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Spondyloenchondrodysplasia (SPENCD) is an immune-osseous disorder caused by biallelic variants in ACP5 gene and is less commonly associated with neurological abnormalities such as global developmental delay, spasticity and seizures. Herein, we describe five new patients from four unrelated Egyptian families with complex clinical presentations including predominant neurological presentations masking the skeletal and immunological manifestations. All our patients had spasticity with variable associations of motor and mental delay or epilepsy. All except for one patient had bilateral calcification in the basal ganglia. One patient had an associated growth hormone deficiency with fair response to growth hormone therapy (GH) where the height improved from −3.0 SD before GH therapy to −2.35 SD at presentation. Patients had different forms of immune dysregulation. All patients except for one had either cellular immunodeficiency (3 patients) or combined immunodeficiency (1 patient). Whole exome sequencing was performed and revealed four ACP5 variants: c.629C > T (p.Ser210Phe), c.526C > T (p.Arg176Ter), c.742dupC (p.Gln248ProfsTer3) and c.775G > A (p.Gly259Arg). Of them, three variants were not described before. Our study reinforces the striking phenotypic variability associated with SPENCD and expands the mutational spectrum of this rare disorder. Further, it documents the positive response to growth hormone therapy in the studied patient.

Introduction: The underlying molecular defects of congenital hydrocephalus are heterogeneous and many isolated forms of hydrocephalus remain unsolved at the molecular level. Congenital hydrocephalus in males associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum is a notable characteristic of L1CAM gene which is by far the most common genetic etiology of congenital hydrocephalus. Methods and Results: Sequencing of the L1CAM gene on 25 male patients/fetuses who had been presented with hydrocephalus revealed 6 patients and two fetuses with different hemizygous pathogenic variants. Our study identified 4 novel variants and 4 previously reported. The detection rate was 32%, and all the variants were shown to be maternally inherited. Nonsense variants were detected in 3 patients, while missense variants were detected in 2 patients. Frameshift, silent, and splicing variant, each was detected in 1 patient. The clinical manifestations of the patients are in line with those frequently observed including communicating hydrocephalus and agenesis of the corpus callosum. Moreover, rippled ventricles with subdural collection and asymmetry of ventricles after shunt operation were seen in 1 patient and 2 patients, respectively. In addition, abnormal basal ganglia were found in 4 patients which seems to be an additional distinct new finding. We also describe a patient with novel nonsense variant with the rare association of Hirschsprung’s disease. This patient displayed additionally multiple porencephalic cysts and encephalomalacia secondary to hemorrhage due to repeated infections after shunt operation. The patients with the missense variants showed long survival, while those with truncating variants showed poor prognosis. Conclusion: This report adds knowledge of novel pathogenic variants to the L1CAM variant database. Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical and imaging data of these patients.

Mutations in the PORCN gene cause an X-linked dominant condition; focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), characterized by atrophic skin, pigmented skin lesions in addition to several ocular and skeletal malformations. FDH is rare with around 275 cases reported so far from diverse ethnic groups. Herein, we provide a report of two new patients with FDH from Egypt. In addition to the typical clinical manifestations of the disease, infrequently reported clinical findings in the form of broad metaphysis, bilateral short broad femurs, and dermal sinus over the sacrum were seen in Patient 1 and partial fusion of labia majora, ventral hernia, and bladder extrophy were present in Patient 2. Two heterozygous protein-truncating PORCN mutations were identified in our patients, a known nonsense c.370CT p.(Arg124Ter) and a novel frameshift c.375delG p.(Ala126HisfsTer3). Segregation analyses confirmed that the two mutations were "de novo" and not inherited from any of the parents. Our study expands the clinical and mutational spectrum of focal dermal hypoplasia and emphasizes the importance of investigating the different body systems and organs for the early management of patients.

Introduction: Pathogenic variants in the PIEZO family member 2 (PIEZO2) gene are known to cause Gordon syndrome (GS), Marden-Walker syndrome (MWS), and distal arthrogryposis type 5 (DA5). Out of these, MWS has a recognizable phenotype that can be discerned easily, but the distinction between GS and DA5 is less evident. Few children with pathogenic PIEZO2 variants have been reported to show posterior fossa anomalies. Methods and Results: By candidate gene targeting guided by proper clinical evaluation and neuroimaging findings, a patient with classic MWS harboring a de novo novel variant (c.8237G>A, p.W2746*) in the C-terminal region of PIEZO2 was identified. In addition, another girl with the typical clinical features of GS is also described carrying the most prevalent reported variant (c.8057G>A, p.R2686H) in PIEZO2. The brain MRI of the 2 patients showed Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM). Diffusion tensor imaging visualized anteroposterior and downward aligned thin middle cerebellar peduncle. The association of DWM with arthrogryposis in the presence of PIEZO2 variants remains quite interesting and provides more evidence that PIEZO2 plays a role in the development of hindbrain although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Moreover, the 2 girls had distinct foot patterning in the form of shortening of the first and fifth toes. Conclusion: Phenotype analysis and a comprehensive review of the literature strongly support the previously published data and corroborate the evidence that heterozygous PIEZO2-related disorders represent a continuum with overlapping phenotypic features.

