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Variants in HCFC1 and MN1 genes causing intellectual disability in two Pakistani families.

BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting around 2% of children and young adults worldwide, characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Genetic factors contribute to the development of ID phenotypes, including mutations and structural changes in chromosomes. Pathogenic variants in the HCFC1 gene cause X-linked mental retardation syndrome, also known as Siderius type X-linked mental retardation. The MN1 gene is necessary for palate development, and mutations in this gene result in a genetic condition called CEBALID syndrome. METHODS: Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing variants in two affected families, A and B, from various regions of Pakistan. Affected individuals in these two families presented ID, developmental delay, and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co-segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: In an X-linked family A, a novel hemizygous missense variant (c.5705G > A; p.Ser1902Asn) in the HCFC1 gene (NM_005334.3) was identified, while in family B exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous nonsense variant (c.3680 G > A; p. Trp1227Ter) in exon-1 of the MN1 gene (NM_032581.4). Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of these variants with ID in each family. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation of two Pakistani families revealed pathogenic genetic variants in the HCFC1 and MN1 genes, which cause ID and expand the mutational spectrum of these genes.

Humans

Genomic and Developmental Models to Predict Cognitive and Adaptive Outcomes in Autistic Children.

IMPORTANCE: Although early signs of autism are often observed between 18 and 36 months of age, there is considerable uncertainty regarding future development. Clinicians lack predictive tools to identify those who will later be diagnosed with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). OBJECTIVE: To predict ID in children diagnosed with autism. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prognostic study involved the development and validation of models integrating genetic variants and developmental milestones to predict ID. Models were trained, cross-validated, and tested for generalizability across 3 autism cohorts: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK), Simons Simplex Collection, and MSSNG. Autistic participants were assessed older than 6 years of age for ID. Study data were analyzed from January 2023 to July 2024. EXPOSURES: Ages at attaining early developmental milestones, occurrence of language regression, polygenic scores for cognitive ability and autism, rare copy number variants, de novo loss-of-function and missense variants impacting constrained genes. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The out-of-sample performance of predictive models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs). RESULTS: A total of 5633 autistic participants (4574 male [81.2%]) were included in this analysis. On average, participants were diagnosed with autism at 4 (IQR, 3-7) years of age and assessed for ID at 11 (8-14) years of age, with 1159 participants (20.6%) being diagnosed with ID. The model integrating all predictors yielded an AUROC of 0.653 (95% CI, 0.625-0.681), and this predictive performance was cross-validated and generalized across cohorts. This modest performance reflected that only a subset of individuals carried large-effect variants, high polygenic scores, or presented delayed milestones. However, combinations of genetic variants that are typically not considered clinically relevant by diagnostic laboratories achieved PPVs of 55% and correctly identified 10% of individuals developing ID. The addition of polygenic scores to developmental milestones specifically improved NPVs rather than PPVs. Notably, the ability to stratify ID probabilities using genetic variants was up to 2-fold higher in individuals with delayed milestones compared with those with typical development. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Results of this prognostic study suggest that the growing number of neurodevelopmental condition-associated variants cannot, in most cases, be used alone for predicting ID. However, models combining different classes of variants with developmental milestones provide clinically relevant individual-level predictions that could be useful for targeting early interventions.

Humans

KLHL13 functional defects cause neurodevelopmental disorder in humans that can be rescued via inhibition of AURKB in cellular and animal models.

PURPOSE: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by limitations in brain development. This study aims to determine the genetic causes of NDD in humans. METHODS: Exome sequencing was used to detect genetic variants of KLHL13, which encodes Kelch like protein 13 (KLHL13), in four families segregating in an X-linked pattern. In silico protein modeling and overexpression in heterologous cells were used to determine the variant's impact. klhl13 loss of function was modeled in zebrafish, followed by rescue studies using human KLHL13 messenger RNA (mRNA) and an Aurora Kinase B (AURKB) inhibitor. RESULTS: We found one frameshift and three missense hemizygous variants of KLHL13 in individuals exhibiting NDD characteristics, such as intellectual disability (ID) and macrocephaly. Three-dimensional protein modeling simulation predicted the alteration of the KLHL13 protein folding for missense variants. Overexpression of NDD-associated variants in HEK293T cells revealed a significant impact on KLHL13-mediated cell-cycle regulation during mitosis, leading to genomic instability. Knocking down klhl13 in zebrafish resulted in developmental deficits, which were rescued by coinjection of human KLHL13WT messenger RNA but not by transcript encoding NDD variants. Treatment with AURKB selective inhibitor AZD1152-HQPA rescued genomic stability in heterologous cells and neurobehavioral deficits in zebrafish. CONCLUSION: Our results implicate KLHL13-mediated AURKB regulation as a significant contributor to NDD in humans. Inhibiting AURKB activity could serve as a potential therapeutic approach to improve brain development and cognitive function.

