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Messaoudi M, Pakstis AJ, Ezzaher T, Boussetta S, Ben Ammar Elgaaied A, Kidd KK, Cherni L. Genetic diversity of North African populations in the 17q21 genomic region. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:445-460. [PMID: 38965090 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The demographic history of human populations in North Africa has been characterized by complex migration processes that have determined the current genetic structure of these populations. We examined the autosomal markers of eight sampled populations in northern Africa (Tunisia and Libya) to explore their genetic structure and to place them in a global context. We genotyped a set of 30 autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) extending 9.5 Mb and encompassing the 17q21 inversion region. Our data include 403 individuals from Tunisia and Libya. To put our populations in the global context, we analyzed our data in comparison with other populations, including those of the 1000 Genomes Project. To evaluate the data, we conducted genetic diversity, principal component, STRUCTURE, and haplotype analyses. The analysis of genetic composition revealed the genetic heterogeneity of North African populations. The principal component and STRUCTURE analyses converged and revealed the intermediate position of North Africans between Europeans and Asians. Haplotypic analysis demonstrated that the normal (H1) and inverted (H2) polymorphisms in the chromosome 17q21 region occur in North Africa at frequencies similar to those found in European and Southwest Asian populations. The results highlight the complex demographic history of North Africa, reflecting the influence of genetic flow from Europe and the Near East that dates to the prehistoric period. These gene flows added to demographic factors (inbreeding, endogamy), natural factors (topography, Sahara), and cultural factors that play a role in the emergence of the diverse and heterogeneous genetic structures of North African populations. This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex structure of North African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Messaoudi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Andrew J Pakstis
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Takwa Ezzaher
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sami Boussetta
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Ben Ammar Elgaaied
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kenneth K Kidd
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Lotfi Cherni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathologies, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Monastir University, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
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Younsi ME, Achour A, Kraoua L, Nesrine M, Sayari T, Abderrahim E, Laabidi J, Zouaghi MK, Kharrat M, Gargah T, Trabelsi M, M'rad R. Genetic study of Alport syndrome in Tunisia. Pediatr Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s00467-024-06474-7. [PMID: 39138691 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06474-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting the kidneys, ears, and eyes, causing chronic kidney disease, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. It results from pathogenic variants in the COL4A3, COL4A4, or COL4A5 genes, with different inheritance patterns: X-linked from COL4A5 variants, autosomal recessive from homozygous variants in COL4A3 or COL4A4, digenic from variants in both COL4A3 and COL4A4, and autosomal dominant from heterozygous variants in COL4A3 or COL4A4. METHODS We analyzed 45 patients with Alport syndrome from 11 Tunisian families to determine their clinical and genetic characteristics. Clinical data were collected retrospectively, and whole-exome sequencing was conducted on one patient from each family. Sanger sequencing validated pathogenic variants, and cascade screening extended the analysis to 53 individuals. RESULTS We identified nine likely pathogenic variants among 11 index cases: six novel and three known variations. Of these, five were in COL4A3, and four were in COL4A5, with variants including frameshift, nonsense, missense, and alternative splicing. Most variations affected the Gly-XY codon. Among the 45 clinically identified siblings, 30 tested positive for Alport syndrome. The cascade screening identified 3 additional affected individuals, 10 unaffected siblings, and 10 unaffected parents. The mode of inheritance was autosomal recessive in six families and X-linked in four families. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to screen the mutational spectrum of Alport syndrome in Tunisia. It reveals novel pathogenic variants and suggests that autosomal recessive inheritance may be more common in the Tunisian population than X-linked inheritance, contrary to existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem El Younsi
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Achour
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia
- Service des Maladies Congénitales Et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Kraoua
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia
- Service des Maladies Congénitales Et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mezzi Nesrine
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 1002, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Taha Sayari
- Service de Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ezzeddine Abderrahim
- Service de Médecine Interne Et de Néphrologie Adulte, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Janet Laabidi
- Service Néphrologie, L'Hôpital Militaire Principal d'Instruction de Tunis, MontFleury, 1008, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Karim Zouaghi
- Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse Et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital La Rabta 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maher Kharrat
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Tahar Gargah
- Service de Néphrologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mediha Trabelsi
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia
- Service des Maladies Congénitales Et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha M'rad
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, LR99ES101007, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Service des Maladies Congénitales Et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Trabelsi N, Othman H, Bedhioufi H, Chouk H, El Mabrouk H, Mahdouani M, Gribaa M, Saad A, H'mida D. Is Tunisia ready for precision medicine? Challenges of medical genomics within a LMIC healthcare system. J Community Genet 2024; 15:339-350. [PMID: 39080231 PMCID: PMC11411033 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00722-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
As one of the key tools on the precision medicine workbench, high-throughput genetic testing has enormous promise for improving healthcare outcomes. Tunisia has made tremendous progress in acquiring and implementing the technology in the clinical context. However, current utilization does not ensure the whole range of benefits that high-throughput genomic testing provides which impedes the country's ability to move forward into the new era of precision medicine. This issue is primarily related to the current state of Tunisia's healthcare ecosystem and the sociological attributes of its population, creating numerous challenges that must be addressed. In the current review, we aimed to identify and highlight these challenges that may be prevalent in other low and middle-income countries. Essentially, they fall into three main categories that include the socio-economic landscape in Tunisia, which prevents citizens from engaging in precision medicine activities; the current settings of the healthcare system that lack or miss key components for the successful implementation of precision medicine practices; and the inability of the current infrastructure and resources to handle the various challenges related to genomic data and metadata. We also propose five pillar solutions as a framework for addressing all of these challenges, which could strengthen Tunisia's capability for effective precision medicine implementation in today's clinical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Trabelsi
- Department of genetics, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Mohamed Qaroui St, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia
| | - Houcemeddine Othman
- Department of genetics, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, 9 jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Hafsi Bedhioufi
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of University-Business Management (LIGUE), (LR99ES24), Higher Institute of Accounting and Business Administration (ISCAE), University of La Manouba, Manouba university campus, La Manouba, 2010, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Chouk
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Taher Haddad St, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Haïfa El Mabrouk
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Taher Haddad St, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Mahdouani
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, Taher Haddad St, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Moez Gribaa
- Department of genetics, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Mohamed Qaroui St, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia
| | - Ali Saad
- Department of genetics, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Mohamed Qaroui St, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia
| | - Dorra H'mida
- Department of genetics, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of cytogenetics, molecular genetics and reproductive biology (LR03SP02), Farhat Hached University Hospital, Ibn El Jazzar St, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Mohamed Qaroui St, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia.