International audience; Introduction: Disorders of gonadal development represent a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of DSD, and the etiology in many cases remains unknown, indicating that our knowledge of factors controlling sex determination is still limited. Methods: We describe a 46,XY DSD patient from Egypt. The patient was reared as female, born to consanguineous parents, and was referred to us at the age of 5 years because of ambiguous genitalia. On examination, the girl was microcephalic (head circumference –3 SD), but her height and weight were normal for her age and sex. Results: Exome sequencing identified a homozygous variant in the hedgehog acyltransferase (HHAT) gene, which encodes an enzyme that is required for multimerization and signaling potency of the hedgehog secreted proteins. The variant is a novel homozygous missense change c.1329C>A (p.N443K), located within transmembrane domain 9, which segregated with the phenotype in the family. Discussion/Conclusion: Our results expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with HHAT variants to include 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis and reinforce the role of exome sequencing in unraveling new genes that play a pivotal role in sexual development.

The solute carrier (SLC) superfamily encompasses >400 transmembrane transporters involved in the exchange of amino acids, nutrients, ions, metals, neurotransmitters and metabolites across biological membranes. SLCs are highly expressed in the mammalian brain; defects in nearly 100 unique SLC-encoding genes (OMIM: https://www.omim.org) are associated with rare Mendelian disorders including developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Exome sequencing and family-based rare variant analyses on a cohort with neurodevelopmental disorders identified two siblings with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and a shared deleterious homozygous splicing variant in SLC38A3. The gene encodes SNAT3, a sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter and a principal transporter of the amino acids asparagine, histidine, and glutamine, the latter being the precursor for the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate. Additional subjects with a similar developmental and epileptic encephalopathy phenotype and biallelic predicted-damaging SLC38A3 variants were ascertained through GeneMatcher and collaborations with research and clinical molecular diagnostic laboratories. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed to identify novel metabolic biomarkers. Ten individuals from seven unrelated families from six different countries with deleterious biallelic variants in SLC38A3 were identified. Global developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia, and absent speech were common features while microcephaly, epilepsy, and visual impairment were present in the majority. Epilepsy was drug-resistant in half. Metabolomic analysis revealed perturbations of glutamate, histidine, and nitrogen metabolism in plasma, urine, and CSF of selected subjects, potentially representing biomarkers of disease. Our data support the contention that SLC38A3 is a novel disease gene for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and illuminate the likely pathophysiology of the disease as perturbations in glutamine homeostasis.

Developmental brain malformations are rare but are increasingly reported features of BICD2-related disorders. Here, we report a 2-year old boy with microcephaly, profound delay and partial seizures. His brain MRI showed lissencephaly, hypogenesis of corpus callosum, dysplastic hipocampus and cerebellar hypoplasia. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous likely pathogenic variant in the BICD2 gene, c.229 C > T p.(Gln77Ter). This is the first report of lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia seen in a patient with homozygous loss-of-function variant in BICD2 that recapitulated the animal model. Our report supports that BICD2 should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia Additional clinical features of BICD2 are likely to emerge with the identification of additional patients.

PPFIBP1 encodes for the liprin-β1 protein which has been shown to play a role in neuronal outgrowth and synapse formation in Drosophila melanogaster. By exome sequencing, we detected nine ultra-rare homozygous loss-of-function variants in 14 individuals from 10 unrelated families. The individuals presented with moderate to profound developmental delay, often refractory early-onset epilepsy and progressive microcephaly. Further common clinical findings included muscular hypertonia, spasticity, failure to thrive and short stature, feeding difficulties, impaired hearing and vision, and congenital heart defects. Neuroimaging revealed abnormalities of brain morphology with leukoencephalopathy, cortical abnormalities, and intracranial periventricular calcifications as major features. In a fetus with intracranial calcifications, we identified a rare homozygous missense variant that by structural analysis was predicted to disturb the topology of the SAM-domain region that is essential for protein-protein interaction. For further insight in the effects of PPFIBP1 loss-of-function, we performed automated behavioural phenotyping of a Caenorhabditis elegans PPFIBP1/hlb-1 knockout model which revealed defects in spontaneous and light-induced behaviour and confirmed resistance to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb suggesting a defect in the neuronal presynaptic zone. In conclusion, we present bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in PPFIBP1 as a novel cause of an autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder.

