scholarly journals Heterozygous gene truncation delineates the human haploinsufficient genome

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
István Bartha ◽  
Antonio Rausell ◽  
Paul McLaren ◽  
Manuel Tardaguila ◽  
Pejman Mohammadi ◽  
...  

Sequencing projects have identified large numbers of rare stop-gain and frameshift variants in the human genome. As most of these are observed in the heterozygous state, they test a gene?s tolerance to haploinsufficiency and dominant loss of function. We analyzed the distribution of truncating variants across 16,260 protein coding autosomal genes in 11,546 individuals. We observed 39,893 truncating variants affecting 12,062 genes, which significantly differed from an expectation of 12,916 genes under a model of neutral de novo mutation (p<1E-4). Extrapolating this to increasing numbers of sequenced individuals, we estimate that 10.8% of human genes do not tolerate heterozygous truncating variants. An additional 10 to 15% of truncated genes may be rescued by incomplete penetrance or compensatory mutations, or because the truncating variants are of limited functional impact. The study of protein truncating variants delineates the essential genome and, more generally, identifies rare heterozygous variants as an unexplored source of diversity of phenotypic traits and diseases.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suganthi Balasubramanian ◽  
Yao Fu ◽  
Mayur Pawashe ◽  
Patrick McGillivray ◽  
Mike Jin ◽  
...  

AbstractVariants predicted to result in the loss of function (LoF) of human genes have attracted interest because of their clinical impact and surprising prevalence in healthy individuals. Here, we present ALoFT (Annotation of Loss-of-Function Transcripts), a method to annotate and predict the disease-causing potential of LoF variants. Using data from Mendelian disease-gene discovery projects, we show that ALoFT can distinguish between LoF variants deleterious as heterozygotes and those causing disease only in the homozygous state. Investigation of variants discovered in healthy populations suggests that each individual carries at least two heterozygous premature stop alleles that could potentially lead to disease if present as homozygotes. When applied to de novo pLoF variants in autism-affected families, ALoFT distinguishes between deleterious variants in patients and benign variants in unaffected siblings. Finally, analysis of somatic variants in > 6,500 cancer exomes shows that pLoF variants predicted to be deleterious by ALoFT are enriched in known driver genes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Yanyan Nie ◽  
Yu Mu ◽  
Jie Zheng ◽  
Xiaowei Xu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background:The pathogenic variation of CASK gene can cause CASK related mental disorders. The main clinical manifestations are microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia, X-linked mental disorders with or without nystagmus and FG syndrome. The main pathogenic mechanism is the loss of function of related protein caused by mutation. We reported a Chinese male newborn with a de novo variant in CASK gene. Case presentation:We present an 18-day-old baby with intellectual disability and brain hypoplasia. Whole-exome sequencing was performed, which detected a hemizygous missense mutation c.764G>A of CASK gene. The mutation changed the 255th amino acid from Arg to His. Software based bioinformatics analyses were conducted to infer its functional effect.Conclusions:In this paper, a de novo mutation of CASK gene was reported. Moreover, a detailed description of all the cases described in the literature is reported.CASK mutations cause a variety of clinical phenotypes. Its diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of typical clinical symptoms. Genetic testing should be performed as early as possible if this disease is suspected. This case provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of future cases.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F. Martinez ◽  
Qian Chu ◽  
Cynthia Donaldson ◽  
Dan Tan ◽  
Maxim N. Shokhirev ◽  
...  

Protein-coding small open reading frames (smORFs) are emerging as an important class of genes, however, the coding capacity of smORFs in the human genome is unclear. By integrating de novo transcriptome assembly and Ribo-Seq, we confidently annotate thousands of novel translated smORFs in three human cell lines. We find that smORF translation prediction is noisier than for annotated coding sequences, underscoring the importance of analyzing multiple experiments and footprinting conditions. These smORFs are located within non-coding and antisense transcripts, the UTRs of mRNAs, and unannotated transcripts. Analysis of RNA levels and translation efficiency during cellular stress identifies regulated smORFs, providing an approach to select smORFs for further investigation. Sequence conservation and signatures of positive selection indicate that encoded microproteins are likely functional. Additionally, proteomics data from enriched human leukocyte antigen complexes validates the translation of hundreds of smORFs and positions them as a source of novel antigens. Thus, smORFs represent a significant number of important, yet unexplored human genes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 030006052110358
Author(s):  
Lin Qiao ◽  
Yuting Yang ◽  
Dongmei Yue

