Advancing genomic approaches to the molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Louise Stenton ◽  
Holger Prokisch
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Disease ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Candidate Gene Approach ◽  
Disease Genes ◽  
Variant Interpretation ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Prior Analysis

Mitochondrial diseases present a diagnostic challenge due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Achieving comprehensive molecular diagnosis via a conventional candidate-gene approach is likely, therefore, to be labour- and cost-intensive given the expanding number of mitochondrial disease genes. The advent of whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) hold the potential of higher diagnostic yields due to the universality and unbiased nature of the methods. However, these approaches are subject to the escalating challenge of variant interpretation. Thus, integration of functional ‘multi-omics’ data, such as transcriptomics, is emerging as a powerful complementary tool in the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease patients for whom extensive prior analysis of DNA sequencing has failed to return a genetic diagnosis.

scholarly journals Diagnosing pediatric mitochondrial disease: lessons from 2,000 exomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L Stenton ◽  
Masaru Shimura ◽  
Dorota Piekutowska-Abramczuk ◽  
Peter Freisinger ◽  
Felix Distelmaier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Precision Medicine ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Disease ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Disease Genes ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Genes Encoding

Background: The spectrum of mitochondrial disease is genetically and phenotypically diverse, resulting from pathogenic variants in over 400 genes, with aerobic energy metabolism defects as a common denominator. Such heterogeneity poses a significant challenge in making an accurate diagnosis, critical for precision medicine. Methods: In an international collaboration initiated by the European Network for Mitochondrial Diseases (GENOMIT) we recruited 2,023 pediatric patients at 11 specialist referral centers between October 2010 and January 2021, accumulating exome sequencing and HPO-encoded phenotype data. An exome-wide search for variants in known and potential novel disease genes, complemented by functional studies, followed ACMG guidelines. Results: 1,109 cases (55%) received a molecular diagnosis, of which one fifth have potential disease-modifying treatments (236/1,109, 21%). Functional studies enabled diagnostic uplift from 36% to 55% and discovery of 62 novel disease genes. Pathogenic variants were identified within genes encoding mitochondrial proteins or RNAs in 801 cases (72%), while, given extensive phenotype overlap, the remainder involved proteins targeted to other cellular compartments. To delineate genotype-phenotype associations, our data was complemented with registry and literature data to develop GENOMITexplorer, an open access resource detailing patient- (n=3,940), gene- (n=427), and variant-level (n=1,492) associations (prokischlab.github.io/GENOMITexplorer/). Conclusions: Reaching a molecular diagnosis was essential for implementation of precision medicine and clinical trial eligibility, underlining the need for genome-wide screening given inability to accurately define mitochondrial diseases clinically. Key to diagnostic success were functional studies, encouraging early acquisition of patient-derived tissues and routine integration of high-throughput functional data to improve patient care by uplifting diagnostic rate.

scholarly journals Not Only Diagnostic Yield: Whole-Exome Sequencing in Infantile Cardiomyopathies Impacts on Clinical and Family Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Laura Pezzoli ◽  
Lidia Pezzani ◽  
Ezio Bonanomi ◽  
Chiara Marrone ◽  
Agnese Scatigno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Family Management ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Time To Diagnosis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful and comprehensive tool for the genetic diagnosis of rare diseases, but few reports describe its timely application and clinical impact on infantile cardiomyopathies (CM). We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with infantile CMs who had trio (proband and parents)-WES to determine whether results contributed to clinical management in urgent and non-urgent settings. Twenty-nine out of 42 enrolled patients (69.0%) received a definitive molecular diagnosis. The mean time-to-diagnosis was 9.7 days in urgent settings, and 17 out of 24 patients (70.8%) obtained an etiological classification. In non-urgent settings, the mean time-to-diagnosis was 225 days, and 12 out of 18 patients (66.7%) had a molecular diagnosis. In 37 out of 42 patients (88.1%), the genetic findings contributed to clinical management, including heart transplantation, palliative care, or medical treatment, independent of the patient’s critical condition. All 29 patients and families with a definitive diagnosis received specific counseling about recurrence risk, and in seven (24.1%) cases, the result facilitated diagnosis in parents or siblings. In conclusion, genetic diagnosis significantly contributes to patients’ clinical and family management, and trio-WES should be performed promptly to be an essential part of care in infantile cardiomyopathy, maximizing its clinical utility.