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Shebani A, Mustafa AM, Elshwekh H, Hmmier A, Alhudiri IM. Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Premarital Screening Programs Among Students at the University of Tripoli, Libya. Cureus 2024; 16:e64274. [PMID: 39130983 PMCID: PMC11315591 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increase in hereditary disease in Arab countries due to the high rates of consanguineous marriages, research on community awareness of premarital screening (PMS) for disease carriers is still scarce. AIM To investigate knowledge and attitudes toward genetic PMS programs among university students in Libya. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 421 Libyan students aged 18-25 years at the University of Tripoli. RESULTS Most of the participants (79%, n=316) agreed that a PMS program is important and expressed willingness to have PMS programs if they were advised to do so. Two-thirds of participants (67%, n=268) had heard of PMS programs, of whom (27.2%, n=73) heard of them from social media. CONCLUSION Most of the university students had good knowledge of PMS but poor knowledge of the hereditary disease targeted by PMS. Most of them had a positive attitude toward PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf Shebani
- Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, LBY
| | - Ariej M Mustafa
- Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, LBY
| | - Halla Elshwekh
- Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, LBY
| | - Abduladim Hmmier
- Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, LBY
| | - Inas M Alhudiri
- Genetic Engineering, Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, LBY
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Mezzi N, Abassi N, Fatnassi F, Abdelhak S, Romdhane L. Consanguinité et son impact sur la santé et la dynamique du génome : Un exemple de la Tunisie. LA TUNISIE MEDICALE 2024; 102:256-265. [PMID: 38801282 PMCID: PMC11358831 DOI: 10.62438/tunismed.v102i5.4787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The genetic disease spectrum in Tunisia arises from the founder effect, genetic drift, selection, and consanguinity. The latter represents a deviation from panmixia, characterized by a non-random matrimonial choice that may be subject to several rules, such as socio-cultural, economic, or other factors. This shifts the genetic structure away from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, increasing homozygous genotypes and decreasing heterozygotes, thus raising the frequency of autosomal recessive diseases. Similar to other Arab populations, Tunisia displays high consanguinity rates that vary geographically. Approximately 60% of reported diseases in Tunisia are autosomal recessive, with consanguinity possibly occurring in 80% of families for a specific disease. In inbred populations, consanguinity amplifies autosomal recessive disease risk, yet it does not influence autosomal dominant disease likelihood but rather impacts its phenotype. Consanguinity is also suggested to be a major factor in the homozygosity of deleterious variants leading to comorbid expression. At the genome level, inbred individuals inherit homozygous mutations and adjacent genomic regions known as runs of homozygosity (ROHs). Short ROHs indicate distant inbreeding, while long ROHs refer to recent inbreeding. ROHs are distributed rather irregularly across the genome, with certain short regions featuring an excess of ROH, known as ROH islands. In this review, we discuss consanguinity's impact on population health and genome dynamics, using Tunisia as a model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nessrine Mezzi
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory. Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunisia
| | - Najla Abassi
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory. Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Faten Fatnassi
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory. Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory. Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Romdhane
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory. Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Tunisia
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Ben Issa A, Kamoun F, Bouchaala W, Charfi Triki C, Fakhfakh F. Complex genotypes in family with metachromatic leukodystrophy: Effect of trans and cis mutations distribution on the phenotype variability. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:35-46. [PMID: 37848385 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a severe metabolic disorder caused by the deficient activity of arylsulfatase A due to ARSA gene mutations. According to the age of onset, MLD is classified into three forms: infantile, juvenile, and adult. In our study, we aimed to perform a genetic analysis for two siblings with juvenile MLD for a better characterization of the molecular mechanisms behind the disease. A consanguineous family including two MLD patients (PII.1 and PII.2) was enrolled in our study. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical and neuroimaging investigations. The sequencing of ARSA gene was performed followed by in silico analysis. Besides, the cis/trans distribution of the variants was verified through a PCR-RFLP. The ARSA gene sequencing revealed three known variants, two exonic c.1055A > G and c.1178C > G and an intronic one (c.1524 + 95A > G) in the 3'UTR region. All variants were present at heterozygous state in the two siblings and their mother. The assessment of the cis/trans distribution showed the presence of these variants in cis within the mother, while PII.2 and PII.2 present the c.1055A > G/c.1524 + 95A > G and the c.1178C > G in trans. Additionally, PII.1 harbored a de novo novel missense variant c.1119G > T, whose pathogenicity was supported by our predictive results. Our genetic findings, supported by a clinical examination, confirmed the affection of the mother by the adult MLD. Our results proved the implication of the variable distribution of the found variants in the age of MLD onset. Besides, we described a variable severity between the two siblings due to the de novo pathogenic variant. In conclusion, we identified a complex genotype of ARSA variants within two MLD siblings with a variable severity due to a de novo variant present in one of them. Our results allowed the establishment of an adult MLD diagnosis and highlighted the importance of an assessment of the trans/cis distribution in the cases of complex genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Ben Issa
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Research laboratory "Neuropédiatrie" (LR19ES15), Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Kamoun
- Research laboratory "Neuropédiatrie" (LR19ES15), Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Child Neurology Department, CHU Hedi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Bouchaala
- Research laboratory "Neuropédiatrie" (LR19ES15), Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Child Neurology Department, CHU Hedi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Chahnez Charfi Triki
- Research laboratory "Neuropédiatrie" (LR19ES15), Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Child Neurology Department, CHU Hedi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Faiza Fakhfakh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Genetics, Faculty of Science of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Kacem I, Sghaier I, Peverelli S, Abida Y, Ben Brahim H, Ratti A, Nasri A, Ticozzi N, Silani V, Gouider R. Optineurin in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis associated to atypical Parkinsonism in Tunisian population. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:128-134. [PMID: 37904275 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2273961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disorder and the phenotypic variability goes far beyond the used clinical stratification parameter. Evidence has emerged that ALS may coexist with distinct neurodegenerative diseases in single cases. We aim to study the clinical features of two familial cases of ALS carriers of two distinct variants harbored in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene. We included definite familial ALS followed up in the Department of Neurology of Razi University Hospital, Tunisia, and selected according to Byrne criteria. Preliminary screening for the four main ALS genes (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS) was conducted. Given the negative results, we proceeded to NGS target-re-sequencing with a custom panel including genes associated with ALS-FTD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Both families are carriers of two different OPTN variants and they present very different ALS clinical features. The first family comprises two siblings diagnosed with ALS and Corticobasal syndrome (ALS-CBS) at an early age of onset and carriers of OPTN p.E135X in the homozygous state. The proband for the second family was diagnosed with ALS at an early age of onset presenting as progressive muscular atrophy with rapid progression. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of the homozygous variant p.R520H. Our findings highlight the peculiarity of genetic Tunisian drift. Indeed, genes with a recessive mode of inheritance may explain part of ALS diversity in clinical features. Therefore, the screening of the OPTN gene is highly recommended among inbreeding populations such as the Tunisian one.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kacem
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - I Sghaier
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - S Peverelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Y Abida
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - H Ben Brahim
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy, and
| | - A Nasri
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - N Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - R Gouider
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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8
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Gouiza I, Hechmi M, Zioudi A, Dallali H, Kheriji N, Charif M, Le Mao M, Galai S, Kraoua L, Ben Youssef-Turki I, Kraoua I, Lenaers G, Kefi R. Expanding the genetic spectrum of mitochondrial diseases in Tunisia: novel variants revealed by whole-exome sequencing. Front Genet 2024; 14:1259826. [PMID: 38283147 PMCID: PMC10811255 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1259826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Inherited mitochondrial diseases are the most common group of metabolic disorders caused by a defect in oxidative phosphorylation. They are characterized by a wide clinical and genetic spectrum and can manifest at any age. In this study, we established novel phenotype-genotype correlations between the clinical and molecular features of a cohort of Tunisian patients with mitochondrial diseases. Materials and methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on five Tunisian patients with suspected mitochondrial diseases. Then, a combination of filtering and bioinformatics prediction tools was utilized to assess the pathogenicity of genetic variations. Sanger sequencing was subsequently performed to confirm the presence of potential deleterious variants in the patients and verify their segregation within families. Structural modeling was conducted to study the effect of novel variants on the protein structure. Results: We identified two novel homozygous variants in NDUFAF5 (c.827G>C; p.Arg276Pro) and FASTKD2 (c.496_497del; p.Leu166GlufsTer2) associated with a severe clinical form of Leigh and Leigh-like syndromes, respectively. Our results further disclosed two variants unreported in North Africa, in GFM2 (c.569G>A; p.Arg190Gln) and FOXRED1 (c.1261G>A; p.Val421Met) genes, and we described the first case of fumaric aciduria in a Tunisian patient harboring the c.1358T>C; p.Leu453Pro FH variant. Conclusion: Our study expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of mitochondrial diseases in Tunisia and highlights the importance of next-generation sequencing to decipher the pathomolecular mechanisms responsible for these disorders in an admixed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Gouiza
- University of Angers, MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, UMR CNRS (Unité mixte de recherche Centre national de la recherche scientifique) 6015 INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Hechmi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abir Zioudi
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP04, Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Dallali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Kheriji
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Majida Charif
- Genetics and Immuno-Cell Therapy Team, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Morgane Le Mao
- University of Angers, MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, UMR CNRS (Unité mixte de recherche Centre national de la recherche scientifique) 6015 INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Said Galai
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Clinical Biology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Kraoua
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ilhem Ben Youssef-Turki
