Extending the phenotypes associated with TRIO gene variants in a cohort of 25 patients and review of the literature.

The TRIO gene encodes a rho guanine exchange factor, the function of which is to exchange GDP to GTP, and hence to activate Rho GTPases, and has been described to impact neurodevelopment. Specific genotype-to-phenotype correlations have been established previously describing striking differentiating features seen in variants located in specific domains of the TRIO gene that are associated with opposite effects on RAC1 activity. Currently, 32 cases with a TRIO gene alteration have been published in the medical literature.

Pathogenic TRIO variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders perturb the molecular regulation of TRIO and axon pathfinding in vivo.

The RhoGEF TRIO is known to play a major role in neuronal development by controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling, primarily through the activation of the RAC1 GTPase. Numerous de novo mutations in the TRIO gene have been identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We have previously established the first phenotype/genotype correlation in TRIO-associated diseases, with striking correlation between the clinical features of the individuals and the opposite modulation of RAC1 activity by TRIO variants targeting different domains.

Desmin Modulates Muscle Cell Adhesion and Migration.

Cellular adhesion and migration are key functions that are disrupted in numerous diseases. We report that desmin, a type-III muscle-specific intermediate filament, is a novel cell adhesion regulator. Expression of p.

Association of Group A Exposure and Exacerbations of Chronic Tic Disorders: A Multinational Prospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To examine prospectively the association between group A (GAS) pharyngeal exposures and exacerbations of tics in a large multicenter population of youth with chronic tic disorders (CTD) across Europe.

Methods: We followed up 715 children with CTD (age 10.7 ± 2.

Delineating the motor phenotype of SGCE-myoclonus dystonia syndrome.

Objective: To perform phenotype and genotype characterization in myoclonus-dystonia patients and to validate clinical rating tools.

Method: Two movement disorders experts rated patients with the Burke-Fahn-Marsden and Unified-Myoclonus rating scales using a video-recording protocol. Clinimetric analysis was performed.

PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration: New insights into brain abnormalities and disease progression.

Introduction: PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) comprises a continuum of three phenotypes with overlapping clinical and radiologic features.

Methods: Observational clinical study in a cohort of infantile and childhood onset PLAN patients and genetic analysis of the PLA2G6 gene. We analysed chronological evolution in terms of age at onset and disease course through a 66-item questionnaire.

Clinical rating scale for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: A pilot study.

Background: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is a progressive neurological disorder occurring in both childhood and adulthood. The objective of this study was to design and pilot-test a disease-specific clinical rating scale for the assessment of patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

Methods: In this international cross-sectional study, patients were examined at the referral centers following a standardized protocol.

Somatic and germ-line mosaicism of deletion 15q11.2-q13 in a mother of dyzigotic twins with Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome (AS, OMIM105830) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by different genetic mechanisms. Determining the genetic mechanism is essential to establish the recurrence risk and the accuracy of genetic/reproductive counseling. The majority of AS patients present with a deletion of the 15q11.

Prognostic value of X-chromosome inactivation in symptomatic female carriers of dystrophinopathy.

Background: Between 8% and 22% of female carriers of DMD mutations exhibit clinical symptoms of variable severity. Development of symptoms in DMD mutation carriers without chromosomal rearrangements has been attributed to skewed X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) favouring predominant expression of the DMD mutant allele. However the prognostic use of XCI analysis is controversial.

Somatic mosaicism for Y120X mutation in the MECP2 gene causes atypical Rett syndrome in a male.

Rett Syndrome (RS; MIM_312750) is a severe and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder affecting principally females. Mutations in X-Linked MECP2 gene (methyl CpG-binding protein 2; MIM_300005) have been reported as being the major cause of RS. Mutations in this gene have been described as cause of wide spectrum of neurological disorders and mental retardation in males.