Humans

Ocular Nystagmus as the Initial Presenting Feature in a Patient with Complete CLTC Deletion: Expanding the Genotype-Phenotype Spectrum of CLTC-Related Disorder.

Background: CLTC-related neurodevelopmental disorder is a rare condition primarily characterized by global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disability (ID). To date, approximately 41 cases involving CLTC gene alterations have been reported. We present the first individual with a complete deletion of the CLTC gene. Methods: The proband is a male from a non-consanguineous family, presenting with congenital nystagmus, hypotonia, GDD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chromosomal microarray analysis and trio exome sequencing were performed. A systematic review of previously reported CLTC variant cases was conducted to delineate the phenotypic spectrum. Results: A de novo 363-kb heterozygous deletion at 17q23.1 spanning the entire CLTC gene was identified. The systematic review confirmed GDD/ID as core features and revealed various ocular abnormalities in a subset of cases. These findings indicate that the clinical phenotype extends beyond neurodevelopment, with multi-system involvement. Conclusions: The phenotypic heterogeneity of CLTC-related disorders underscores the need for comprehensive physical examination to identify extra-neurological manifestations. Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating detailed clinical phenotyping with comprehensive genomic testing. Early, precise diagnosis facilitates multidisciplinary management, informed genetic counseling, and the establishment of long-term surveillance protocols.

Humans

Biallelic variants in ZNF142 lead to a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.

Biallelic variants of the gene encoding for the zinc-finger protein 142 (ZNF142) have recently been associated with intellectual disability (ID), speech impairment, seizures, and movement disorders in nine individuals from five families. In this study, we obtained phenotype and genotype information of 26 further individuals from 16 families. Among the 27 different ZNF142 variants identified in the total of 35 individuals only four were missense. Missense variants may give a milder phenotype by changing the local structure of ZF motifs as suggested by protein modeling; but this correlation should be validated in larger cohorts and pathogenicity of the missense variants should be investigated with functional studies. Clinical features of the 35 individuals suggest that biallelic ZNF142 variants lead to a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder with mild to moderate ID, varying degrees of delay in language and gross motor development, early onset seizures, hypotonia, behavioral features, movement disorders, and facial dysmorphism. The differences in symptom frequencies observed in the unpublished individuals compared to those of published, and recognition of previously underemphasized facial features are likely to be due to the small sizes of the previous cohorts, which underlines the importance of larger cohorts for the phenotype descriptions of rare genetic disorders.

Humans

A recurrent CCDC82 frameshift variant associated with syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder in a consanguineous Pakistani family.

BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) are part of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and are genetically heterogeneous conditions characterized by impairments in cognition, learning, and adaptive functioning. Despite advances in gene discovery, many individuals, particularly those from understudied populations, remain without a molecular diagnosis. Recent reports implicate CCDC82 (HGNC: 26282) as an autosomal recessive ID gene, although the phenotypic spectrum and biological context remain incompletely defined. METHODS: Exome sequencing (ES) was performed in a consanguineous Pakistani family (PKMR06A) with four affected individuals presenting with moderate to severe ID. Variant segregation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In silico analyses, including pathogenicity prediction, protein structural modeling, and domain intolerance assessment, were used to evaluate the functional consequences of the identified variant. Spatiotemporal gene expression patterns were examined using bulk and single-cell human brain transcriptomic datasets. RESULTS: Clinically, affected individuals of family PKMR06A presented with early childhood global developmental delay, speech delay, hypotonia, gait abnormalities, spasticity, and mild facial dysmorphism. Genetic screening revealed a recurrent rare homozygous frameshift variant in CCDC82 (NM_024725.4): c.373del; p.(Asp125Ilefs*6), segregating with disease in all available affected individuals of the family. The identified c.373del variant was absent from the gnomAD database and was classified as pathogenic (PVS1, PM2, and PP1) based on ACMG/AMP criteria. The c.373del variant is predicted to introduce a premature termination codon, p.(Asp125Ilefs*6), leading to deletion of essential coiled-coil domains from the encoded protein, supporting a loss-of-function mechanism. In silico, transcriptomic analyses demonstrated preferential CCDC82 expression during prenatal human brain development, providing developmental context for the neurodevelopmental phenotype associated with the identified truncating variant. CONCLUSIONS: This study expands the mutational landscape of CCDC82 and provides additional clinical and molecular evidence supporting its role in autosomal recessive NDD. The findings reinforce the importance of CCDC82 in human neurodevelopment and highlight the value of genomic investigation in underrepresented populations.

Autosomal recessive

Disruption of major Ptchd1 isoforms causes autistic traits in social behavior and communication.