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP04, Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ichraf Kraoua
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR18SP04, Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Guy Lenaers
- University of Angers, MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, UMR CNRS (Unité mixte de recherche Centre national de la recherche scientifique) 6015 INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale) U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
- Department of Neurology, CHU d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Rym Kefi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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9
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Kheriji N, Dallali H, Gouiza I, Hechmi M, Mahjoub F, Mrad M, Krir A, Soltani M, Trabelsi H, Hamdi W, Bahlous A, Ben Ahmed M, Jamoussi H, Kefi R. Whole-exome sequencing reveals novel variants of monogenic diabetes in Tunisia: impact on diagnosis and healthcare management. Front Genet 2023; 14:1224284. [PMID: 38162681 PMCID: PMC10757615 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1224284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Monogenic diabetes (MD) accounts for 3%-6% of all cases of diabetes. This prevalence is underestimated due to its overlapping clinical features with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hence, genetic testing is the most appropriate tool for obtaining an accurate diagnosis. In Tunisia, few cohorts of MD have been investigated until now. The aim of this study is to search for pathogenic variants among 11 patients suspected of having MD in Tunisia using whole-exome sequencing (WES). Materials and methods: WES was performed in 11 diabetic patients recruited from a collaborating medical center. The pathogenicity of genetic variation was assessed using combined filtering and bioinformatics prediction tools. The online ORVAL tool was used to predict the likelihood of combinations of pathogenic variations. Then, Sanger sequencing was carried out to confirm likely pathogenic predicted variants among patients and to check for familial segregation. Finally, for some variants, we performed structural modeling to study their impact on protein function. Results: We identified novel variants related to MD in Tunisia. Pathogenic variants are located in several MODY and non-MODY genes. We highlighted the presence of syndromic forms of diabetes, including the Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Alström syndrome, and severe insulin resistance, as well as the presence of isolated diabetes with significantly reduced penetrance for Wolfram syndrome-related features. Idiopathic type 1 diabetes was also identified in one patient. Conclusion: In this study, we emphasized the importance of genetic screening for MD in patients with a familial history of diabetes, mainly among admixed and under-represented populations living in low- and middle-income countries. An accurate diagnosis with molecular investigation of MD may improve the therapeutic choice for better management of patients and their families. Additional research and rigorous investigations are required to better understand the physiopathological mechanisms of MD and implement efficient therapies that take into account genomic context and other related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Kheriji
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Dallali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ismail Gouiza
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, UMR CNRS 6015, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Meriem Hechmi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faten Mahjoub
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Research Unit UR18ES01 on “Obesity”, Tunis, Tunisia
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mehdi Mrad
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Hormonology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Asma Krir
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Hormonology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Soltani
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Hormonology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Trabelsi
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Hormonology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Walid Hamdi
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Afef Bahlous
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Hormonology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Melika Ben Ahmed
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Henda Jamoussi
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Research Unit UR18ES01 on “Obesity”, Tunis, Tunisia
- National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rym Kefi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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10
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Peng XP, Al-Ddafari MS, Caballero-Oteyza A, El Mezouar C, Mrovecova P, Dib SE, Massen Z, Smahi MCE, Faiza A, Hassaïne RT, Lefranc G, Aribi M, Grimbacher B. Next generation sequencing (NGS)-based approach to diagnosing Algerian patients with suspected inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). Clin Immunol 2023; 256:109758. [PMID: 37678716 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has greatly expanded our understanding of both the clinical spectra and genetic landscape of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). Endogamous populations may be enriched for unique, ancestry-specific disease-causing variants, a consideration that significantly impacts molecular testing and analysis strategies. Herein, we report on the application of a 2-step NGS-based testing approach beginning with targeted gene panels (TGPs) tailored to specific IEI subtypes and reflexing to whole exome sequencing (WES) if negative for Northwest Algerian patients with suspected IEIs. Our overall diagnostic yield of 57% is comparable to others broadly applying short-read NGS to IEI detection, but data from our localized cohort show some similarities and differences from NGS studies performed on larger regional IEI cohorts. This suggests the importance of tailoring diagnostic strategies to local demographics and needs, but also highlights ongoing concerns inherent to the application of genomics for clinical IEI diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao P Peng
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
| | - Moudjahed Saleh Al-Ddafari
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology and Immunology, W0414100, University of Tlemcen, Algeria; Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andres Caballero-Oteyza
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany; RESIST - Cluster of Excellence 2155 to Hanover Medical School, Satellite Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chahrazed El Mezouar
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology and Immunology, W0414100, University of Tlemcen, Algeria; Pediatric Department, Medical Center University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Pavla Mrovecova
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saad Eddin Dib
- Pediatric Department, Medical Center University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Zoheir Massen
- Pediatric Department, Medical Center University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Chems-Eddine Smahi
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology and Immunology, W0414100, University of Tlemcen, Algeria; Specialized Mother-Child Hospital of Tlemcen, Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Alddafari Faiza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Center University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | | | - Gérard Lefranc
- Institute of Human Genetics, UMR 9002 CNRS-University of Montpellier, France
| | - Mourad Aribi
- Laboratory of Applied Molecular Biology and Immunology, W0414100, University of Tlemcen, Algeria.
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Germany; DZIF - German Center for Infection Research, Satellite Center Freiburg, Germany; CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany; RESIST - Cluster of Excellence 2155 to Hanover Medical School, Satellite Center Freiburg, Germany.
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11
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Meriam H, Bettaieb A, Kaaroud H, Ben Hamida F, Gargeh T, Mrad R, Bouzid K, Abderrahim E. Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1: Clinical, Paraclinical, and Evolutionary Aspects in Adults from One Nephrology Center. Int J Nephrol 2023; 2023:2874414. [PMID: 37521011 PMCID: PMC10372328 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2874414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare and inherited condition of urolithiasis. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary aspects of PH1 in adult patients in our Nephrology department. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center study between 1990 and 2021. We collected patients followed for PH1 confirmed by genetic study and/or histopathological features of renal biopsy and morphoconstitutional analysis of the calculi. Results There were 25 patients with a gender ratio of 1.78. The median age at onset of symptoms was 18 years. A delay in diagnosis more than 10 years was noted in 13 cases. The genetic study found the I244T mutation in 17 cases and 33-34 InsC in 4 cases. A kidney biopsy was performed in 5 cases, on a native kidney in 4 cases and on a graft biopsy in one case. The analysis of calculi was done in 10 cases showing type Ic in 2 cases. After a median follow-up of 13 years (1 year-42 years), 14 patients progressed to end-stage chronic renal failure (ESRD). The univariate study demonstrated a remarkable association with progression to ESRD in our population (44% vs. 56%) RR = 13.32 (adjusted ORs (95% CI): 2.82-62.79) (p < 0.01). Conclusion Progression to ESRD was frequent in our series. Early diagnosis and adequate management can delay such an evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajji Meriam
- Department of Medicine A, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Kidney Pathology Laboratory LR00SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Asma Bettaieb
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Nephrology, Mongi Slim Hospital, La Marsa, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hayet Kaaroud
- Department of Medicine A, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Kidney Pathology Laboratory LR00SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fethi Ben Hamida
- Department of Medicine A, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Kidney Pathology Laboratory LR00SP01, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Taher Gargeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mrad
- Department of Genetics, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kahena Bouzid
- Department of Biochemistry, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ezzeddine Abderrahim
- Department of Medicine A, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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12
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Ben Rhouma B, Kley M, Kallabi F, Kacem FH, Kammoun T, Safi W, Keskes L, Mnif M, Odermatt A, Belguith N. Molecular mechanisms underlying the defects of two novel mutations in the HSD17B3 gene found in the Tunisian population. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 227:106235. [PMID: 36563763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) converts Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) to testosterone. It is expressed almost exclusively in the testes and is essential for appropriate male sexual development. More than 70 mutations in the HSD17B3 gene that cause 17β-HSD3 deficiency and result in 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development (46,XY DSD) have been reported. This study describes three novel Tunisian cases with mutations in HSD17B3. The first patient is homozygous for the previously reported mutation p.C206X. The inheritance of this mutation seemed to be independent of consanguineous marriage, which can be explained by its high frequency in the Tunisian population. The second patient has a novel splice site mutation in intron 6 at position c.490 -6 T > C. A splicing assay revealed a complete omission of exon 7 in the resulting HSD17B3 mRNA transcript. Skipping of exon 7 in HSD17B3 is predicted to cause a frame shift in exon 8 that affects the catalytic site and results in a truncation in exon 9, leading to an inactive enzyme. The third patient is homozygous for the novel missense mutation p.K202M, representing the first mutation identified in the catalytic tetrad of 17β-HSD3. Site-directed mutagenesis and enzyme activity measurements revealed a completely abolished 17β-HSD3 activity of the p.K202M mutant, despite unaffected protein expression, compared to the wild-type enzyme. Furthermore, the present study emphasizes the importance of genetic counselling, detabooization of 46,XY DSD, and a sensitization of the Tunisian population for the risks of consanguineous marriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochra Ben Rhouma
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Nursing, M. Ali Street, 4000 Gabes, Tunisia.
