The genetic landscape of autism spectrum disorder in the Middle Eastern population.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by aberrations in social interaction and communication associated with repetitive behaviors and interests, with strong clinical heterogeneity. Genetic factors play an important role in ASD, but about 75% of ASD cases have an undetermined genetic risk. We extensively investigated an ASD cohort made of 102 families from the Middle Eastern population of Qatar.

Investigation of Genetic Causes in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease in Qatar: Findings from the Sidra Cardiac Registry.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common forms of birth defects worldwide, with a prevalence of 1-2% in newborns. CHD is a multifactorial disease partially caused by genetic defects, including chromosomal abnormalities and single gene mutations. Here, we describe the Sidra Cardiac Registry, which includes 52 families and a total of 178 individuals, and investigate the genetic etiology of CHD in Qatar.

A Novel Mutation of 33 Gene Associated with Incomplete Arthrogryposis-Renal Dysfunction-Cholestasis Phenotype.

Arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations of the 33 encoding the vacuolar protein sorting 33B (VPS33B), which is involved in the intracellular protein sorting and vesicular trafficking. We report a rare case of ARC syndrome without arthrogryposis caused by a novel mutation of 33. A female patient of Greek origin presented on the 14 day of life with renal tubular acidosis, Fanconi syndrome, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and cholestasis with normal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, without arthrogryposis and dysmorphic features.

Biallelic loss of function variants in PPP1R21 cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome with impaired endocytic function.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been instrumental in solving the genetic basis of rare inherited diseases, especially neurodevelopmental syndromes. However, functional workup is essential for precise phenotype definition and to understand the underlying disease mechanisms. Using whole exome (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) in four independent families with hypotonia, neurodevelopmental delay, facial dysmorphism, loss of white matter, and thinning of the corpus callosum, we identified four previously unreported homozygous truncating PPP1R21 alleles: c.

Multiplex epithelium dysfunction due to CLDN10 mutation: the HELIX syndrome.

PurposeWe aimed to identify the genetic cause to a clinical syndrome encompassing hypohidrosis, electrolyte imbalance, lacrimal gland dysfunction, ichthyosis, and xerostomia (HELIX syndrome), and to comprehensively delineate the phenotype.MethodsWe performed homozygosity mapping, whole-genome sequencing, gene sequencing, expression studies, functional tests, protein bioinformatics, and histological characterization in two unrelated families with HELIX syndrome.ResultsWe identified biallelic missense mutations (c.

A chromosomal microdeletion of 15q in a female patient with epilepsy, ID, and autism spectrum disorder: a case report.

15q deletions have been described in association with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous reports have supported the role of 15q24 low copy repeats (LCRs) in mediating alternatively sized genomic rearrangements. Based on our reported finding of a 15q24 deletion coinciding with two LCR regions in a patient with epilepsy and ASD, we recommend that patients with 15q24 deletions be evaluated for ASD for early institution of therapy.

Biallelic mutations in neuromuscular disease and epileptic encephalopathy.

Objectives: Two consanguineous families, one of Sudanese ethnicity presenting progressive neuromuscular disease, severe cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, upper motor neuron lesion, anhydrosis, facial dysmorphism, and recurrent seizures and the other of Egyptian ethnicity presenting with neonatal hypotonia, bradycardia, and recurrent seizures, were evaluated for the causative gene mutation.

Methods And Results: Homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing (WES) identified damaging homozygous variants in , namely c.4514C>T; p.

Mosaic partial pericentromeric trisomy 8 and maternal uniparental disomy in a male patient with autism spectrum disorder.

Various chromosomal anomalies including small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) and Uniparental disomy (UPD) have been described in association with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Based on our reported findings, we recommend that patients with sSMC(8) be evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for early institution of therapy. In the presence of an identifiable sSMC, exploration of UPD is also recommended to further investigate the role of chromosome 8 UPD in ASD.

Two hits in one: whole genome sequencing unveils LIG4 syndrome and urofacial syndrome in a case report of a child with complex phenotype.

Background: Ligase IV syndrome, a hereditary disease associated with compromised DNA damage response mechanisms, and Urofacial syndrome, caused by an impairment of neural cell signaling, are both rare genetic disorders, whose reports in literature are limited. We describe the first case combining both disorders in a specific phenotype.

Case Presentation: We report a case of a 7-year old girl presenting with a complex phenotype characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities and dysmorphic features, microcephaly, short stature, combined immunodeficiency and severe vesicoureteral reflux.

Multiple Coronary Artery Microfistulas in a Girl with Kleefstra Syndrome.

Kleefstra syndrome is characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay, dysmorphic features, congenital heart defects, and so forth. It is caused by 9q34.3 microdeletions or EHMT1 mutations.

Utilization of gene mapping and candidate gene mutation screening for diagnosing clinically equivocal conditions: a Norrie disease case study.

Prenatal diagnosis was requested for an undiagnosed eye disease showing X-linked inheritance in a family. No medical records existed for the affected family members. Mapping of the X chromosome and candidate gene mutation screening identified a c.