Micro and Martsolf syndromes are rare clinically and genetically overlapping disorders caused by mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18 and TBC1D20 genes. We describe 34 new patients, 27 with Micro and 7 with Martsolf. Patients presented with the characteristic clinical manifestations of the two syndromes including postnatal microcephaly, congenital cataracts, microphthalmia, optic atrophy, spasticity and intellectual disability. Brain imaging showed in the majority of cases polymicrogyria, thin corpus callosum, cortical atrophy, and white matter dysmyelination. Unusual additional findings were pectus excavatum (4 patients), pectus carinatum (3 patients), congenital heart disease (3 patients) and bilateral calcification in basal ganglia (1 patient). Mutational analysis of RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 revealed 21 mutations including 14 novel variants. RAB3GAP1 mutations were identified in 22 patients with Micro including a deletion of the entire gene in one patient. On the other hand, RAB3GAP2 mutations were identified in two patients with Micro and all Martsolf patients. Moreover, exome sequencing unraveled a TBC1D20 mutation in an additional family with Micro syndrome. Our results expand the phenotypic and mutational spectrum associated with Micro and Martsolf syndromes. Due to the overlapped severities and genetic basis of both syndromes, we suggest to be comprehended as one entity "Micro/Martsolf spectrum" or "RAB18 deficiency". This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background The causes for thousands of individually rare recessive diseases have been discovered since the adoption of next generation sequencing (NGS). Following the molecular diagnosis in older children in a family, parents could use this information to opt for fetal genotyping in subsequent pregnancies, which could inform decisions about elective termination of pregnancy. The use of NGS diagnostic sequencing in families has not been demonstrated to yield benefit in subsequent pregnancies to reduce recurrence. Here we evaluated whether genetic diagnosis in older children in families supports reduction in recurrence of recessive neurogenetic disease. Methods Retrospective study involving families with a child with a recessive pediatric brain disease (rPBD) that underwent NGS-based molecular diagnosis. Prenatal molecular testing was offered to couples in which a molecular diagnosis was made, to help couples seeking to prevent recurrence. With this information, families made decisions about elective termination. Pregnancies that were carried to term were assessed for the health of child and mother, and compared with historic recurrence risk of recessive disease. Results Between 2010 and 2016, 1172 families presented with a child a likely rPBD, 526 families received a molecular diagnosis, 91 families returned to the clinic with 101 subsequent pregnancies, and 84 opted for fetal genotyping. Sixty tested negative for recurrence for the biallelic mutation in the fetus, and all, except for one spontaneous abortion, carried to term, and were unaffected at follow-up. Of 24 that genotyped positive for the biallelic mutation, 16 were electively terminated, and 8 were carried to term and showed features of disease similar to that of the older affected sibling(s). Among the 101 pregnancies, disease recurrence in living offspring deviated from the expected 25% to the observed 12% ([95% CI 0·04 to 0·20], p = 0·011). Conclusions Molecular diagnosis in an older child, coupled with prenatal fetal genotyping in subsequent pregnancies and genetic counselling, allows families to make informed decisions to reduce recessive neurogenetic disease recurrence.

KBG syndrome is an intellectual disability (ID) associated with multiple congenital anomalies in which the macrodontia could be the clue for the diagnosis. It is caused either by heterozygous variant in ANKRD11 gene or 16q24.3 microdeletions that involve the ANKRD11 gene. Here, we report on two unrelated male patients who presented with ID, short stature, webbing of neck, and cryptorchidism. Noonan syndrome was suspected first but the presence of macrodontia in both patients pointed to KBG syndrome which was confirmed thereafter by the identification of a novel pathogenic variant in ANKRD11 gene, c.5488G>T (p.E1830*). Macrodontia was noticed in all the deciduous anterior teeth in Patient 1. This observation was reported previously in few patients, but it seems to be a common feature that could be misdiagnosed as premature eruption of teeth. Therefore, our results confirm that maxillary permanent central incisors may not be the only teeth affected in KBG but also all the deciduous teeth. Interestingly, desquamative gingivitis was additionally noted in Patient 1, which has not been reported previously, however; it could be a coincidental finding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from Egypt.

Bruck Syndrome (BS) is a very rare disorder characterized by osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) associated with congenital contractures and is caused by mutations in FKBP10 or PLOD2 genes. Herein, we describe 13 patients from 9 unrelated Egyptian families with BS. All patients had white sclerae, recurrent fractures, kyphoscoliosis and osteoporosis with variable degrees of severity. Large joint contractures were seen in 11 patients, one patient had contractures of small interphalangeal joints, and one patient had no contractures. Unusual findings noted in individual patients included microcephaly, dental malocclusion, enamel hypoplasia, unilateral congenital dislocation of knee joint, prominent tailbone, and myopathy. Nine different variants were identified in FKBP10 and PLOD2 including five novel ones. FKBP10 variants were found in six families (67%) while PLOD2 variants were identified in three families (33%). The four families, with two affected sibs each, showed inter- and intrafamilial phenotypic variability. In conclusion, we report five novel variants in FKBP10 and PLOD2 thus, expanding the mutational spectrum of BS. In addition, our results expand the phenotypic spectrum, describe newly associated orodental findings, and further illustrate the phenotypic overlap between OI and Bruck syndrome supporting the suggestion of considering BS as a variant of OI rather than a separate entity.

This study describes the clinical, radiological, and molecular data of four new patients with osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome and assesses their response to bisphosphonate therapy.Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG) is a very rare disorder characterized mainly by severe juvenile osteoporosis and congenital blindness. OPPG is caused by biallelic mutations in the gene encoding low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5).We present the clinical, radiological, and molecular findings of four new patients with OPPG from Egypt. We also assessed patients' response to oral and intravenous bisphosphonate therapy.All patients had reduced bone mineral density (BMD) with variable number of fractures per year, in addition to bone abnormalities and the characteristic eye phenotype associated with OPPG. Mutation analyses of LRP5 gene revealed three different homozygous variants including two novel ones, c.7delG (p.A3Qfs*80) and c.3280G A (p.E1094K). The c.3280G A (p.E1094K) was recurrent in two unrelated patients who shared a unique haplotype suggesting a possible founder effect. The use of bisphosphonate therapy was beneficial; however, intravenous bisphosphonate administration led to a more favorable response.Our study described the phenotypic and genetic features of four patients with OPPG and identified two new LRP5 variants, thus expanding the mutational spectrum of OPPG. In addition, our study reinforces the efficiency of using intravenous bisphosphonates in the management of patients with OPPG.

