scholarly journals Mutations in the ARAP3 Gene in Three Families with Primary Lymphedema Negative for Mutations in Known Lymphedema-Associated Genes

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Maurizio Ricci ◽  
Rita Compagna ◽  
Bruno Amato ◽  
Sercan Kenanoglu ◽  
Dominika Veselenyiova ◽  
...  

Background. ARAP3 is a small GTPase-activating protein regulator, which has important functions in lymphatic vessel organogenesis and modulation of cell adhesion and migration. Mutations in the ARAP3 gene are associated with impaired lymphatic vessel formation. Objective. The aim of our study was to determine the genotypes of lymphedema patients in relation to variants in the ARAP3 gene in order to explore its role in the development of lymphedema. Methods and Results. We applied next-generation sequencing to DNA samples of a cohort of 246 Italian patients with lymphatic malformations. When we tested probands for known lymphedema genes, 235 out of 246 were negative. Retrospectively, we tested the DNA of these 235 patients for new candidate lymphedema-associated genes, including ARAP3. Three out of 235 probands proved to carry rare missense heterozygous variants in ARAP3. In the case of two families, other family members were also tested and proved negative for the ARAP3 variant, besides being unaffected by lymphedema. According to in silico analysis, alterations due to these variants have a significant impact on the overall structure and stability of the resulting proteins. Conclusions. Based on our results, we propose that variants in ARAP3 could be included in genetic testing for lymphedema.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaiyu Gu ◽  
Zhen Zhang ◽  
Yi-shuang Xiao ◽  
Ru Shen ◽  
Hong-chao Jiang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Retinoblastoma is a rare intraocular malignancy and typically initiated by inactivating biallelic mutations of RB1 gene. Each year, ~8,000 children worldwide are diagnosed for retinoblastoma. In high-income countries, patient survival is over 95% while low-income countries is ~30%.If disease is diagnosed early and treated in centers specializing in retinoblastoma, the survival might exceed 95% and many eyes could be safely treated and support a lifetime of good vision. In China, approximate 1,100 newly diagnosed cases are expected annually and 28 hospitals covering 25 provinces established centers classified by expertise and resources for better treatment options and follow-up. Comparing with other province of eastern China, Yunnan province is remote geographically. This might result that healthcare staff have low awareness of the role of genetic testing in management and screening in families.Methods: The patients with retinoblastoma were selected in Yunnan. DNA from blood was used for targeted gene sequencing. Then, an in-house bioinformatics pipeline was done to detect both single nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions. The pathogenic mutations were identified and further confirmed by conventional methods and cosegregation in families.Results: Using our approach, targeted next generation sequencing was used to detect the mutation of these 12 probands. Bioinformatic predictions showed that nine mutations were found in our study and four were novel pathogenic variants in these nine mutations.Conclusions: It’s the first report to describe RB1 mutations in Yunnan children with retinoblastoma. This study would improve role of genetic testing for management and family screening.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Ulivi ◽  
Mirco Cosottini ◽  
Gianmichele Migaleddu ◽  
Giovanni Orlandi ◽  
Nicola Giannini ◽  
...  

: Monogenic cerebral small vessel diseases are a topic of growing interest, as several genes responsible have been recently described and new sequencing techniques such as Next generation sequencing are available. Brain imaging is a key exam in these diseases. First, since it is often the first exam performed, an MRI is key in selecting patients for genetic testing and for interpreting Next generation sequencing reports. In addition, neuroimaging can be helpful in describing the underlying pathological mechanisms involved in cerebral small vessel disease. With this review, we aim to provide Neurologists and Stroke physicians with an up-to date overview of the current neuroimaging knowledge on monogenic small vessel diseases.


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