PTCHD1 is an X-linked three-exon gene associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID). Mice lacking Ptchd1 exon 2 (Ptchd1Δexon2) exhibit hyperactivity and learning impairments, but do not recapitulate ASD-like traits. Through mapping of clinically reported loss-of-function mutations in human patients, we determined that PTCHD1 exon 3 is a high-risk locus. We therefore generated an alternative Ptchd1 knockout mouse model by targeting Ptchd1 exon 3 (Ptchd1Δexon3) using CRISPR/Cas9. Our analyses revealed that two major PTCHD1/Ptchd1 transcripts-a (full-length) and c (shorter)-were expressed in the brain. In Ptchd1Δexon2 mice, Ptchd1_a was lost, but Ptchd1_c was compensatorily upregulated, and these mice showed no ASD-like social deficits. In Ptchd1Δexon3 mutants, both Ptchd1_a and Ptchd1_c were lost, along with dysregulation of social and communication behaviors, increased repetitive behavior, and motor and learning impairments. Our side-by-side analyses of Ptchd1Δexon2 and Ptchd1Δexon3 mice suggest a functional link between PTCHD1/Ptchd1 and ASD, demonstrating that loss-of-function mutations disrupting C-terminal Ptchd1 lead to robust ASD-relevant phenotypes in mice, more faithfully recapitulating clinically observed traits.

Animals

De novo variants in the poly(rC)-binding protein gene PCBP1 cause a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1), a splicing factor and key member of the hnRNP E family, was initially characterized for its tumor suppressive properties. More recently, its role in gene regulation in the brain and nervous system has attracted growing interest. Through an international multicenter collaboration, we identified 16 de novo pathogenic variants in PCBP1 across 17 subjects from 16 unrelated families. All affected individuals exhibited intellectual disability (ID), with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a prominent feature. Functional analysis in primary hippocampal mouse neuron cultures indicated that PCBP1 variants impair dendritic arborization, underscoring their deleterious effects. Transcriptomic profiling by RNA sequencing of subject-derived T cells showed a distinctive signature characterized by significantly increased exon skipping. These results highlight the contribution of PCBP1 in neurogenesis and neuritogenesis, which is impacted by loss-of-function variants expressed in neuronal cells, thereby supporting the link between splicing defects and neurodevelopmental disorders. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the prominent role of PCBP1 in neurodevelopment, reaffirming the importance of splicing regulation in mammalian neurodevelopment.

Journal Article

Precision diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of phenotypes spanning from intellectual disability (ID) to developmental delay (DD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As neurodevelopmental phenotypes are a common presenting feature of an underlying genetic condition, professional medical organizations recommend genetic testing for all individuals with a NDD. When testing is pursued, identified genetic differences can lead to personalized clinical management with early diagnosis supporting the development of surveillance and intervention for co-occurring adverse health outcomes. Despite this, barriers to testing have prevented individuals from receiving a genetics referral and testing. Current therapeutic modalities including small molecule drugs, gene therapies, and antisense oligonucleotide therapies have emerged and shown promise in preclinical trials with therapeutic drugs gaining FDA approval. However, translational challenges are extensive, especially for identifying biomarkers of drug effects in the CNS. In this review, we discuss diagnostic approaches and clinical utility of genetic testing for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, emerging development of individualized therapies, and progress for current therapeutics in addition to challenges with clinical translation and delivery. We will highlight opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment that are steadily gaining ground in favor of optimizing long-term health outcomes and improving quality of life for neurodiverse individuals. IMPACT: The path from genomics to therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders continues to present multiple opportunities and challenges. While emerging genome-wide sequencing and gene editing technologies deliver increased diagnostic yields and alternatives to life-long small molecule therapies, clinical translation has been challenging due to inherent cost and genetic heterogeneity. Limited access to genetic testing despite practice guidelines remains a barrier towards precision therapeutics for rare neurodevelopmental disorders, while pre-clinical investigations face obstacles when translating to human subjects. This review will summarize the impact of existing successes in diagnosis and therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders while highlighting ongoing challenges and areas of future opportunities.

Humans

A Novel De Novo STAG1 Variant at the RAD21 Binding Interface Is Associated With Hypoglycemia, Recurrent Fever, Immunodeficiency and Features of Classical Cohesinopathies.

The cohesin complex, composed of SMC1, SMC3, RAD21, and STAG1/STAG2, is essential for chromosome cohesion, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. Pathogenic variants in cohesin components cause cohesinopathies. The classical characteristics of cohesinopathies include developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), feeding difficulties, hypotonia, short stature, hearing loss, and dysmorphic features. Here, we present a 5-year-old boy with classical cohesinopathy features, including DD/ID and feeding difficulties, along with non-classical features such as hypoglycemia, recurrent fever, and immunodeficiency. Trio exome sequencing identified a novel de novo missense variant of uncertain significance (NM_005862.3:c.643G>A(p.Val215Ile)) in the STAG1 gene. The variant localizes to the RAD21 interaction interface, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed conformational changes comparable to other STAG1 variants reported as likely pathogenic in patients, supporting a deleterious effect which may disrupt the STAG1-RAD21 interaction interface. This case expands the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of STAG1-related cohesinopathy and advances our understanding of the disease mechanism.