The aim of this study is to screen for variants in NPHS1 and NPHS2, in a cohort of Egyptian children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS)/focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and compare the prevalence of such variants among other ethnic groups. The study included 25 patients: 21 children diagnosed clinically as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and confirmed as FSGS by renal biopsy and four patients diagnosed as congenital nephrotic syndrome with FSGS. Mutational analysis revealed nine NPHS2 and NPHS1 variants in 13/25 patients with a pathogenic variant detection rate of 52%. NPHS2 variants were found in 8 patients (32%) while five patients from four unrelated families (20%) harbored variants in NPHS1 gene. Six variants were not described before including a likely founder NPHS2 variant in our population, c.596dupA (p.Asn199LysfsTer14). In conclusion, we reported the largest series of patients with SRNS/FSGS from Egypt and identified many novel NPHS1 and NPHS2 variants expanding their mutational spectrum. Further studies on a larger number of patients could provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of SRNS/FSGS which might help in patient's management and prognosis.

BackgroundHydatidiform mole, whether complete or partial mole, is one of the most common forms of gestational trophoblastic disease. It is characterized by extreme trophoblastic proliferation and atypical embryonic growth. Though almost all of complete hydatidiform moles are diploid androgenetic, scarce cases are biparental and caused mainly by mutations inNLRP7andKHDC3Lgenes. NLRP7mutations are more common and were reported in around 50–80% of cases from diverse populations whileKHDC3mutations were only found in 5–10% of cases.Case descriptionA healthy 40-year-old Egyptian woman was referred to the Clinic of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine Department for counseling. She was married for 20 years to a first-degree relative and experienced 17 consecutive pregnancy losses without having any live births. Uterus ultrasound revealed endometrial thickening and subseptate uterus and in her last pregnancy failure, she complained of abdominal pain and severe shortness of breath. Immunochemistry tests were positive for β-human chorionic gonadotropin and histopathology-confirmed choriocarcinoma. Genetic testing revealed two novel heterozygous variants in theNLPR7gene.ConclusionWe presented a case with 17 recurrent hydatidiform moles that was complicated by choriocarcinoma due to novel variants in theNLRP7gene.Clinical significanceThis is the first Egyptian case with recurrent hydatidiform mole. We identified novelNLPR7variants, thus expanding the mutational spectrum associated with this rare disease.How to cite this articleShalabi TA, Abdel-Hamid MS, Shaker MM. Two Novel Variants inNLRP7Gene in an Egyptian Female Patient with Consecutive Molar Pregnancies Complicated by Choriocarcinoma. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2019;10(3):54–57.

We report on a female patient who presented with severe intellectual disability and autistic behavior, dysmorphic features, orodental anomalies, and bilateral calcification of basal ganglia. Using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray, we have identified a de novo duplication of 11q13.1q22.1 involving the dosage sensitive genes FGF3 and FGF4, genes related to autosomal dominant disorders KMT5B, GAL, SPTBN2, and LRP5, susceptibility loci SCZD2, SLEH1, and SHANK2, mitochondrial genes NDUFV1, NDUFS8, and TMEM126B, and many loss of function genes, including PHOX2A, CLPB, MED17, B3GNT1, LIPT2, and CLPB. However, the duplication did not involve Ribonuclease H2, subunit C (RNASEH2C) which is considered to be located in the critical region for Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. In combination with the duplication at 11q13.1, a 1.849-Mb heterozygous duplication at 4q35.2 was also identified. Although this duplicated region does not contain causative genes related to brain calcification, the duplication at 4q35 was reported previously in a patient with basal ganglia calcification, coats' like retinopathy, and glomerulosclerosis. Our patient's presentation and genomic findings indicate that duplication of 4q35.2 could be a novel genetic cause of calcification of basal ganglia. Our report also underscores the clinical significance of rearrangements in 11q13.1q22.1 in the pathogenesis of basal ganglia calcification.

Fetal brain arrest is an extremely rare genetic disorder that was described in few patients and encompasses very unique findings of underdeveloped cerebral hemispheres in association with collapsed skull bones. Based on the recurrence among sibs, an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was proposed; however, no causative gene was identified so far. Here, we report the identification of biallelic variants in the WDR81 gene in two unrelated families (4 patients) with fetal brain arrest including the originally described family and an additional new family. Two homozygous variants were identified: a new missense (c.1157 T C, p.Val386Ala) and a previously described frameshift variant, c.4668_4669delAG (p.Gly1557AspfsTer16). We assessed the expression of WDR81 at the protein level by western blot analysis using primary skin fibroblast cultures established from the patient with the missense variant and noticed that WDR81 expression was significantly reduced in comparison to normal control confirming the pathogenicity of this variant. Our findings confirm the involvement of WDR81 in the pathogenesis of fetal brain arrest syndrome and suggest that fetal brain arrest represents the severe end of the spectrum phenotypes caused by pathogenic variants in WDR81. In addition, we reviewed the clinical and molecular data on WDR81-related disorders and phenotype/genotype correlations.

