Differential regulation of two FLNA transcripts explains some of the phenotypic heterogeneity in the loss-of-function filaminopathies.

Loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene FLNA can lead to abnormal neuronal migration, vascular and cardiac defects, and congenital intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), the latter characterized by anomalous intestinal smooth muscle layering. Survival in male hemizygotes for such mutations is dependent on retention of residual FLNA function but it is unclear why a subgroup of males with mutations in the 5' end of the gene can present with CIPO alone. Here, we demonstrate evidence for the presence of two FLNA isoforms differing by 28 residues at the N-terminus initiated at ATG and ATG .

Erratum: Hwang Y.T. et al. Molecular Inconsistencies in a Fragile X Male with Early Onset Ataxia. Genes 2016, 7, 68.

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Molecular Inconsistencies in a Fragile X Male with Early Onset Ataxia.

Mosaicism for FMR1 premutation (PM: 55-199 CGG)/full mutation (FM: >200 CGG) alleles or the presence of unmethylated FM (UFM) have been associated with a less severe fragile X syndrome (FXS) phenotype and fragile X associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS)-a late onset neurodegenerative disorder. We describe a 38 year old male carrying a 100% methylated FM detected with Southern blot (SB), which is consistent with complete silencing of FMR1 and a diagnosis of fragile X syndrome. However, his formal cognitive scores were not at the most severe end of the FXS phenotype and he displayed tremor and ataxic gait.

Recognizable cerebellar dysplasia associated with mutations in multiple tubulin genes.

Mutations in alpha- and beta-tubulins are increasingly recognized as a major cause of malformations of cortical development (MCD), typically lissencephaly, pachygyria and polymicrogyria; however, sequencing tubulin genes in large cohorts of MCD patients has detected tubulin mutations in only 1-13%. We identified patients with a highly characteristic cerebellar dysplasia but without lissencephaly, pachygyria and polymicrogyria typically associated with tubulin mutations. Remarkably, in seven of nine patients (78%), targeted sequencing revealed mutations in three different tubulin genes (TUBA1A, TUBB2B and TUBB3), occurring de novo or inherited from a mosaic parent.

Diverse phenotypic consequences of mutations affecting the C-terminus of FLNA.

Unlabelled: Filamin A, the filamentous protein encoded by the X-linked gene FLNA, cross-links cytoskeletal actin into three-dimensional networks, facilitating its role as a signalling scaffold and a mechanosensor of extrinsic shear forces. Central to these functions is the ability of FLNA to form V-shaped homodimers through its C-terminal located filamin repeat 24. Additionally, many proteins that interact with FLNA have a binding site that includes the C-terminus of the protein.

Carbimazole/methimazole embryopathy in siblings: a possible genetic susceptibility.

Background: The teratogenic effects of antenatal exposure of antithyroid drugs, carbimazole and methimazole have been well reported in the literature. These comprise of typical facial features and a wide variety of malformations such as choanal atresia, tracheo-esophageal anomalies, congenital heart disease and ectodermal defects. However, the longitudinal studies have failed to establish the consistent teratogenicity of these drugs.

Missense mutations in ITPR1 cause autosomal dominant congenital nonprogressive spinocerebellar ataxia.

Background: Congenital nonprogressive spinocerebellar ataxia is characterized by early gross motor delay, hypotonia, gait ataxia, mild dysarthria and dysmetria. The clinical presentation remains fairly stable and may be associated with cerebellar atrophy. To date, only a few families with autosomal dominant congenital nonprogressive spinocerebellar ataxia have been reported.

Maternal factor V Leiden and adverse pregnancy outcome: deciding whether or not to test.

This narrative review examines the translation from statistical association to change in clinical practice with respect to factor V Leiden and adverse pregnancy outcome. A collation of published meta-analyses illustrates a clear trend towards a greater association with factor V Leiden (fVL) as the severity of adverse pregnancy outcomes increases, and highlights that different study populations are relevant to different clinical scenarios. The yield of fVL testing in women with previous adverse pregnancy outcomes is up to six times higher than in the general population.

Frameshift mutation hotspot identified in Smith-Magenis syndrome: case report and review of literature.

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex syndrome involving intellectual disabilities, sleep disturbance, behavioural problems, and a variety of craniofacial, skeletal, and visceral anomalies. While the majority of SMS cases harbor an ~3.5 Mb common deletion on 17p11.

Lessons from the skin--cutaneous features of familial cancer.

As the molecular basis of disease continues to be elucidated, familial cancer syndromes, which consist of a range of neoplastic and non-neoplastic features, are emerging. The usual pathway of referral to a genetics clinic or familial cancer centre is via an oncologist, when high-risk features that suggest a possible hereditary basis for the presenting cancer are recognised. Traditionally, these high-risk features include more than two family members with similar cancers over two or more generations, a young age of onset, and more than one synchronous or metachronous tumour.

Atypical Angelman syndrome with macrocephaly due to a familial imprinting center deletion.

Two elderly brothers with severe intellectual disability were diagnosed with Angelman syndrome after a once-removed, 15-year-old cousin was found to have the syndrome due to a deletion of the imprinting center. For many years it was believed the brothers, who both have macrocephaly, were affected by nonsyndromic X-linked mental retardation. This was because, apart from absent speech and intellectual disability, the phenotype of the two men was not characteristic of Angelman syndrome.

A randomized controlled trial of a decision aid for women considering genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Purpose: To measure the effectiveness of a tailored decision aid (DA) designed to help women make informed decisions about genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer risk.

Methods: A total of 145 women were randomized to receive the DA or a control pamphlet at the end of their first genetic counseling consultation. Of these, 120 (82.

Screening behavior in women at increased familial risk for breast cancer.

This multicenter study examined the adherence of high-risk women to screening recommendations for breast and ovarian cancer following consultation at a familial cancer clinic (FCC). Self-report questionnaires assessing recall of screening advice, tests undertaken, risk perception, anxiety (Impact of Events Scale) and demographics were mailed to 396 consecutive eligible women who had attended one of six FCCs a median of 3.6 years prior.

Risk-reducing surgery in women with familial susceptibility for breast and/or ovarian cancer.

This multicentre study examined uptake of bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) and bilateral risk-reducing oophorectomy (BRRO) in women at increased risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer who had attended a familial cancer clinic (FCC) between January 1999 and June 2000. Eligible women (N=396), were mailed a questionnaire assessing: BRRM and BRRO details; risk perception; and anxiety. Family history, genetic testing and risk assessment were abstracted from medical records.

The association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal factor V Leiden genotype: a meta-analysis.

The conclusions of studies to date which evaluate a possible association between factor V Leiden and adverse pregnancy outcome have been conflicting. This study was undertaken to further investigate this association. Our objective was to evaluate the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal factor V Leiden genotype by meta-analysis.