Comparison of the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel hydrogenosulfate and clopidogrel besylate in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

It is well known that patients with poor response to antiplatelet therapy are most likely to have more thrombotic events. Clopidogrel hydrogensulfate (CHS) is a thienopyridine acting as an important antiplatelet agent alone or in combination with acetylsalicylic acid to prevent cardiovascular complications. A different clopidogrel salt, clopidogrel besylate (CB), was recently approved as a generic drug for the same purpose while data about its antiplatelet effect are very scarce.

A novel de novo PSTPIP1 mutation in a boy with pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne (PAPA) syndrome.

Autoinflammatory disorders are a group of Mendelian disorders characterized by seemingly unprovoked inflammatory bouts without high-titer autoantibodies or antigen-specific T-cells and are probably due to defects in the innate immunity. We here report on a 4-year-old Arabic boy with the clinical presentation of an autoinflammatory disorder, namely Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Acne (PAPA) syndrome. The presentation includes abscess formation after immunization and recurrent mono-articular acute arthritis in various joints that responded favourably to systemic glucocorticosteroids, albeit without acne or pyoderma gangrenosum.

Mutations in zinc finger 407 [ZNF407] cause a unique autosomal recessive cognitive impairment syndrome.

Background: A consanguineous Arab family is affected by an apparently novel autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cognitive impairment, failure-to-thrive, hypotonia and dysmorphic features including bilateral ptosis and epicanthic folds, synophrys, midface hypoplasia, downturned mouth corners, thin upper vermillion border and prominent ears, bilateral 5th finger camptodactyly, bilateral short 4th metatarsal bones, and limited knee mobility bilaterally.

Methods: The family was studied by homozygosity mapping, candidate gene mutation screening and whole Exome Next Generation Sequencing of a single affected member to identify the offending gene and mutation. The mutated gene product was studied by structural bioinformatics methods.

Absence of GPR54 and TACR3 mutations in sporadic cases of idiopathic central precocious puberty.

Background/aims: Kisspeptin (KISS1)/GPR54 (KISSR) signaling complex and neurokinin B (NKB)/NKB receptor (TACR3) signaling have been proposed as an integral part of the network coordinating GnRH release. GPR54 (KISS1R) and TACR3 gene mutations have been described in cases of idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, while limited data exist on gain-of-function mutation in GPR54 (KISS1R) gene causing idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). No data on TACR3 mutations in ICPP have been described so far.

Severe clinical presentation in monozygotic twins with 10p15.3 microdeletion syndrome.

Submicroscopic deletion of 10p15.3 is a rare genetic disorder, currently reported in 21 unrelated patients. It is mainly associated with cognitive deficits, speech disorders, motor delay and hypotonia.

Predictive genomics DNA profiling for athletic performance.

Genes control biological processes such as muscle, cartilage and bone formation, muscle energy production and metabolism (mitochondriogenesis, lactic acid removal), blood and tissue oxygenation (erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, vasodilatation), all essential in sport and athletic performance. DNA sequence variations in such genes confer genetic advantages that can be exploited, or genetic 'barriers' that could be overcome to achieve optimal athletic performance. Predictive Genomic DNA Profiling for athletic performance reveals genetic variations that may be associated with better suitability for endurance, strength and speed sports, vulnerability to sports-related injuries and individualized nutritional requirements.

Mutations in the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT10 alter angiogenesis and cause arterial tortuosity syndrome.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by tortuosity, elongation, stenosis and aneurysm formation in the major arteries owing to disruption of elastic fibers in the medial layer of the arterial wall. Previously, we used homozygosity mapping to map a candidate locus in a 4.1-Mb region on chromosome 20q13.

Target gene discovery in extended families with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a polygenic, multifactorial disease. Multiple attempts have been made to identify genes that predispose to development of diabetes using both the candidate gene approach and whole genome scanning. However, in spite of substantial financial commitment, very few targets have been identified.

A novel missense Norrie disease mutation associated with a severe ocular phenotype.

Clinical findings and pedigree analysis led to the diagnosis of severe Norrie disease in two brothers. DNA sequencing demonstrated a novel missense mutation (703G>T) that significantly alters predicted protein structure. Less severe retinal developmental disease may be associated with milder mutations in the Norrie disease gene.

A novel KERA mutation associated with autosomal recessive cornea plana.

Purpose: To report a novel KERA mutation associated with autosomal recessive cornea plana in members of a nuclear family and to describe their ophthalmic phenotypes.

Methods: Ophthalmic examination, biometry, and direct sequencing of KERA.

Results: Five of the 6 siblings were affected and had small flat corneas, variable anterior chamber depths, and short axial lengths.

Lack of association of lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease in the Saudi Arab population.

Context: Previous studies reported an association of certain polymorphisms in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD); however, these studies were small and inconsistent. In addition, none of these studies attempted to establish such an association in the Arab population.

Objective: To determine whether 2 LPL polymorphisms (LPL-HindIII and LPL-PvuII located on introns 8 and 6, respectively, of the LPL gene) can be considered as independent risk factors or as predictors for CAD in Arabs.