Biallelic pathogenic variants of OTUD6B have recently been described to cause intellectual disability (ID) with seizures. Here, we report the clinical and molecular characterization of five additional patients (from two unrelated Egyptian families) with ID due to homozygous OTUD6B variants. In Family I, the two affected brothers had additional retinal degeneration, a symptom not yet reported in OTUD6B-related ID. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a novel nonsense variant in OTUD6B (c.271CT, p.(Gln91Ter)), but also a nonsense variant in RP1L1 (c.5959CT, p.(Gln1987Ter)), all in homozygous state. Biallelic pathogenic variants in RP1L1 cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa type 88 (RP88). Thus, RP1L1 dysfunction likely accounts for the visual phenotype in this family with two simultaneous autosomal recessive disorders. In Family II, targeted sequencing revealed a novel homozygous missense variant (c.767GT, p.(Gly256Val)), confirming the clinically suspected OTUD6B-related ID. Consistent with the clinical variability in previously reported OTUD6B patients, our patients showed inter- and intrafamilial differences with regard to the clinical and brain imaging findings. Interestingly, various orodental features were present including macrodontia, dental crowding, abnormally shaped teeth, and thick alveolar ridges. Broad distal phalanges (especially the thumbs and halluces) with prominent interphalangeal joints and fetal pads were recognized in all patients and hence considered pathognomonic. Our study extends the spectrum of the OTUD6B-associated phenotype. Retinal degeneration, albeit present in both patients from Family I, was shown to be unrelated to OTUD6B, demonstrating the need for in-depth analysis of WES data in consanguineous families to uncover simultaneous autosomal recessive disorders.

Desbuquois dysplasia type 1 (DBQD1) is a very rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by growth retardation, short stature, distinct hand features, and a characteristic radiological monkey wrench appearance at the proximal femur. We report on 2unrelated Egyptian patients having the characteristic features of DBQD1 with different expressivity. Patient 1 presented at the age of 45 days with respiratory distress, short limbs, faltering growth, and distinctive facies while patient 2 presented at 5 years of age with short stature and hypospadias. The 2 patients shared radiological features suggestive of DBQD1. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a homozygous frameshift mutation in the CANT1 gene (NM_001159772.1:c.277_278delCT; p.Leu93ValfsTer89) in patient 1 and a homozygous missense mutation (NM_138793.4:c.898C>T; p.Arg300Cys) in patient 2. Phenotypic variability and variable expressivity of DBQD was evident in our patients. Hypoplastic scrotum and hypospadias were additional unreported associated findings, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of the disorder. We reviewed the main features of skeletal dysplasias exhibiting similar radiological manifestations for differential diagnosis. We suggest that the variable severity in both patients could be due to the nature of the CANT1 gene mutations which necessitates the molecular study of more cases for phenotype-genotype correlations.

International audience; Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) comprise a group of congenital disorders that affect the genitourinary tract and usually involve the endocrine and reproductive system. The aim of this work was to identify genetic variants responsible for disorders of human urogenital development in a cohort of Egyptian patients. This three-year study included 225 patients with various DSD forms, referred to the genetic DSD and endocrinology clinic, National Research Centre, Egypt. The patients underwent thorough clinical examination, hormonal and imaging studies, detailed cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, and molecular sequencing of genes known to commonly cause DSD including AR, SRD5A2, 17BHSD3, NR5A1, SRY, and WT1. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for 18 selected patients. The study revealed a high rate of sex chromosomal DSD (33%) with a wide array of cytogenetic abnormalities. Sanger sequencing identified pathogenic variants in 33.7% of 46,XY patients, while the detection rate of WES reached 66.7%. Our patients showed a different mutational profile compared with that reported in other populations with a predominance of heritable DSD causes. WES identified rare and novel pathogenic variants in NR5A1, WT1, HHAT, CYP19A1, AMH, AMHR2, and FANCA and in the X-linked genes ARX and KDM6A. In addition, digenic inheritance was observed in two of our patients and was suggested to be a cause of the phenotypic variability observed in DSD.

Autosomal-recessive cerebellar hypoplasia and ataxia constitute a group of heterogeneous brain disorders caused by disruption of several fundamental cellular processes. Here, we identified 10 families showing a neurodegenerative condition involving pontocerebellar hypoplasia with microcephaly (PCHM). Patients harbored biallelic mutations in genes encoding the spliceosome components Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase Like-1 (PPIL1) or Pre-RNA Processing-17 (PRP17). Mouse knockouts of either gene were lethal in early embryogenesis, whereas PPIL1 patient mutation knockin mice showed neuron-specific apoptosis. Loss of either protein affected splicing integrity, predominantly affecting short and high GC-content introns and genes involved in brain disorders. PPIL1 and PRP17 form an active isomerase-substrate interaction, but we found that isomerase activity is not critical for function. Thus, we establish disrupted splicing integrity and "major spliceosome-opathies" as a new mechanism underlying PCHM and neurodegeneration and uncover a non-enzymatic function of a spliceosomal proline isomerase.

Acid ceramidase deficiency is an orphan lysosomal disorder caused by ASAH1 pathogenic variants and presenting with either Farber disease or spinal muscle atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME). Phenotypic and genotypic features are rarely explored beyond the scope of case reports. Furthermore, the new biomarker C26-Ceramide requires validation in a clinical setting. We evaluated the clinical, biomarker and genetic spectrum of 15 Egyptian children from 14 unrelated families with biallelic pathogenic variants in ASAH1 (12 Farber and 3 SMA-PME). Recruited children were nine females/six males ranging in age at diagnosis from 13 to 118 months. We detected ASAH1 pathogenic variants in all 30 alleles including three novel variants (c.1126A>G (p.Thr376Ala), c.1205G>A (p.Arg402Gln), exon-5-deletion). Both total C26-Ceramide and its trans- isomer showed 100% sensitivity for the detection of ASAH1-related disorders in tested patients. A 10-year-old girl with the novel variant c.1205G>A (p.Arg402Gln) presented with a new peculiar phenotype of PME without muscle atrophy. We expanded the phenotypic spectrum of ASAH1-related disorders and validated the biomarker C26-Ceramide for supporting diagnosis in symptomatic patients.