Objective Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder, often detected during childhood. We present the results of genetic testing in a newborn with suspected TSC. Methods A newborn with no specific clinical manifestations of TSC showed evidence of TSC on magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of the TSC1 and TSC2 gene exons were carried out to confirm the diagnosis. Results The results of MLPA were negative, but NGS showed a heterozygous mutation in the TSC1 gene comprising insertion of a T residue at c.2165 (exon 17) to c.2166 (exon 17), indicating a loss of function mutation. These results were verified by Sanger sequencing. This genetic change was present in the newborn but the parental genotypes were wild-type, indicating a de novo mutation. Conclusions In this case, a case of TSC caused by a heterozygous mutation in the TSC1 gene was confirmed by NGS sequencing. This indicates the suitability of genetic testing for the early diagnosis of clinically rare and difficult-to-diagnose diseases, to guide clinical treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Gonçalves Pontes Jacinto ◽  
Irene Monika Häfliger ◽  
Anna Letko ◽  
Cord Drögemüller ◽  
Jørgen Steen Agerholm

Abstract Background Congenital bovine chondrodysplasia, also known as bulldog calf syndrome, is characterized by disproportionate growth of bones resulting in a shortened and compressed body, mainly due to reduced length of the spine and the long bones of the limbs. In addition, severe facial dysmorphisms including palatoschisis and shortening of the viscerocranium are present. Abnormalities in the gene collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) have been associated with some cases of the bulldog calf syndrome. Until now, six pathogenic single-nucleotide variants have been found in COL2A1. Here we present a novel variant in COL2A1 of a Holstein calf and provide an overview of the phenotypic and allelic heterogeneity of the COL2A1-related bulldog calf syndrome in cattle. Case presentation The calf was aborted at gestation day 264 and showed generalized disproportionate dwarfism, with a shortened compressed body and limbs, and dysplasia of the viscerocranium; a phenotype resembling bulldog calf syndrome due to an abnormality in COL2A1. Whole-genome sequence (WGS) data was obtained and revealed a heterozygous 3513 base pair deletion encompassing 10 of the 54 coding exons of COL2A1. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and Sanger sequencing confirmed the breakpoints of the deletion and its absence in the genomes of both parents. Conclusions The pathological and genetic findings were consistent with a case of “bulldog calf syndrome”. The identified variant causing the syndrome was the result of a de novo mutation event that either occurred post-zygotically in the developing embryo or was inherited because of low-level mosaicism in one of the parents. The identified loss-of-function variant is pathogenic due to COL2A1 haploinsufficiency and represents the first structural variant causing bulldog calf syndrome in cattle. Furthermore, this case report highlights the utility of WGS-based precise diagnostics for understanding congenital disorders in cattle and the need for continued surveillance for genetic disorders in cattle.


Author(s):  
Leandros Boukas ◽  
Hans T. Bjornsson ◽  
Kasper D. Hansen

AbstractThe aggregation and joint analysis of large numbers of exome sequences has recently made it possible to de-rive estimates of intolerance to loss-of-function (LoF) variation for human genes. Here, we demonstrate strong and widespread coupling between genic LoF-intolerance and promoter CpG density across the human genome. Genes downstream of the most CpG-rich pro-moters (top 10% CpG density) have a 67.2% probability of being highly LoF-intolerant, using the LOEUF metric from gnomAD. This is in contrast to 7.4% of genes downstream of the most CpG-poor (bottom 10% CpG density) promoters. Combining promoter CpG density with exonic and promoter conservation explains 33.4% of the variation in LOEUF, and the contribution of CpG density exceeds the individual contributions of exonic and promoter conservation. We leverage this to train a simple and easily interpretable predictive model that out-performs other existing predictors and allows us to classify 1,760 genes – which currently lack reliable LOEUF estimates – as highly LoF-intolerant or not. These predictions have the potential to aid in the interpretation of novel patient variants. Moreover, our results reveal that high CpG density is not merely a generic feature of human promoters, but is preferentially encountered at the promoters of the most selectively constrained genes, calling into question the prevailing view that CpG islands are not subject to selection.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Duran ◽  
Philipp Karschnia ◽  
Jonathan R. Gaillard ◽  
Jason K. Karimy ◽  
Mark W. Youngblood ◽  
...  

Vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) are rare developmental cerebrovascular lesions characterized by fistulas between the choroidal circulation and the median prosencephalic vein. Although the treatment of VOGMs has greatly benefited from advances in endovascular therapy, including technical innovation in interventional neuroradiology, many patients are recalcitrant to procedural intervention or lack accessibility to specialized care centers, highlighting the need for improved screening, diagnostics, and therapeutics. A fundamental obstacle to identifying novel targets is the limited understanding of VOGM molecular pathophysiology, including its human genetics, and the lack of an adequate VOGM animal model. Herein, the known human mutations associated with VOGMs are reviewed to provide a framework for future gene discovery. Gene mutations have been identified in 2 Mendelian syndromes of which VOGM is an infrequent but associated phenotype: capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation syndrome (RASA1) and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (ENG and ACVRL1). However, these mutations probably represent only a small fraction of all VOGM cases. Traditional genetic approaches have been limited in their ability to identify additional causative genes for VOGM because kindreds are rare, limited in patient number, and/or seem to have sporadic inheritance patterns, attributable in part to incomplete penetrance and phenotypic variability. The authors hypothesize that the apparent sporadic occurrence of VOGM may frequently be attributable to de novo mutation or incomplete penetrance of rare transmitted variants. Collaboration among treating physicians, patients’ families, and investigators using next-generation sequencing could lead to the discovery of novel genes for VOGM. This could improve the understanding of normal vascular biology, elucidate the pathogenesis of VOGM and possibly other more common arteriovenous malformation subtypes, and pave the way for advances in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with VOGM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadja T. Hofer ◽  
Petronel Tuluc ◽  
Nadine J. Ortner ◽  
Yuliia V. Nikonishyna ◽  
Monica L. Fernándes-Quintero ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that de novo CACNA1D missense mutations inducing increased Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+-channel-function confer a high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder with and without neurological and endocrine symptoms). Electrophysiological studies demonstrating the presence or absence of typical gain-of-function gating changes could therefore serve as a tool to distinguish likely disease-causing from non-pathogenic de novo CACNA1D variants in affected individuals. We tested this hypothesis for mutation S652L, which has previously been reported in twins with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in the Deciphering Developmental Disorder Study, but has not been classified as a novel disease mutation. Methods For functional characterization, wild-type and mutant Cav1.3 channel complexes were expressed in tsA-201 cells and tested for typical gain-of-function gating changes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Results Mutation S652L significantly shifted the voltage-dependence of activation and steady-state inactivation to more negative potentials (~ 13–17 mV) and increased window currents at subthreshold voltages. Moreover, it slowed tail currents and increased Ca2+-levels during action potential-like stimulations, characteristic for gain-of-function changes. To provide evidence that only gain-of-function variants confer high disease risk, we also studied missense variant S652W reported in apparently healthy individuals. S652W shifted activation and inactivation to more positive voltages, compatible with a loss-of-function phenotype. Mutation S652L increased the sensitivity of Cav1.3 for inhibition by the dihydropyridine L-type Ca2+-channel blocker isradipine by 3–4-fold. Conclusions and limitations Our data provide evidence that gain-of-function CACNA1D mutations, such as S652L, but not loss-of-function mutations, such as S652W, cause high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders including autism. This adds CACNA1D to the list of novel disease genes identified in the Deciphering Developmental Disorder Study. Although our study does not provide insight into the cellular mechanisms of pathological Cav1.3 signaling in neurons, we provide a unifying mechanism of gain-of-function CACNA1D mutations as a predictor for disease risk, which may allow the establishment of a more reliable diagnosis of affected individuals. Moreover, the increased sensitivity of S652L to isradipine encourages a therapeutic trial in the two affected individuals. This can address the important question to which extent symptoms are responsive to therapy with Ca2+-channel blockers.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy F McRae ◽  
Stephen Clayton ◽  
Tomas W Fitzgerald ◽  
Joanna Kaplanis ◽  
Elena Prigmore ◽  
...  