| | - Manuel Kley
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Fakhri Kallabi
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Faten Hadj Kacem
- Department of Endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Thouraya Kammoun
- Department of Pediatrics, Hedi Chaker Hospital, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Wajdi Safi
- Department of Endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Leila Keskes
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Mouna Mnif
- Department of Endocrinology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Neila Belguith
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia; Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, 1010 Charles Nicolles Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
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13
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El Younsi M, Trabelsi M, Ben Youssef S, Ouertani I, Hammi Y, Achour A, Maazoul F, Kharrat M, Gargah T, M'rad R. Clinical and genetic characteristics of Tunisian children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:119-129. [PMID: 35445972 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephropathic cystinosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the CTNS gene which encodes cystinosin, a lysosomal cystine transporter. The spectrum of mutations in the CTNS gene is not well defined in the North African population. Here, we investigated twelve patients with nephropathic cystinosis belonging to eight Tunisian families in order to analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of Tunisian children with infantile nephropathic cystinosis. METHODS Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Molecular analysis of the CTNS gene was performed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS We describe a new splicing mutation c.971-1G > C in the homozygous state in 6/12 patients which seems to be a founder mutation. The reported deletion of 23nt c.771_793 Del (p.Gly258Serfs*30) was detected in a homozygous state in one patient and in a heterozygous compound state with the c.971-1G > C mutation in 3/12 patients. Two of 12 patients have a deletion of exons 4 and 5 of the CTNS gene. None of our patients had the most common 57-kb deletion. CONCLUSIONS The mutational spectrum in the Tunisian population is different from previously described populations. Thus, a molecular diagnostic strategy must be implemented in Tunisia, by targeting as a priority the common mutations described in this country. Such a strategy will allow a cost-effective diagnosis confirmation as well as early administration of treatment with oral cysteamine. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem El Younsi
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, LR99ES10, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Médiha Trabelsi
- Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sandra Ben Youssef
- Service de Pédiatrie Néphrologique Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Inès Ouertani
- Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Yousra Hammi
- Service de Pédiatrie Néphrologique Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Achour
- Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faouzi Maazoul
- Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maher Kharrat
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, LR99ES10, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Tahar Gargah
- Service de Pédiatrie Néphrologique Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha M'rad
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, LR99ES10, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1007, Tunis, Tunisia. .,Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Bab Souika, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia.
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14
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Abbassi M, Sayel H, Senhaji N, Trhanint S, Bay Bay H, Bouguenouch L, Mernisi FZ. Clinical and molecular characterization of Xeroderma pigmentosum in Moroccan population: a case series of 40 patients. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive skin disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging, ocular and cutaneous photosensitivity with increased risk of skin tumors. XP is caused by mutations in DNA repair genes that protect cells from UV-induced DNA damage. The current study aims to investigate, on clinical and genetic basis, Moroccan XP patients. We explored by direct sequencing the involvement of the prevalent XPA and XPC genes mutations: nonsense mutation (c.682C>T, p.Arg228X) and a two-base-pair (2 bp) deletion (c.1643 1644delTG or p.Val548Ala fsX25), respectively, in 40 index cases from 37 unrelated families in Moroccan population.
Results
Early skin and ocular manifestations were detected with high rate of malignancy. Cutaneous lesions progressed to malignant skin tumor in 70% of cases. Ocular tumors were also observed in 11 patients including BCC in eight cases, SCC in three cases and melanoma in four cases. Among the 40 patients, there were 20 homozygous cases for the 2 bp deletion in the XPC gene and 9 homozygous cases carrying the nonsense XPA mutation.
Conclusion
These findings obtained in the present study revealed that the XPC gene mutation (c.1643 1644delTG, p.Val548AlafsX25) is the major cause of Xeroderma pigmentosum in our population. The c.682C>T (p.Arg228X) mutation is relatively associated with moderate phenotype in XP group A Moroccan families. This result will also contribute to improving the molecular diagnosis of XP disease and will have a significant impact on improving the care of Moroccan patients and their relatives.
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15
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Afifi HH, Gaber KR, Thomas MM, Taher MB, Tosson AMS. Genetic Implications in High-Risk Pregnancy and Its Outcome: A 2-Year Study. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:1659-1667. [PMID: 33636738 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1724002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate high-risk pregnant females' offspring as regard the presence of any medical condition, hereditary disorder, or major anomaly as well as to document parental sociodemographic characteristics and compliance with follow-up schedules of fetal medicine and clinical genetic clinics. STUDY DESIGN This prospective 2-year cohort study of neonates and infants reported the referral indications, investigations, and diagnoses obtained through prenatal and postnatal examinations. It also reported their parental follow-up vigilance. RESULTS Of the 811 infants of high risk females referred 460 (56.7%) came for assessment. Mean parental consanguinity and endogamy were 67 and 71.3%, respectively. All pregnant mothers underwent first-trimester biochemical testing (plasma protein-A, α-fetoprotein [AFP], human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]) and serial ultrasound examinations. Seventy mothers needed second-trimester biochemical testing (AFP, hCG, and estriol). Sixty-two mothers underwent amniocentesis where G-banding karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization and targeted molecular testing for the specific gene mutation of single gene disorders were conducted according to suspected disorders. High quality fetal ultrasound was performed when brain malformations were suspected, while 16 fetuses required brain MRI examination. Mean age of newborns at first examination was 26.5 days. They were grouped according to the maternal indication for referral. Upon examination, 18 neonates had confirmed congenital malformations/genetic disorders. Five of them were diagnosed prenatally. In four other fetuses with single gene disorder, the molecular diagnosis of their affected siblings was not established prior to this pregnancy; thus, prenatal diagnosis was not possible. The remaining nine cases were diagnosed postnatally. CONCLUSION Parental consanguinity and endogamy were increased among high-risk pregnancies. Public awareness about potential adverse effects of consanguineous marriages and the importance of genetic testing are imperative. A structured multidisciplinary team of specialists in fetal medicine, clinical genetics, and neonatology provides good genetic services. Expansion and financial support of these services are urgently required. KEY POINTS · A multidisciplinary team provides good genetic services in high-risk pregnancies.. · Parental consanguinity and endogamy are increased among high-risk pregnancies.. · Increased public awareness about genetic testing importance and financial support are imperative..