Objective The purpose of this study was to elucidate the facial morphology and the pattern of internal malformations in three fetuses with RS born to first cousins of Egyptian decent. Methods The fetal ultrasonography findings were highly suggestive of RS leading to targeted Sanger sequencing of FAM20C and postnatal assessment. Results The prenatal ultrasound findings of osteosclerotic skull, exorbitism, hypoplastic nose, midface hypoplasia, small mouth with down-curved corners, and a distinct and recognizable pattern of intracranial calcification were identified in three fetuses with RS. The calcifications were evident specifically around the corpus callosum and/or ventricular walls. Ectopic renal and hepatic calcifications, pulmonary hypoplasia, mild rhizomelic shortening of the upper limbs, intrauterine fractures, and cerebellar hypoplasia were also noted. Molecular analysis identified three novel homozygous variants, two frameshift: [c.456delC (p.Gly153Alafs*34)] in exon 1 and [c.905delT (Phe302Serfs*35)] in exon 4 and one nonsense mutation in exon 10, [c.1557C>G(p.Tyrs519*)]. The three variants were segregated with the phenotype. This is the first description of a phenotype associated with homozygous truncating variants of FAM20C. Conclusion RS has characteristic prenatal ultrasound findings which can improve the prenatal identification of this condition and help in guiding the molecular diagnosis and counseling.

GAPO syndrome is a very rare disorder characterized by growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia and progressive optic atrophy. It is caused by biallelic mutations in the ANTXR1 gene. Herein, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of seven new patients with GAPO syndrome. Our patients presented with the characteristic clinical features of the syndrome except for one patient who did not display total alopecia till the age of two years. Strikingly, optic atrophy and glaucoma were observed in all patients and one patient showed keratopathy in addition. Moreover, craniosynstosis was an unusual associated finding in one patient. Mutational analysis of ANTXR1 gene identified five novel homozygous mutations including two frameshift, two splice site and a large intragenic deletion of exon 3. Our results reinforce the clinical characteristics of the syndrome, expand the mutational spectrum and provide more insights into the role of the ANTXR1 protein in the regulation of extracellular matrix.

Introduction Hepatitis C infection has the ability to create substantial oxidative stress inside hepatocytes. In this way, oxidative stress has been distinguished as a significant mechanistic pathway culminating in the improvement of hepatic cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Aim of this study: is to detect the probable role of immunohistochemical expression of Myeloperoxidase in the improvement of HCV associated HCC and also, liver cirrhosis and to correlate the expression of MPO with different clinico-pathological features of HCC. Subjects and methods This study was conducted on a total number of 59patients. These were subdivided into 25patients of hepatocellular carcinoma and 34 patients of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) with cirrhosis. All studied 59patients were associated with HCV infection. All patients were examined immunohistochemically to demonstrate the expression of Myeloperoxidase Results Concerning the expression of Myeloperoxidase in HCC and cirrhoticpatients; the study revealed that more MPO expression was found in HCC cases when compared with cirrhoticpatients (P –value

Background Many studies revealed that several micro RNA-SNPs (MIR-SNPs) act as genetic risk factors in development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in different populations either alone or with environmental risk factors. Objective To study the role of two hsa-miR (-196a-2 C > T rs11614913 and -499 A > G rs3746444) polymorphisms individually, with each other and with some environmental risk factors in HCC Egyptian patients. Subjects and methods This study is a retrospective study that was conducted on 2 groups; HCC group and control group each included 50 subjects. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was performed for genotyping of the two pre MIR-SNPs. The relationships of polymorphisms with the HCC risk were estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Results HCC patients who carried the MIR-499 GG genotype had significantly increased HCC risk (p-value = 0.004) while, there was no significant association between MIR-196A2 gene polymorphism and HCC risk (p-value = 0.49). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the interaction of MIR-SNPs-196A-2 and infection with HCV (p-value = 0.004). Conclusions MIR-SNP-499 might affect the susceptibility of Egyptians to HCC while, MIR-SNP-196A-2 may affect the HCC risk in Egyptians with HCV infection.

We report two unrelated boys with frontonasal dysplasias type-2 (FND-2) who shared an identical novel homozygous ALX4 mutation c.291delG (p.Q98Sfs*83). Both patients presented with a large skull defect but one had bilateral parietal meningocele-like cysts that lie along with the bony defect and increased in size with age. Scalp alopecia, hypertelorism, and clefted alae nasi were also detected in both of them. Furthermore, impalpable gonads were noted, being unilateral in one and bilateral in the other. Neuroimaging showed small dysplastic occipital lobes with dysgyria and midline subarachnoid cyst. Additional dysplastic corpus callosum and small cerebellar vermis were observed in one patient. Parietal foramina were noted in the parents of one patient. Our findings highlight the dosage effect of ALX4 and underscore the challenges of prenatal genetic counseling. Further, the indirect role of ALX4 in the development of the occipital lobe and posterior fossa is discussed.