Molecular Diagnosis of Inherited Coagulation and Bleeding Disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (07) ◽  
pp. 695-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
José María Bastida ◽  
Rocío Benito ◽  
María Luisa Lozano ◽  
Ana Marín-Quilez ◽  
Kamila Janusz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Molecular Defect ◽  
Bleeding Disorders ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy

AbstractDiagnosis of inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) remains challenging, especially in the case of inherited platelet disorders, due to the heterogeneity of the clinical and laboratory phenotype, the limited specificity of platelet function tests, and the large number of potential culprit genes. Unraveling the underlying molecular defect provides the definitive diagnosis of IBDs, facilitating prognosis and clinical care, which are especially important for severe clinical syndromes and those that may be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Until recently, Sanger sequencing of candidate genes has been the only method of molecular diagnosis, but this approach is time-consuming and costly and requires phenotype-based identification of any obvious candidate gene(s). Nowadays, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows the simultaneous and rapid investigation of multiple genes at a manageable cost. This HTS technology that includes targeted sequencing of prespecified genes, whole-exome sequencing, or whole-genome sequencing, is revolutionizing the genetic diagnosis of human diseases. Through its extensive implementation in research and clinical practice, HTS is rapidly improving the molecular characterization of IBDs. However, despite the availability of this powerful approach, many patients still do not receive a diagnosis. As IBDs are complex and rare diseases, development of more advanced laboratory assays, improvements in bioinformatic pipelines, and the formation of multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to advance our understanding of IBDs.

scholarly journals Delineation of molecular findings by whole exome sequencing for suspected cases of paediatric-onset mitochondrial diseases in the Southern Chinese population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Ho-Yin Tsang ◽  
Anna Ka-Yee Kwong ◽  
Kate Lok-San Chan ◽  
Jasmine Lee-Fong Fung ◽  
Mullin Ho-Chung Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Founder Mutation ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Southern Chinese ◽  
Whole Exome

Abstract BackgroundMitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation. Since clinical phenotypes of MDs may be non-specific, genetic diagnosis is crucial for guiding disease management. In the current study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for our paediatric-onset MD cohort of a Southern Chinese origin, with the aim of identifying key disease-causing variants in the Chinese patients with MDs.MethodsWe recruited Chinese patients who had paediatric-onset MDs and a minimum mitochondrial disease criteria (MDC) score of 3. Patients with positive target gene or mitochondrial DNA sequencing results were excluded. WES was performed, variants with population frequency ≤1% were analysed for pathogenicity on the basis of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.ResultsSixty-six patients with pre-biopsy MDC scores of 3–8 were recruited. The overall diagnostic yield was 35% (23/66). Eleven patients (17%) were found to have mutations in MD-related genes, with COQ4 having the highest mutation rate owing to the Chinese-specific founder mutation (4/66, 6%). Twelve patients (12/66, 18%) had mutations in non-MD-related genes: ATP1A3 (n=3, two were siblings), ALDH5A1 , ARX , FA2H , KCNT1 , LDHD , NEFL , NKX2-2 , TBCK , and WAC.ConclusionsWe confirmed that the COQ4 :c.370G>A, p.(Gly124Ser) variant was a recurrent founder mutation among the Southern Chinese population. Screening for this mutation should therefore be considered while diagnosing Chinese patients suspected to have MDs. Furthermore, WES has proven to be useful in detecting variants in patients suspected to have MDs because it helps to obtain an unbiased and precise genetic diagnosis for these diseases, which are genetically heterogeneous.

scholarly journals Delineation of molecular findings by whole exome sequencing for suspected cases of paediatric-onset mitochondrial diseases in the Southern Chinese population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Ho-Yin Tsang ◽  
Anna Ka-Yee Kwong ◽  
Kate Lok-San Chan ◽  
Jasmine Lee-Fong Fung ◽  
Mullin Ho-Chung Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Founder Mutation ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Southern Chinese ◽  
Whole Exome