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Afifi
- Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Department of Clinical Genetics, Developmental Assessment and Genetic Disorders Clinic, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled R Gaber
- Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Department of Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal M Thomas
- Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Department of Clinical Genetics, Developmental Assessment and Genetic Disorders Clinic, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed B Taher
- Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Department of Clinical Genetics, Developmental Assessment and Genetic Disorders Clinic, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Angie M S Tosson
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Suali L, Mohammad Salih FA, Ibrahim MY, Jeffree MSB, Thomas FM, Siew Moy F, Shook Fe Y, Suali E, Sudi S, Sunggip C. Genotype-Phenotype Study of β-Thalassemia Patients in Sabah. Hemoglobin 2022; 46:317-324. [PMID: 36815306 DOI: 10.1080/03630269.2023.2169154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a serious public health problem in Sabah due to its high prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of β-globin gene mutations, coinheritance with α-globin gene mutations, XmnI-Gγ, and rs368698783 polymorphisms on the β-thalassemia phenotypes in Sabahan patients. A total of 111 patients were included in this study. The sociodemographic profile of the patients was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while clinical data were obtained from their medical records. Gap-PCR, ARMS-PCR, RFLP-PCR, and multiplex PCR were performed to detect β- and α-globin gene mutations, as well as XmnI-Gγ and rs368698783 polymorphisms. Our data show that the high prevalence of β-thalassemia in Sabah is not due to consanguineous marriages (5.4%). A total of six different β-globin gene mutations were detected, with Filipino β°-deletion being the most dominant (87.4%). There were 77.5% homozygous β-thalassemia patients, 16.2% compound heterozygous β-thalassemia patients, and 6.3% β-thalassemia/Hb E patients. Further evaluation on compound heterozygous β-thalassemia and β-thalassemia/Hb E patients found no concomitant α-globin gene mutations and the rs368698783 polymorphism. Furthermore, the XmnI-Gγ (-/+) genotype did not demonstrate a strong impact on the disease phenotype, as only two of five patients in the compound heterozygous β-thalassemia group and two of three patients in the β-thalassemia/Hb E group had a moderate phenotype. Our findings indicate that the severity of the β-thalassemia phenotypes is closely related to the type of β-globin gene mutations but not to the XmnI-Gγ and rs368698783 polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifah Suali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Falah Abass Mohammad Salih
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Yusof Ibrahim
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Saffree Bin Jeffree
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Fiona Macniesia Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Fong Siew Moy
- Likas Women's and Children's Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Yap Shook Fe
- Likas Women's and Children's Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Emma Suali
- Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Suhaini Sudi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Caroline Sunggip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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Kacem I, Sghaier I, Ticozzi N, Mrabet S, Paverelli S, Nasri A, Ratti A, Ben Djebara M, Gargouri-Berrachid A, Silani V, Gouider R. Expanding the phenotype of TARDBP mutation in a Tunisian family with clinical phenotype heterogeneity. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 23:623-626. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2089856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Imen Kacem
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ikram Sghaier
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Saloua Mrabet
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Silvia Paverelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Amina Nasri
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Antonia Ratti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Mouna Ben Djebara
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amina Gargouri-Berrachid
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, "Dino Ferrari" Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Riadh Gouider
- Neurology Department, LR18SP03, Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) "Neurosciences and Mental Health", Razi Universitary Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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18
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Goundali KE, Bouab C, Rifqi L, Chebabe M, Hilali A. [Consanguineous marriages and their effects on non-communicable diseases in the Moroccan population: a cross-sectional study]. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 41:221. [PMID: 35721643 PMCID: PMC9167468 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.221.31273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction inbreeding is recognized in many studies as an important factor impacting health across several generations. It poses a real public health problem. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of inbreeding on non-communicable diseases, in particular susceptibility to a range of chronic and complex diseases in the Moroccan population. Methods we conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on a survey conducted in two Moroccan communes: BNI hlal and Foum jemaa. The sample studied consisted of 222 individuals. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the probability of having the disease by the inbreeding status. The chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between the categorical variables. A p. value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results a frequency of consanguineous marriages of 43.2% was recorded among respondents vs 41% among their parents. We found that inbreeding between parents increased the chances of consanguineous marriages among offsprings (p = 0.01). The generation of consanguineous parents had a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and chronic renal failure. Conclusion this study shows an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the consanguineous population. This can confirm the influence of genetic factors upon the entire spectrum of the disease and not just inmendelian disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaddouj El Goundali
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Chaimae Bouab
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Loubna Rifqi
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Milouda Chebabe
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Settat, Morocco
| | - Abderraouf Hilali
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Health Sciences and Technologies, 26000 Settat, Settat, Morocco
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Zayoud K, Kraoua I, Chikhaoui A, Calmels N, Bouchoucha S, Obringer C, Crochemore C, Najjar D, Zarrouk S, Miladi N, Laugel V, Ricchetti M, Turki I, Yacoub-Youssef H. Identification and Characterization of a Novel Recurrent ERCC6 Variant in Patients with a Severe Form of Cockayne Syndrome B. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121922. [PMID: 34946871 PMCID: PMC8701866 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare disease caused by mutations in ERCC6/CSB or ERCC8/CSA. We report here the clinical, genetic, and functional analyses of three unrelated patients mutated in ERCC6/CSB with a severe phenotype. After clinical examination, two patients were investigated via next generation sequencing, targeting seventeen Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) genes. All three patients harbored a novel, c.3156dup, homozygous mutation located in exon 18 of ERCC6/CSB that affects the C-terminal region of the protein. Sanger sequencing confirmed the mutation and the parental segregation in the three families, and Western blots showed a lack of the full-length protein. NER functional impairment was shown by reduced recovery of RNA synthesis with proficient unscheduled DNA synthesis after UV-C radiations in patient-derived fibroblasts. Despite sharing the same mutation, the clinical spectrum was heterogeneous among the three patients, and only two patients displayed clinical photosensitivity. This novel ERCC6 variant in Tunisian patients suggests a founder effect and has implications for setting-up prenatal diagnosis/genetic counselling in North Africa, where this disease is largely undiagnosed. This study reveals one of the rare cases of CS clinical heterogeneity despite the same mutation. Moreover, the occurrence of an identical homozygous mutation, which either results in clinical photosensitivity or does not, strongly suggests that this classic CS symptom relies on multiple factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khouloud Zayoud
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR16IPT05), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, El Manar I, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.Z.); (A.C.); (D.N.)
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte 7000, Tunisia
| | - Ichraf Kraoua
- LR18SP04 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (I.K.); (I.T.)
| | - Asma Chikhaoui
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR16IPT05), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, El Manar I, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.Z.); (A.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Nadège Calmels
- Laboratoires de Diagnostic Génétique, Institut de Génétique Médicale d’Alsace, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Institut de génétique médicale d’Alsace, CRBS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (C.O.); (V.L.)
| | - Sami Bouchoucha
- Service Orthopédie, Hôpital d’enfant Béchir Hamza, Tunis 1000, Tunisia;
| | - Cathy Obringer
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Institut de génétique médicale d’Alsace, CRBS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (C.O.); (V.L.)
| | - Clément Crochemore
- Institut Pasteur, Team Stability of Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA, Stem Cells and Development, UMR 3738 CNRS, 25-28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France; (C.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Dorra Najjar
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR16IPT05), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, El Manar I, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.Z.); (A.C.); (D.N.)
| | - Sinda Zarrouk
- Genomics Platform, Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT), Tunis-Belvédère, Tunis 1002, Tunisia;
| | - Najoua Miladi
- Maghreb Medical Center, El Manar III, Tunis 9000, Tunisia;
| | - Vincent Laugel
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, INSERM U1112, Institut de génétique médicale d’Alsace, CRBS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (C.O.); (V.L.)
| | - Miria Ricchetti
- Institut Pasteur, Team Stability of Nuclear and Mitochondrial DNA, Stem Cells and Development, UMR 3738 CNRS, 25-28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France; (C.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Ilhem Turki
- LR18SP04 and Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, National Institute Mongi Ben Hmida of Neurology, Tunis 1007, Tunisia; (I.K.); (I.T.)