STAG1

Elucidating the Role of SET as a Key Contributor to Neurodevelopmental Disability Within the 9q34.11 Deletion Syndrome Interval.

The 9q34.11 chromosomal region contains multiple neurodevelopmental genes involved in synaptic transmission, axonal structure and neuronal maturation. Pathogenic microdeletions, duplications and single nucleotide variants in numerous genes were previously linked with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Amongst them, SET has recently been implicated in a rare NDD with speech delay and facial dysmorphism. This study reports a female with a heterozygous de novo deletion impacting SET but not other NDD-associated genes at 9q34.11. The proband was initially diagnosed with atypical Rett syndrome with overlapping clinical features of SET haploinsufficiency. The deletion was confirmed using microarray and long-read sequencing. Subsequent quantitative proteomic evaluation identified a significant decrease of SET protein in patient-derived fibroblasts compared to control lines. This study provides insights into the proband's clinical course over their 28 year diagnostic odyssey, and emphasises the benefits of early speech therapy interventions. The proband had no functional speech, but regained the capacity to meaningfully communicate and articulate a limited vocabulary in adulthood, concordant with other reported non-paediatric cases of SET-NDD. This study expands current knowledge on the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of SET-NDD, and pinpoints a smaller 9q34.11 critical region excluding upstream NDD-associated genes, STXBP1 and SPTAN1, implicating SET as a significant NDD-associated gene.

Humans

TTC5 syndrome: Clinical and molecular spectrum of a severe and recognizable condition.

Biallelic mutations in the TTC5 gene have been associated with autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID) and subsequently with an ID syndrome including severe speech impairment, cerebral atrophy, and hypotonia as clinical cornerstones. A TTC5 role in IDs has been proposed based on the physical interaction of TTC5 with p300, and possibly reducing p300 co-activator complex activity, similarly to what was observed in Menke-Hennekam 1 and 2 patients (MKHK1 and 2) carrying, respectively, mutations in exon 30 and 31 of CREBBP and EP300, which code for the TTC5-binding region. Recently, TTC5-related brain malformation has been linked to tubulinopathies due to the function of TTC5 in tubulins' dynamics. We reported seven new patients with novel or recurrent TTC5 variants. The deep characterization of the molecular and phenotypic spectrum confirmed TTC5-related disorder as a recognizable, very severe neurodevelopmental syndrome. In addition, other relevant clinical aspects, including a severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation, cryptorchidism, and epilepsy, have emerged from the reversal phenotype approach and the review of already published TTC5 cases. Microcephaly and facial dysmorphism resulted in being less variable than that documented before. The TTC5 clinical features have been compared with MKHK1 published cases in the hypothesis that clinical overlap in some characteristics of the two conditions was related to the common p300 molecular pathway.

Exons

Family functioning and psychiatric outcomes in children and young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities caused by rare genetic mutations.

BACKGROUND: A range of rare chromosomal micro-deletions or -duplications (Copy Number Variants - CNVs) are associated with high risk of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions (ND-CNVs). There is great individual variability in outcomes, but we lack insights into the contributing social factors, including family functioning. METHODS: Caregivers of 598 children and young people (CYP) with a range of 16 ND-CNVs and 222 siblings without ND-CNVs (controls) completed questionnaires on overall family climate (cohesion and conflict) as well as caregiver-CYP relationship warmth and hostility and took part in a research diagnostic interview about CYPs' psychiatric symptoms. CYPs' intelligence quotient (IQ) was also measured. RESULTS: Comparisons with published data from neurotypical families indicated that families affected by ND-CNVs are characterised by higher family cohesion and conflict as well as lower caregiver-CYP warmth and hostility. Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder reduced more steeply in CYP with ND-CNVs compared to controls with increasing family cohesion (interaction effect: β = -0.14, p = 4.65 × 10-2). In contrast, they rose more steeply with increasing family conflict (interaction effect: β = 0.18, p = 1.05 × 10-2). Furthermore, symptoms of mood disorder increased more steeply with increased caregiver-CYP hostility in CYP with ND-CNVs (interaction effect: β = 0.15, p = 4.55 × 10-2). CONCLUSIONS: Raising a CYP with a rare genetic condition is challenging. Timely access to interventions that support caregivers in fostering a positive family environment may reduce behavioural difficulties in CYP, with subsequent benefits for family functioning.

CNV