Hereditary breast cancer accounts for 5-10% of all cases, with pathogenic variants in and other susceptibility genes playing a crucial role. This study elucidates the prevalence and spectrum of germline variants in 13 cancer predisposition genes among high-risk hereditary breast cancer patients from Southern Italy. We employed next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze 254 individuals selected through genetic counseling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe translocation of the testis-determining factor, the SRY gene, from the Y to the X chromosome is a rare event that causes abnormalities in gonadal development. In all cases of males and females carrying this translocation, disorder of sex development is reported. In our study, we described a peculiar pedigree with the first evidence of four healthy females from three generations who are carriers of the newly identified t(X;Y)(q28;p11.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOver the years, several studies have shown that kinase-regulated signaling pathways are involved in the development of rare genetic diseases. The study of the mechanisms underlying the onset of these diseases has opened a possible way for the development of targeted therapies using particular kinase inhibitors. Some of these are currently used to treat other diseases, such as cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLoss of function mutations in the gene could determine X-linked dominant hypophosphatemia. This is the most common form of genetic rickets. It is characterized by renal phosphate wasting determining an increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), growth retard, bone deformities and musculoskeletal manifestations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGermline pathogenic variants (PVs) in oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes are responsible for 5 to 10% of all diagnosed cancers, which are commonly known as hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCPS). A total of 104 individuals at high risk of HCPS were selected by genetic counselling for genetic testing in the past 2 years. Most of them were subjects having a personal and family history of breast cancer (BC) selected according to current established criteria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEpidermolysis bullosa simplex is a disease that belongs to a group of genodermatoses characterised by the formation of superficial bullous lesions caused by minor mechanical trauma to the skin. The skin fragility observed in the EBS is mainly caused by pathogenic variants in the and genes that compromise the mechanical stability of epithelial cells. By performing DNA sequencing in a female patient with EBS, we found the pathogenic variant c.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAchondrogenesis type II (ACG2) is a lethal skeletal dysplasia caused by dominant pathogenic variants in . Most of the variants found in patients with ACG2 affect the glycine residue included in the Gly-X-Y tripeptide repeat that characterizes the type II collagen helix. In this study, we reported a case of a novel splicing variant of in a fetus with ACG2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLi-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an inherited autosomal dominant disease characterized by a predisposition to many cancers. Germline pathogenic variants in are primarily responsible for LFS. By performing a targeted sequencing panel in a proband with liver carcinoma having a deceased son affected by osteosarcoma, we found the novel heterozygous frameshift variant c.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRetinal degenerative disorders induce loss of photoreceptors associated with inflammation, and negative remodeling and plasticity of neural retina. Retinal degenerative diseases may have genetic and/or environmental causes. Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium cells initiates a vicious circle increasing the ongoing inflammation in both retina and choroid.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCopy number variations (CNVs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we describe the detection of three CNVs simultaneously in a female patient with evidence of severe myoclonic epilepsy, microcephaly, hypertelorism, dimorphisms as well as severe psychomotor delay and intellectual disability. Array-CGH analysis revealed a ∼240 kb microdeletion at the 7q35 inherited from her father, a ∼538 kb microduplication at the 15q13.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPseudoxanthoma elasticum is an autosomal recessive heritable disorder caused by mutations in . We describe two siblings showing typical skin lesions and a clinical diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Genetic analysis of revealed a novel homozygous c.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA rare syndrome was first described in 1997 in a 17-year-old male patient presenting with Retinitis pigmentosa, HYpopituitarism, Nephronophthisis and Skeletal dysplasia (RHYNS). In the single reported familial case, two brothers were affected, arguing for X-linked or recessive mode of inheritance. Up to now, the underlying genetic basis of RHYNS syndrome remains unknown.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: According to the Digital Agenda for Europe, the way children use the Internet and mobile technologies has changed dramatically in the past years.
Objective: The aims of this study were to: (1) breakdown the modalities of access and use of the Internet by teenagers to assess risks and risky behaviors; and (2) provide scientific data to evaluate and counsel safe use of the Internet and new technologies by teenagers.
Methods: The study was conducted under the program "Strategies for a Better Internet for Children" started in May 2012 by the European Commission.
Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is a salt-losing tubulopathy with an autosomal recessive inheritance caused by mutations of , which encodes for the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter. In this study we report a new mutation of found in two brothers affected by GS. Hypokalemia, hypocalciuria and hyper-reninemia were present in both patients while hypomagnesemia was detected only in one.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a disorder in which many tiny fragments (microliths) of calcium phosphate gradually accumulate in alveoli. Loss of function mutations in the gene SLC34A2 coding for the sodium phosphate co-transporter (NaPi-IIb) are responsible for genetic forms of alveolar microlithiasis. We now report a consanguineous Italian family from Calabria with two affected members segregating alveolar microlithiasis in a recessive fashion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The aim of this study was to determine the mutation associated with X-linked megalocornea (MGC1) found in 2 patients from the same area in southern Italy.
Methods: Diagnosis of megalocornea was confirmed by detailed ophthalmic examination in 2 probands from independent families and in another 3 affected family members. Genomic DNA of the probands was used to amplify and sequence all the coding regions of CHRDL1.
Objective. To assess aetiology of a POF in a 33-year-old woman and, if possible, plan a cure. Design.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMutations in the gene HR coding for the hairless protein are associated with atrichia with papular lesions (APL), an autosomal recessive form of alopecia universalis that is characterized by generalized scalp and body atrichia with papular lesions. We here describe a South Italian family of ancient Albanian heritage. The full phenotype with complete atrichia was expressed in 2 siblings, whereas the parents and one sister were unaffected.
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