at three hospitals in Greece between 2015 and 2020. Patients aged ≤ 18 years with a confirmed TSC daignosis were included and underwent brain imaging, a semistructured interview (authorized Greek version of the tuberous sclerosis-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, or TAND, checklist), and intellectual ability assessment. RESULTS: The study populations consisted of 45 patients with TSC (22 females, 23 males; mean age 9.53 years). Twenty patients (44.4%) had cerebellar lesions. Cerebellar involvement was the most powerful predictor of tuber load (P = 0.03). Cerebellar lesions were associated with giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) (P = 0.01) and severe neurological outcome (P = 0.01). Even though in the univariate analysis early seizure onset, tuber load, and cerebellar involvement were associated with intellectual impairment and neurological severity, none of them was an independent predictor of cognitive outcome and neurological severity. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebellar lesions are common among individuals with TSC. Cerebellar involvement correlates with supratentorial derangement and the development of SEGAs, which is suggestive of a more severe clinical and neuroradiological phenotype. Cerebellar involvement and early seizure onset were not independent predictors of either neurological severity or intellectual disability or neurobehavioral outcome; their role in TSC clinical phenotype should be further investigated.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Diseases , Cerebral Cortex , Epilepsy , Intellectual Disability , Tuberous Sclerosis , Adolescent , Age Factors , Cerebellar Diseases/diagnosis , Cerebellar Diseases/pathology , Cerebral Cortex/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Epilepsy/etiology , Epilepsy/pathology , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/etiology , Intellectual Disability/pathology , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , Tuberous Sclerosis/complications , Tuberous Sclerosis/diagnosis , Tuberous Sclerosis/pathology , Tuberous Sclerosis/physiopathology
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