| | - Houda Yacoub-Youssef
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR16IPT05), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, El Manar I, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; (K.Z.); (A.C.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Mezzi N, Messaoud O, Mkaouar R, Zitouna N, Romdhane S, Abdessalem G, Charfeddine C, Maazoul F, Ouerteni I, Hamdi Y, Zaouak A, Mrad R, Abdelhak S, Romdhane L. Spectrum of Genetic Diseases in Tunisia: Current Situation and Main Milestones Achieved. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1820. [PMID: 34828426 PMCID: PMC8617973 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic diseases in Tunisia are a real public health problem given their chronicity and the lack of knowledge concerning their prevalence and etiology, and the high rates of consanguinity. Hence, we performed systematic reviews of the literature in order to provide a more recent spectrum of these disorders and to expose the challenges that still exist to tackle these kinds of diseases. A manual textual data mining was conducted using MeSH and PubMed databases. Collected data were classified according to the CIM-10 classification and the transmission mode. The spectrum of these diseases is estimated to be 589 entities. This suggests remarkable progress through the development of biomedical health research activities and building capacities. Sixty percent of the reported disorders are autosomal recessive, which could be explained by the high prevalence of endogamous mating. Congenital malformations (29.54%) are the major disease group, followed by metabolic diseases (22%). Sixty percent of the genetic diseases have a known molecular etiology. We also reported additional cases of comorbidity that seem to be a common phenomenon in our population. We also noticed that epidemiological data are scarce. Newborn and carrier screening was only limited to pilot projects for a few genetic diseases. Collected data are being integrated into a database under construction that will be a valuable decision-making tool. This study provides the current situation of genetic diseases in Tunisia and highlights their particularities. Early detection of the disease is important to initiate critical intervention and to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nessrine Mezzi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Université Tunis Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Messaoud
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Mkaouar
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Zitouna
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Safa Romdhane
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Ghaith Abdessalem
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Cherine Charfeddine
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, Biotechpole of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Ariana 2080, Tunisia
| | - Faouzi Maazoul
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Ines Ouerteni
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Anissa Zaouak
- Department of Dermatology, Research Unit Genodermatosis and Cancer LR12SP03, Habib Thameur Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mrad
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Romdhane
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Université Tunis Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Tunisia
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Souissi A, Gibriel AA, Masmoudi S. Genetics and meta-analysis of recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment and Usher syndrome in Maghreb population: lessons from the past, contemporary actualities and future challenges. Hum Genet 2021; 141:583-593. [PMID: 34268600 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02314-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hearing impairment (HI) is a heterogeneous condition with over 130 genes associated with genetic non-syndromic HI (NSHI) and Usher syndrome (USH). Approximately 80% of hereditary NSHI cases have autosomal recessive (AR) mode of inheritance. The high rate of consanguinity and endogamy in the Maghreb countries, including Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, represents a major contributing factor to the development of ARHI. Since the 90s, those populations, with their particular large familiar structure, represented an effective key towards the discovery of the first HI loci and genes. In this study, we performed a deep literature database search to analyze the mutational spectrum and the distribution of pathogenic variants responsible of USH and the NSHI among those populations. To date, 124 pathogenic variants were identified in 32 genes of which over 70% represent population-specific variants. The particular variants' distribution is related to the high rate of consanguinity as well as the multiple shared features such as demographic history of migrations and social behavior that promoted the spreading of several founder mutations within those countries. This is the first study to report lessons from the past and current actualities of HI within the three Maghreb countries. However, despite the great impact placed by such population for the HI genetic studies, only a few next-generation sequencing platforms have so far been implemented with those countries. We, therefore, believe that those countries should be supported to implement this technology that would definitely be of great value in the discovery of additional novel HI genes/variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sidi Mansour road Km 6, BP "1177", 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Abdullah A Gibriel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sidi Mansour road Km 6, BP "1177", 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
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22
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The genetic structure of Norway. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1710-1718. [PMID: 34002043 PMCID: PMC8560852 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00899-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe the genetic structure of the Norwegian population using genotypes from 6369 unrelated individuals with detailed information about places of residence. Using standard single marker- and haplotype-based approaches, we report evidence of two regions with distinctive patterns of genetic variation, one in the far northeast, and another in the south of Norway, as indicated by fixation indices, haplotype sharing, homozygosity, and effective population size. We detect and quantify a component of Uralic Sami ancestry that is enriched in the North. On a finer scale, we find that rates of migration have been affected by topography like mountain ridges. In the broader Scandinavian context, we detect elevated relatedness between the mid- and northern border areas towards Sweden. The main finding of this study is that despite Norway's long maritime history and as a former Danish territory, the region closest to mainland Europe in the south appears to have been an isolated region in Norway, highlighting the open sea as a barrier to gene flow into Norway.
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23
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Chibani Z, Abid IZ, Söderkvist P, Feki J, Aifa MH. Autosomal recessive congenital hereditary corneal dystrophy associated with a novel SLC4A11 mutation in two consanguineous Tunisian families. Br J Ophthalmol 2021; 106:281-287. [PMID: 33879471 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-318204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive congenital hereditary corneal dystrophy (CHED) is a rare isolated developmental anomaly of the eye characterised by diffuse bilateral corneal clouding that may lead to visual impairment requiring corneal transplantation. CHED is known to be caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 4 member 11 (SLC4A11) gene which encodes a membrane transporter protein (sodium bicarbonate transporter-like solute carrier family 4 member 11). METHODS To identify SLC4A11 gene mutations associated with CHED (OMIM: #217700), genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and sequenced for all exons and intron-exon boundaries in two large Tunisian families. RESULTS A novel deletion SLC4A11 mutation (p. Leu479del; c.1434_1436del) is responsible for CHED in both analysed families. This non-frameshift mutation was found in a homozygous state in affected members and heterozygous in non-affected members. In silico analysis largely support the pathogenicity of this alteration that may leads to stromal oedema by disrupting the osmolarity balance. Being localised to a region of alpha-helical secondary structure, Leu479 deletion may induce protein-compromising structural rearrangements. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical and genetic study exploring CHED in Tunisia. The present work also expands the list of pathogenic genotypes in SLC4A11 gene and its associated clinical diagnosis giving more insights into genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra Chibani
- Molecular and Functional Genetics Laboratory, University of Sfax, Faculty of Science of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Zone Abid
- Department of Ophthalmology, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Peter Söderkvist
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jamel Feki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mounira Hmani Aifa
- Molecular and Functional Genetics Laboratory, University of Sfax, Faculty of Science of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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24
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Ben Haj Ali A, Messaoud O, Elouej S, Talmoudi F, Ayed W, Mellouli F, Ouederni M, Hadiji S, De Sandre-Giovannoli A, Delague V, Lévy N, Bogliolo M, Surrallés J, Abdelhak S, Amouri A. FANCA Gene Mutations in North African Fanconi Anemia Patients. Front Genet 2021; 12:610050. [PMID: 33679882 PMCID: PMC7933650 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.610050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations in North Africa (NA) are characterized by a high rate of consanguinity. Consequently, the proportion of founder mutations might be higher than expected and could be a major cause for the high prevalence of recessive genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia (FA). We report clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization of FANCA in 29 North African FA patients from Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria. Cytogenetic tests revealed high rates of spontaneous chromosome breakages for all patients except two of them. FANCA molecular analysis was performed using three different molecular approaches which allowed us to identify causal mutations as homozygous or compound heterozygous forms. It included a nonsense mutation (c.2749C > T; p.Arg917Ter), one reported missense mutation (c.1304G > A; p.Arg435His), a novel missense variant (c.1258G > A; p.Asp409Glu), and the FANCA most common reported mutation (c.3788_3790delTCT; p.Phe1263del). Furthermore, three founder mutations were identified in 86.7% of the 22 Tunisian patients: (1) a deletion of exon 15, in 36.4% patients (8/22); (2), a deletion of exons 4 and 5 in 23% (5/22) and (3) an intronic mutation c.2222 + 166G > A, in 27.3% (6/22). Despite the relatively small number of patients studied, our results depict the mutational landscape of FA among NA populations and it should be taken into consideration for appropriate genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Ben Haj Ali