AbstractIndividuals with severe, undiagnosed developmental disorders (DDs) are enriched for damaging de novo mutations (DNMs) in developmentally important genes. We exome sequenced 4,293 families with individuals with DDs, and meta-analysed these data with published data on 3,287 individuals with similar disorders. We show that the most significant factors influencing the diagnostic yield of de novo mutations are the sex of the affected individual, the relatedness of their parents and the age of both father and mother. We identified 94 genes enriched for damaging de novo mutation at genome-wide significance (P < 7 × 10−7), including 14 genes for which compelling data for causation was previously lacking. We have characterised the phenotypic diversity among these genetic disorders. We demonstrate that, at current cost differentials, exome sequencing has much greater power than genome sequencing for novel gene discovery in genetically heterogeneous disorders. We estimate that 42% of our cohort carry pathogenic DNMs (single nucleotide variants and indels) in coding sequences, with approximately half operating by a loss-of-function mechanism, and the remainder resulting in altered-function (e.g. activating, dominant negative). We established that most haplo insufficient developmental disorders have already been identified, but that many altered-function disorders remain to be discovered. Extrapolating from the DDD cohort to the general population, we estimate that developmental disorders caused by DNMs have an average birth prevalence of 1 in 213 to 1 in 448 (0.22-0.47% of live births), depending on parental age.AbbreviationsPTVProtein-Truncating VariantDNMDe Novo MutationDDDevelopmental DisorderDDDDeciphering Developmental Disorders study


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 405-413
Author(s):  
Jianbo Huang ◽  
Xiaogang Bao ◽  
Wenjun Xia ◽  
Lingjun Zhu ◽  
Jin Zhang ◽  
...  

Objectives X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets (XLHR) is a disease of impaired bone mineralization characterized by hypophosphataemia caused by renal phosphate wasting. The main clinical manifestations of the disorder are O-shaped legs, X-shaped legs, delayed growth, and bone pain. XLHR is the most common inheritable form of rickets, with an incidence of 1/20 000 in humans. It accounts for approximately 80% of familial cases of hypophosphataemia and serves as the prototype of defective tubular phosphate (PO43+) transport, due to extra renal defects resulting in unregulated FGF23 activity. XLHR is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the PHEX gene. The aim of this research was to identify the genetic defect responsible for familial hypophosphataemic rickets in a four-generation Chinese Han pedigree and to analyze the function of this mutation. Methods The genome DNA samples of all members in the pedigree were extracted from whole blood. We sequenced all exons of the PHEX and FGF23 genes, as well as the adjacent splice site sequence with Sanger sequencing. Next, we analyzed the de novo mutation c.1692 del A of the PHEX gene with an online digital service and investigated the mutant PHEX with SWISS-MODEL, immunofluorescence, and protein stability detection. Results Through Sanger sequencing, we found a de novo mutation, c.1692 del A, in exon 16 of the PHEX gene in this pedigree. This mutation can make the PHEX protein become unstable and decay rapidly, which results in familial XLHR. Conclusion We have found a de novo loss-of-function mutation, c.1692 del A, in exon 16 of the PHEX gene that can cause XLHR. Cite this article: J. Huang, X. Bao, W. Xia, L. Zhu, J. Zhang, J. Ma, N. Jiang, J. Yang, Q. Chen, T. Jing, J. Liu, D. Ma, G. Xu. Functional analysis of a de novo mutation c.1692 del A of the PHEX gene in a Chinese family with X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:405–413. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.88.BJR-2018-0276.R1.


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