Abstract Background Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation. Since clinical phenotypes of MDs may be non-specific, genetic diagnosis is crucial for guiding disease management. In the current study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for our paediatric-onset MD cohort of a Southern Chinese origin, with the aim of identifying key disease-causing variants in the Chinese patients with MDs.Methods We recruited Chinese patients who had paediatric-onset MDs and a minimum mitochondrial disease criteria (MDC) score of 3. Patients with positive target gene or mitochondrial DNA sequencing results were excluded. WES was performed, variants with population frequency ≤1% were analysed for pathogenicity on the basis of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.Results Sixty-six patients with pre-biopsy MDC scores of 3–8 were recruited. The overall diagnostic yield was 35% (23/66). Eleven patients (17%) were found to have mutations in MD-related genes, with COQ4 having the highest mutation rate owing to the Chinese-specific founder mutation (4/66, 6%). Twelve patients (12/66, 18%) had mutations in non-MD-related genes: ATP1A3 (n=3, two were siblings), ALDH5A1, ARX, FA2H, KCNT1, LDHD, NEFL, NKX2-2, TBCK, and WAC.Conclusions We confirmed that the COQ4:c.370G>A, p.(Gly124Ser) variant was a recurrent founder mutation among the Southern Chinese population. Screening for this mutation should therefore be considered while diagnosing Chinese patients suspected to have MDs. Furthermore, WES has proven to be useful in detecting variants in patients suspected to have MDs because it helps to obtain an unbiased and precise genetic diagnosis for these diseases, which are genetically heterogeneous.

scholarly journals Delineation of molecular findings by whole-exome sequencing for suspected cases of paediatric-onset mitochondrial diseases in the Southern Chinese population

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy H.Y. Tsang ◽  
Anna K.Y. Kwong ◽  
Kate L.S. Chan ◽  
Jasmine L.F. Fung ◽  
Mullin H.C. Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Founder Mutation ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Southern Chinese ◽  
Whole Exome

Abstract Background Mitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation. Since clinical phenotypes of MDs may be non-specific, genetic diagnosis is crucial for guiding disease management. In the current study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for our paediatric-onset MD cohort of a Southern Chinese origin, with the aim of identifying key disease-causing variants in the Chinese patients with MDs. Methods We recruited Chinese patients who had paediatric-onset MDs and a minimum mitochondrial disease criteria (MDC) score of 3. Patients with positive target gene or mitochondrial DNA sequencing results were excluded. WES was performed, variants with population frequency ≤ 1% were analysed for pathogenicity on the basis of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Results Sixty-six patients with pre-biopsy MDC scores of 3–8 were recruited. The overall diagnostic yield was 35% (23/66). Eleven patients (17%) were found to have mutations in MD-related genes, with COQ4 having the highest mutation rate owing to the Chinese-specific founder mutation (4/66, 6%). Twelve patients (12/66, 18%) had mutations in non-MD-related genes: ATP1A3 (n = 3, two were siblings), ALDH5A1, ARX, FA2H, KCNT1, LDHD, NEFL, NKX2-2, TBCK, and WAC. Conclusions We confirmed that the COQ4:c.370G>A, p.(Gly124Ser) variant, was a founder mutation among the Southern Chinese population. Screening for this mutation should therefore be considered while diagnosing Chinese patients suspected to have MDs. Furthermore, WES has proven to be useful in detecting variants in patients suspected to have MDs because it helps to obtain an unbiased and precise genetic diagnosis for these diseases, which are genetically heterogeneous.

scholarly journals Endocrine manifestations and new developments in mitochondrial disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Shiau Ng ◽  
Albert Zishen Lim ◽  
Grigorios Panagiotou ◽  
Doug M Turnbull ◽  
Mark Walker
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Disease ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna Variants

Abstract Mitochondrial diseases are a group of common inherited diseases causing disruption of oxidative phosphorylation. Some patients with mitochondrial disease have endocrine manifestations, with diabetes being predominant but also include hypogonadism, hypoadrenalism and hypoparathyroidism. There have been major developments in mitochondrial disease over the last decade that have major implications for all patients. The collection of large cohorts of patients has better defined the phenotype of mitochondrial diseases and the majority of patients with endocrine abnormalities have involvement of several other systems. This means that patients with mitochondrial disease and endocrine manifestations need specialist follow up because some of the other manifestations, such as stroke-like episodes and cardiomyopathy, are potentially life threatening. Also, the development and follow up of large cohorts of patients means that there are clinical guidelines for the management of patients with mitochondrial disease. There is also considerable research activity to identify novel therapies for the treatment of mitochondrial disease. The revolution in genetics, with the introduction of next generation sequencing, has made genetic testing more available and establishing a precise genetic diagnosis is important since it will affect the risk for involvement for different organ systems. Establishing a genetic diagnosis is also crucial since there are important reproductive options have been developed which will prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease due to mitochondrial DNA variants to the next generation.

Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel DES Mutation (R227C) in a Chinese Dilated Cardiomyopathy Family

Cardiology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 137 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Yu ◽  
Lv Liu ◽  
Chan Chen ◽  
Jin-Mei Shen
Keyword(s):  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Novel Mutation ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Chinese Family ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Disease Genes ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Gene Filtering

Objectives: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common disease in the clinic, and it is the leading cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Previous studies have proven that genetic factors play a crucial role in the occurrence of DCM; more than 50 disease genes including desmin (DES) have been identified to be associated with DCM. At present, most DES mutations are reported in desmin-related myofibrilla myopathy patients, but variants leading to isolated DCM are rarely reported. Methods: We applied whole-exome sequencing and cardiomyopathy-related gene filtering strategies to discover the genetic factors in a Chinese DCM family. Results: A novel mutation (c.679 C>T /p.R227C) in exon 3 of DES was identified and cosegregated with the affected members of a Chinese family with isolated DCM phenotypes (left ventricle and left atrial diameters). Conclusion: This mutation leads to a substitution of arginine by cysteine and it is predicted to be deleterious by bioinformatics programs. Our study not only contributes to the genetic diagnosis and counseling of families with DCM, but it also further proves that DES mutations may lead to isolated DCM and provides a new case for the study of the relationship between DES mutations and DCM.

scholarly journals B.06 Whole exome sequencing in genetic ataxias associated with cerebellar atrophy: the Canadian experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (s1) ◽  
pp. S11
Author(s):  
L Gauquelin ◽  
T Hartley ◽  
M Tarnopolsky ◽  
DA Dyment ◽  
B Brais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exome Sequencing ◽  
Whole Exome Sequencing ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Cerebellar Atrophy ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Disease Genes ◽  
Pathogenic Variants ◽  
Whole Exome

Background: Cerebellar atrophy is characterized by loss of cerebellar tissue, with evidence on brain imaging of enlarged interfolial spaces compared to the foliae. Genetic ataxias associated with cerebellar atrophy are a heterogeneous group of disorders. We investigated the prevalence in Canada and the diagnostic yield of whole exome sequencing (WES) for this group of conditions. Methods: Between 2011 and 2017, WES was performed in 91 participants with cerebellar atrophy as part of one of two national research programs, Finding of Rare Genetic Disease Genes (FORGE) or Enhanced Care for Rare Genetic Diseases in Canada (Care4Rare). Results: A genetic diagnosis was established in 58% of cases (53/91). Pathogenic variants were found in 24 known genes, providing a diagnosis for 46/53 participants (87%), and in four novel genes, accounting for 7/53 cases (13%). 38/91 cases (42%) remained unsolved. The most common diagnoses were channelopathies in 12/53 patients (23%) and mitochondrial disorders in 9/53 (17%). Inheritance was autosomal recessive in the majority of cases. Additional clinical findings provided useful clues to some of the diagnoses. Conclusions: This is the first report on the prevalence of genetic ataxias associated with cerebellar atrophy in Canada, and the utility of WES for this group of conditions.

FGF-21 as a Potential Biomarker for Mitochondrial Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2070-2081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Motlagh Scholle ◽  
Diana Lehmann ◽  
Marcus Deschauer ◽  
Torsten Kraya ◽  
Stephan Zierz
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Mitochondrial Diseases ◽  
Mitochondrial Disorders ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽  
Fibroblast Growth ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
Whole Exome ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Metabolic Deficiency

The diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases is still challenging due to clinical and genetical heterogeneity. The development of advanced technologies including Whole-Exome- Sequencing (WES) and Whole-Genome-Sequencing (WGS) has led to improvements in genetic diagnosis. However, a reliable biomarker in serum could enhance and ease the diagnosis and indeed reduce the need for muscle biopsy. Several studies suggest Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) as a biomarker for diagnosis in mitochondrial disorders. It is known, that in patients with mitochondrial disorders, the expression of FGF-21 gets elevated in an effort to counteract the underlying metabolic deficiency. The growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been described as a potential biomarker for mitochondrial diseases, too. In the present review, a literature research, using PubMed database about the reliability of FGF-21 as a biomarker for mitochondrial disorders and its comparison with GDF-15 has been performed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document