- Department of Histology and Cytogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Messaoud
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Elouej
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,INSERM, MMG, UMR 1251, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Faten Talmoudi
- Department of Histology and Cytogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wiem Ayed
- Department of Histology and Cytogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fethi Mellouli
- Department of Peadiatric Immuno-Haematology, National Bone Marrow Transplantation, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Monia Ouederni
- Department of Peadiatric Immuno-Haematology, National Bone Marrow Transplantation, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sondes Hadiji
- Haematology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Valérie Delague
- INSERM, MMG, UMR 1251, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Lévy
- INSERM, MMG, UMR 1251, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Massimo Bogliolo
- Research Institute IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Surrallés
- Research Institute IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Amouri
- Department of Histology and Cytogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Mwafi NR, Ali DA, Khalil RW, Alsbou' IN, Saraireh AM. Novel R225C variant identified in the <i>HGD</i> gene in Jordanian patients with alkaptonuria. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2021005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Nefzi M, Wahabi I, Hadj Fredj S, Othmani R, Dabboubi R, Boussetta K, Fanen P, Messaoud T. Association analysis of the surfactant protein-C gene to childhood asthma. J Asthma 2020; 59:1-11. [PMID: 32962475 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1827419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe the molecular variability in the SFTPC gene in a childhood chronic respiratory disease, asthma, in the Tunisian population and to identify the implications based on a case-control study of p.Thr138Asn (T138N) and p.Ser186Asn (S186N) variants. METHODS We used direct sequencing for the genotyping of the SFTPC gene within 101 asthmatic children. The study of T138N and S186N variants in 110 controls is conducted by the PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS The molecular study revealed 26 variants including 24 intronic variations and 2 exonic variations (T138N and S186N) with respective frequencies of 16.8% and 18.3%. We conducted a case-control study of the two identified exonic variations. A different genotypic and allelic distribution between the two groups was noted. Only the T138N polymorphism showed a significant association with asthma disease (p < 1 0 -3). Statistical analysis elaborated four haplotypes with the following frequencies in patients vs controls: 138Thr-186Ser (79.5% vs 57.6%), 138Thr-186Asn (3.7% vs 7.8%), 138Asn-186Thr (2.2% vs 20.2%) and 138Asn-186Asn (14.6% vs 14.4%). A significant difference (p < 1 0 -3) was highlighted in haplotype distribution. The 138Asn-186Ser (OR [95%CI] = 0.14[0.04-0.54], p = 0.004, R2=0.93) and 138Thr-186Asn (OR [95%CI] = 0.35[0.12-0.54], p = 0.047, R2=0.88) haplotypes showed a negative association with asthma which may constitute a protective factor against the disease. CONCLUSION In Tunisia, this work constitutes the first report interested in the SFTPC gene and highlights the genetic variability of the SFTPC gene in asthma. Therefore, the case-controls analysis may be useful in the study of surfactant proteins dysfunction in chronic respiratory disease at an early age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malek Nefzi
- Biochemistry Laboratory (LR00SP03), Children's Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Wahabi
- Biochemistry Laboratory (LR00SP03), Children's Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Rym Othmani
- Biochemistry Laboratory (LR00SP03), Children's Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rym Dabboubi
- Biochemistry Laboratory (LR00SP03), Children's Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Pascale Fanen
- Genetic Department, AP-HP, Henri Mondor Hospital, Creteil, France
| | - Taieb Messaoud
- Biochemistry Laboratory (LR00SP03), Children's Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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Encarnação M, Coutinho MF, Silva L, Ribeiro D, Ouesleti S, Campos T, Santos H, Martins E, Cardoso MT, Vilarinho L, Alves S. Assessing Lysosomal Disorders in the NGS Era: Identification of Novel Rare Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6355. [PMID: 32883051 PMCID: PMC7503609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders with variable degrees of severity and a broad phenotypic spectrum, which may overlap with a number of other conditions. While individually rare, as a group LSDs affect a significant number of patients, placing an important burden on affected individuals and their families but also on national health care systems worldwide. Here, we present our results on the use of an in-house customized next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of genes related to lysosome function as a first-line molecular test for the diagnosis of LSDs. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a fast and effective tool to screen for virtually all LSDs in a single run, thus contributing to decrease the diagnostic odyssey, accelerating the time to diagnosis. Our study enrolled a group of 23 patients with variable degrees of clinical and/or biochemical suspicion of LSD. Briefly, NGS analysis data workflow, followed by segregation analysis allowed the characterization of approximately 41% of the analyzed patients and the identification of 10 different pathogenic variants, underlying nine LSDs. Importantly, four of those variants were novel, and, when applicable, their effect over protein structure was evaluated through in silico analysis. One of the novel pathogenic variants was identified in the GM2A gene, which is associated with an ultra-rare (or misdiagnosed) LSD, the AB variant of GM2 Gangliosidosis. Overall, this case series highlights not only the major advantages of NGS-based diagnostic approaches but also, to some extent, its limitations ultimately promoting a reflection on the role of targeted panels as a primary tool for the prompt characterization of LSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Encarnação
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lisbeth Silva
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Ribeiro
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
| | - Souad Ouesleti
- Biochemical Service, CHU Farhat Hached, 4000 Sousse, Tunisia;
| | - Teresa Campos
- Reference Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital Centre S. João, 4202-451 Porto, Portugal; (T.C.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Helena Santos
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Centre, EPE, 4434-502 V.N. Gaia, Portugal;
| | - Esmeralda Martins
- Oporto Hospital Centre, University of Porto, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Maria Teresa Cardoso
- Reference Center for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital Centre S. João, 4202-451 Porto, Portugal; (T.C.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Laura Vilarinho
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
- Newborn Screening, Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Research and Development Unit, Human Genetics Department, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.F.C.); (L.S.); (D.R.); (L.V.)
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, CECA-ICETA, University of Porto, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
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Auger N, Racape J, Raynault MF, Bilodeau-Bertrand M, Lee GE, Janevic T. Stillbirth Among Arab Women in Canada, 1981-2015. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:245-252. [PMID: 31968204 PMCID: PMC7036609 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919900894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Arabic-speaking population is increasing in Europe and North America. Evidence suggests that Arab migrants have a greater risk of adverse birth outcomes than nonmigrants, but the risk of stillbirth is largely understudied. We examined inequality in stillbirth rates between Arab women and the French and English majority of women in Quebec, Canada. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of all births in Quebec from 1981 through 2015. We computed stillbirth rates by period and cause of death, and we used log binomial regression to estimate the association between Arabic mother tongue and stillbirth, adjusted for maternal characteristics. RESULTS Stillbirth rates per 1000 births overall were lower among women with Arabic mother tongue (3.89) than among women with French or English mother tongue (4.52), and rates changed little over time. However, Arabic-speaking women from Arab countries had a higher adjusted risk of stillbirth than French- or English-speaking women (risk ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.42). Congenital anomalies, termination of pregnancy, and undetermined causes contributed to a disproportionate number of stillbirths among women with Arabic mother tongue compared with the French- and English-speaking majority. CONCLUSIONS Arabic-speaking women from Arab countries have higher risks of stillbirth compared with the French and English majority in Quebec. Strategies to reduce stillbirth risk among Arabic speakers should focus on improving identification of causes of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Auger
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Quebec, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Judith Racape
- School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels,
Belgium
| | | | | | - Ga Eun Lee
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut national de santé publique du Quebec, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Teresa Janevic
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, and
Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Blavatnik