Background & Aims Although treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV-genotype-4 (GT4) has become very effective, it remains very expensive, and affordable options are needed, especially in limited resource countries. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of ravidasvir (an NS5A inhibitor) and sofosbuvir to treat patients with chronic HCV-GT4 infection. Methods A total of 300 patients with HCV-GT4 infection were recruited in three groups: treatment-naive patients with or without compensated Child-A cirrhosis (Group 1); interferon-experienced patients without cirrhosis (Group 2); and interferon-experienced patients with cirrhosis (Group 3). Groups 1 and 2 received ravidasvir 200 mg QD plus sofosbuvir 400 mg QD for 12 weeks and were randomized 1:1 to treatment with or without weight-based ribavirin. Group 3 patients received ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir with ribavirin and were randomized 1:1 to a treatment duration of 12 weeks or 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). Results A total of 298 patients were enrolled: 149 in Group 1, 79 in Group 2 and 70 in Group 3. SVR12 was achieved in 95.3% of all patients who started the study, including 98% of patients without cirrhosis and 91% of patients with cirrhosis, whether treatment-naive or interferon-experienced. Ribavirin intake and history of previous interferon therapy did not affect SVR12 rates. No virologic breakthroughs were observed and the study treatment was well tolerated. Conclusions Treatment with ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, was well tolerated and associated with high sustained virologic response rate for HCV-GT4 infected patients with and without cirrhosis, regardless of previous interferon-based treatments. Trial Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02371408. Lay summary This study evaluated efficacy and safety of the new oral hepatitis C drug ravidasvir in combination with the approved oral drug sofosbuvir in 298 patients infected with hepatitis C type 4. Our results showed that treatment with ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, was well tolerated and associated with high response rate in patients with and without cirrhosis.

Background and purpose Unverricht-Lundborg disease (ULD) is a common type of progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME). It is caused mostly by biallelic dodecamer repeat expansions in the promoter region of CSTB gene. Despite highly prevalent in the Mediterranean countries, no studies have been reported from Egypt. This article study the presence of CSTB gene mutations among Egyptian patients clinically suspected with ULD, and describes the clinical and genetic characteristics of those with confirmed gene mutation. Methods Medical records of patients following up in two specialized epilepsy clinics in Cairo, Egypt were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients who belonged to 13 unrelated families were provisionally diagnosed with ULD based on the clinical presentation. Genetic testing was done. Clinical characteristics, demographic data and EEG findings were documented. Results Genetic studies confirmed the presence of the CSTB dodecamer repeat expansion in 14 patients from 8 families (frequency 70 %). The mean duration of the follow-up was 5 years. Male to female distribution was 1:1 with a mean age of onset 9.7 years. Consanguinity was noted in 4 families. Eight patients had their first seizure between the age of 10 and 20 years. Myoclonic jerks ranged in severity from mild in three unrelated patients to severe in one. Only 3 had cognitive impairment. Conclusion Our study confirms the presence of CSTB mutation among Egyptian patients suspected with ULD. There was no clear phenotype-genotype correlation among the studied group of patients. In addition, we noticed variable inter and intra familial severity among patients from the same family.

Biallelic HMX1 mutations cause a very rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder termed as oculoauricular syndrome (OAS) because it is characterized only by the combination of eye and ear anomalies. We identified a new family bringing to three the total families reported with this disorder. Our proband presented with anteriorly protruded ears and malformed ear pinnae in association with microphthalmia, congenital cataract, microcornea, and iris and optic disc colobomata. Additionally, he had high and broad forehead with asymmetry giving a recognizable facial gestalt. Further, short left mandibular ramus and bifid cingulum in the boy and short right mandibular ramus in his father were observed. Mutation analysis revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation c.487GT in the second exon of the HMX1 that predicted to introduce a premature stop codon at position 163 (p.E163*). Parents showed the heterozygous state of the detected mutation. Investigations in a process as complex as craniofacial development suggest that there are still additional, as yet unidentified, genes that play in orchestrate to determine the final phenotype.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disorder caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial cytochrome P450 sterol 27-hydroxylase enzyme encoded by CYP27A1 gene. CTX is characterized by tendon xanthomas, juvenile cataracts and multiple progressive neurological symptoms. Here we report on the clinical and molecular findings of a 35-years old Egyptian patient with CTX without cataract. Parents were first cousins with family history of two deceased sibs with mild impaired cognitive functions and epilepsy without appearance of tendon xanthomas. Our proband had learning disabilities and developed seizures at 9 years old. Tendon xanthomata appeared at the age of 16 and his neurological symptoms remained stationary till 28 years followed by progressive cerebello-pyramidal signs, dementia and psychiatric disturbance. Cataract was not evident in our patient. Brain MRI showed the characteristic focal lesions appeared as xanthomas in cerebellum and occipital horns of lateral ventricles. Molecular study identified a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in CYP27A1 gene, c.1169delT (p.K391Rfs*17). Our study emphasizes the important role of early genetic testing in prevention of morbidity and mortality of the disease and proper counseling. Moreover, it shows that the absence of cataract should not rule out the diagnosis of CTX.

