AI Article Synopsis

  • - The study investigates genetic and epigenetic features of recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM) in Japanese patients, focusing on four isolated cases using whole-exome sequencing and DNA analysis.
  • - Researchers identified a new homozygous mutation in the NLRP7 gene in one patient, with findings showing that despite the biparental nature of the molar tissue, there was a complete loss of maternal DNA methylation in certain regions.
  • - This research highlights the role of NLRP7 in the development of RHM and emphasizes the importance of DNA methylation in these cases, marking the first study of this kind within a Japanese ethnic context.

Article Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the genetic and epigenetic features of recurrent hydatidiform mole (RHM) in Japanese patients.

Methods: Four Japanese isolated RHM cases were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing. Villi from RHMs were collected by laser microdissection for genotyping and DNA methylation assay of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms of PEG3 and H19 DMRs were used to confirm the parental origin of the variants.

Results: A novel homozygous nonsense mutation in NLRP7 (c.584G>A; p.W195X) was identified in 1 patient. Genotyping of one of her molar tissue revealed that it was biparental but not androgenetic in origin. Despite the fact that the RHM is biparental, maternally methylated DMRs of PEG3, SNRPN and PEG10 showed complete loss of DNA methylation. A paternally methylated DMR of H19 retained normal methylation.

Conclusions: This is the first Japanese case of RHM with a novel homozygous nonsense NLRP7 mutation and a specific loss of maternal DNA methylation of DMRs. Notably, the mutation was identified in an isolated case of an ethnic background that has not previously been studied in this context. Our data underscore the involvement of NLRP7 in RHM pathophysiology and confirm that DNA methylation of specific regions is critical.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000441780DOI Listing

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