Band-like calcification with simplified gyration and polymicrogyria (BLC-PMG) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder with distinctive clinical and neuroimaging findings. To date, only 17 patients from 9 unrelated families with BLC-PMG have been reported worldwide. Herein, we describe a series of 13 new patients derived from 10 unrelated Egyptian families. Patients presented at early life with the classic phenotype including severe microcephaly, failure to acquire developmental skills, growth failure and the distinguished calcification patterns involving the cortex, thalami, basal ganglia and pons. Additional features not reported before included calcification of the cerebellum (eight patients: 61.5%) and imperforate anus and undescended testis in a single patient. Molecular studies of the OCLN gene (NM_001205254) identified six distinct candidate mutations. Interestingly, the deletion mutation of the transmembrane domain in exons 3 and 4 (c.51-?_730-?del, p.Lys18_Glu243) was found in five unrelated families (50%), suggesting a founder mutation in our population. On the other hand, five novel truncating mutations (c.809delA (p.K270Rfs*62), c.858_861delTTAT (p.I286Mfs*45), c.1037+5G>C, c.1169C>G (p.S390*) and c.1180delG (p.E394Sfs*91)) were detected, each in one family. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with BLC-PMG. Cerebellum calcification is an additional relevant finding in our series, thus expanding the neuroradiological phenotype of this syndrome.

Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by Sertoli cells and signals through 2 transmembrane receptors (AMHR), specific types I and II, leading to regression of müllerian ducts during fetal male sex differentiation. Mutations in AMH and AMHR2 lead to the persistence of müllerian ducts in males which is transmitted in a recessive pattern. Here, we report 2 Egyptian DSD (disorder of sex development) patients reared as males who presented with bilateral cryptorchidism and otherwise normal male external genitalia and who both had a 46,XY karyotype. The first patient presented at the age of 2 years. Laparoscopic surgery revealed a uterus and fallopian tubes with the presence of 2 gonads, and biopsy and pathology revealed prepubertal testicular tissue showing small-sized tubules with mostly Sertoli cells and very few spermatogonia, edematous stroma, and no detectable ovarian tissue. The second patient presented at the age of 3 years. Laparoscopic surgery revealed a uterus and fallopian tubes, and serum AMH was very low (0.1 ng/mL). Molecular studies revealed a novel missense mutation in the AMHR2 gene in the first patient (c.767A>C; p.H256P) and a novel frameshift mutation in the AMH gene in the second patient (c.203delC; p.L70Cfs*7). We conclude that persistent müllerian ducts should be included in the differential diagnosis of cryptorchidism.

Aromatase deficiency (AD) is a very rare disorder resulting from mutations in the CYP19A1 gene encoding aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme that plays a pivotal role in androgen conversion to estrogens. AD is inherited in an autosomal recessive trait, and to date only 35 cases have been described in the literature. Herein, we depict a new patient reared as a male, who presented at the age of 21 years with no palpable testis, hypoplastic scrotum, penis-like phallus (3 cm), and penoscrotal hypospadias. The patient was born to consanguineous parents, his karyotype was 46,XX, and SRY was negative. Pelvic sonar showed a small hypoplastic uterus, and no testis could be identified. Serum testosterone was within the reference range of females along with high gonadotropins. Pathology of gonadal biopsy showed ovarian stroma negative for oocytic follicle consistent with streak gonads. All these data were suggestive of AD, which was subsequently confirmed by molecular investigation of the CYP19A1 gene. A homozygous splice site mutation in the donor splice site of exon 9 was identified, c.1263 + 1G>T. This is the first report of such a rare disorder in an Egyptian patient. Our results reinforce the importance of considering AD in patients with 46,XX disorders of sex development after ruling out congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Enamel renal syndrome (ERS) or so-called amelogenesis imperfecta type IG is a very rare disorder characterized by the triad of amelogenesis imperfecta, gingival enlargement and nephrocalcinosis. It is caused by biallelic mutations in the FAM20A gene. Herein, we report two unrelated patients with ERS. Our patients presented with the characteristic features of the syndrome, and amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival hyperplasia were the main complaint. Strikingly, they both had long face, thick lips, notched upper central incisors, and thick alveolar ridge which have never been reported before in patients with ERS. Gingival biopsy showed psammomatous calcifications, and renal ultrasound revealed bilateral nephrocalcinosis in the two patients. Mutational analysis of the FAM20A gene identified two homozygous mutations including a novel one (c.915_918delCTTT, p.Phe305Leufs*76 and c.1219 + 3_1219+6delAGGT). Our data expand the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of FAM20A gene and reinforce the importance of kidney examination and follow up for all patients with amelogenesis imperfecta unless FAM20A mutations were ruled out.

PCNT encodes a large coiled- protein localizing to pericentriolar material and is associated with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II syndrome (MOPD II). We report our experience of nine new patients from seven unrelated consanguineous Egyptian families with the distinctive clinical features of MOPD II in whom a customized NGS panel showed homozygous truncating variants of PCNT. The NGS panel results were validated thereafter using Sanger sequencing revealing three previously reported and three novel PCNT pathogenic variants. The core phenotype appeared homogeneous to what had been reported before although patients differed in the severity showing inter and intra familial variability. The orodental pattern showed atrophic alveolar ridge (five patients), rootless tooth (four patients), tooth agenesis (three patients), and malformed tooth (three patients). In addition, mesiodens was a novel finding found in one patient. The novel c.9394-1G>T variant was found in two sibs who had tooth agenesis. CNS anomalies with possible vascular sequelae were documented in two male patients (22.2%). Simplified gyral pattern with poor development of the frontal horns of lateral ventricles was seen in four patients and mild thinning of the corpus callosum in two patients. Unilateral coronal craniosynstosis was noted in one patient and thick but short corpus callosum was an unusual finding noted in another. The later has not been reported before. Our results refine the clinical, neuroradiological, and orodental features and expand the molecular spectrum of MOPD II.