Family Women’s Health Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Bouchoucha S, Chikhaoui A, Najjar D, Dallali H, Khammessi M, Abdelhak S, Nessibe N, Shboul M, Kircher SG, Al Kaissi A, Yacoub-Youssef H. Clinical and Genetic Heterogeneity in Six Tunisian Families With Horizontal Gaze Palsy With Progressive Scoliosis: A Retrospective Study of 13 Cases. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:172. [PMID: 32373565 PMCID: PMC7179758 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Horizontal Gaze Palsy with Progressive Scoliosis (HGPPS) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by the absence of conjugate horizontal eye movements, and progressive debilitating scoliosis during childhood and adolescence. HGPPS is associated with mutations of the ROBO3 gene. In this study, the objective is to identify pathogenic variants in a cohort of Tunisian patients with HGPPS and to further define ROBO3 genotype-phenotype correlations. Methods: Thirteen Tunisian patients from six unrelated consanguineous families all manifesting HGPPS were genetically investigated. We searched for the causative variants for HGPPS using classical Sanger and whole exome sequencing. Results: Four distinct homozygous mutations were identified in ROBO3 gene. Two of these were newly identified homozygous and non-synonymous mutations, causing effectively damage to the protein by in silico analysis. The other two mutations were previously reported in Tunisian patients with HGPPS. Mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing in parents and affected individuals. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest ever reported cohort on families with HGPPS in whom ROBO3 mutations were identified. These molecular findings have expanded our knowledge of the ROBO3 mutational spectrum. The relevance of our current study is two-fold; first to assist proper management of the scoliosis and second to protect families at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Bouchoucha
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Service Orthopédie, Hôpital d'enfant Béchir Hamza, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Asma Chikhaoui
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Najjar
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Dallali
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maleke Khammessi
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Nessibe
- Service Orthopédie, Hôpital d'enfant Béchir Hamza, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohammad Shboul
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Susanne G Kircher
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ali Al Kaissi
- First Medical Department, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, Hanusch Hospital of WGKK, AUVA Trauma Centre Meidling, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.,Pediatric Department, Orthopaedic Hospital of Speising, Vienna, Austria
| | - Houda Yacoub-Youssef
- Laboratoire de Génomique Biomédicale et Oncogénétique, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Kacem I, Sghaier I, Bougatef S, Nasri A, Gargouri A, Ajroud-Driss S, Gouider R. Epidemiological and clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Tunisian cohort. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 21:131-139. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1704012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Imen Kacem
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia,
| | - Ikram Sghaier
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
| | - Sabrine Bougatef
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia,
| | - Amina Nasri
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia,
| | - Amina Gargouri
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia,
| | | | - Riadh Gouider
- Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Razi Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia,
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia,
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Weslati R, Ouederni M, Ruffo G, Khaled MB, Kouki R, Di Girgenti C, Borsellino Z, Sammartano I, El Gazzah M, El-Bok S, Bejaoui M. Consanguineous unions and endogamy in families of beta-thalassaemia patients from two Mediterranean populations: Tunisia and Italy. Ann Hum Biol 2019; 46:610-615. [PMID: 31793346 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2019.1695936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Consanguinity increases the incidence of recessive diseases such as beta-thalassaemia major (βTM), one of the most prevalent lethal inherited diseases in the world.Aim: This study aims to identify the frequency of endogamy and consanguinity in two Mediterranean βTM populations and to study the implication of socio-economic factors.Subjects and methods: A trans-sectional study was conducted in 203 Tunisian families and 75 Italian families. Data were collected using a questionnaire completed by patients and parents.Results: Complete endogamy and consanguinity were observed in 82.75% and 62.56% of Tunisian families, respectively. Complete endogamy was found in 90.67% of Italian families, no consanguinity was noted. The low occupation status of Tunisian mothers was associated with an increasing frequency of consanguinity (p = .01) and endogamy (p = .0003). Consanguinity was associated with low education level (p = .012) and low occupation status (p=.047) of fathers. No significant association was found between endogamy and socio-economic factors in the Italian sample.Conclusions: High consanguinity and endogamy rates in Tunisian families may explain the frequency of βTM in Tunisia. The high endogamy rate in Italian families could also increase the frequency of βTM. Identification of geographical distribution and socio-economic factors leading to endogamy and consanguinity in these populations might help to improve βTM prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramla Weslati
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire de Biodiversité, Biotechnologie et Changements Climatiques, LR 11ES9, Université Tunis-El Manar,Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Monia Ouederni
- Faculty of Médecine, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Departement of Pediatrics: Immuno-Hématologiy and Stem Celltransplatation, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Giovanbattista Ruffo
- U.O.C. Ematologia Con Talassemia, A.O. Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Monia Ben Khaled
- Faculty of Médecine, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Departement of Pediatrics: Immuno-Hématologiy and Stem Celltransplatation, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Kouki
- Departement of Pediatrics: Immuno-Hématologiy and Stem Celltransplatation, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Caterine Di Girgenti
- Laboratorio di Genetica Molecolare Dell'età Evolutiva, A.O. Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Zelia Borsellino
- U.O.C. Ematologia Con Talassemia, A.O. Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Sammartano
- U.O.C. Ematologia Con Talassemia, A.O. Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mohamed El Gazzah
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire de Biodiversité, Biotechnologie et Changements Climatiques, LR 11ES9, Université Tunis-El Manar,Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Safia El-Bok
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire de Biodiversité, Biotechnologie et Changements Climatiques, LR 11ES9, Université Tunis-El Manar,Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Bejaoui
- Faculty of Médecine, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Departement of Pediatrics: Immuno-Hématologiy and Stem Celltransplatation, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of Tunisia, Tunis, Tunisia
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Kdissa A, Brusgaard K, Ksiaa M, Golli L, Hallara O, Ousager LB, Manoubi W, Seghaier RB, Adala L, Halleb Y, Saad A, Hmila F, Gribaa M. c.1227_1228dupGG (p.Glu410Glyfs), a frequent variant in Tunisian patients with MUTYH associated polyposis. Cancer Genet 2019; 240:45-53. [PMID: 31739127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant-inherited disease caused by germline variants in the APC gene. It is characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of adenomatous polyps in colon and rectum. Recently, biallelic germline variants in the base excision repair (BER) gene: MUTYH have been identified in patients with attenuated FAP and/or negative APC result. It can be responsible for an autosomal recessive inherited colorectal cancer syndrome (MAP syndrome: MUTYH-associated polyposis). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate germline variants of MUTYH gene in Tunisian patients with attenuated FAP. METHODS thirteen unrelated patients from Tunisia with attenuated FAP were screened for MUTYH germline variants. Direct sequencing was performed to identify point variants in this gene. RESULTS A Biallelic MUTYH germline variant were found in all patients and showed an attenuated polyposis phenotype almost of them without extra-colic manifestations: The known pathogenic frameshift variant c.1227_1228dupGG (p. Glu410Glyfs) was found, in homozygous state, in 13 index patients. CONCLUSION Patients with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (<=100) and no obvious vertical transmission of the disease should be considered for MUTYH gene testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameni Kdissa
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia.
| | - Klaus Brusgaard
- Amplexa Genetics A/S, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Department of Medical Genetics, Near East University, Nicosia, Northern Cyprus
| | - Mahdi Ksiaa
- Department of gastroenterology, Sahloul University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Lamia Golli
- Private cabinet of gastroenterology, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Hallara
- Department of gastroenterology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Wiem Manoubi
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Rihab Ben Seghaier
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Labiba Adala
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Halleb
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ali Saad
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Fahmi Hmila
- Department of General Surgery, Farhat Hached, University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Moez Gribaa
- Cytogenetic, Molecular Genetics and Human Reproduction Biology - FARHAT HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
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Economic rationales for kin marriage: Assessing the evidence using Egyptian panel data. DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.4054/demres.2019.41.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Bouyacoub Y, Falfoul Y, Ouederni M, Sayeb M, Chedli A, Chargui M, Sassi H, Chakroun Chenguel I, Munier FL, El Matri L, Abdelhak S, Cheour M. Granular type I corneal dystrophy in a large consanguineous Tunisian family with homozygous p.R124S mutation in the TGFBI gene. Ophthalmic Genet 2019; 40:329-337. [PMID: 31322463 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2019.1639202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: We report the clinical features and the mutational analysis in a large Tunisian family with granular corneal dystrophy type I (GCD1). Patients and Methods: Thirty-three members of the Tunisian family underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. DNA extraction and direct Sanger sequencing of the exons 4 and 12 of transforming growth factor β Induced (TGFBI) gene was performed for 42 members. For the molecular modeling of TGFBI protein, we used pGenTHREADER method to identify templates, 3D-EXPRESSO program to align sequences, MODELLER to get a homology model for the FAS1 (fasciclin-like) domains and finally NOMAD-ref web server for the energy minimization. Results: The diagnosis of GCD1 was clinically and genetically confirmed. Sequencing of exon 4 of TGFBI gene revealed the p.[R124S] mutation at heterozygous and homozygous states in patients with different clinical severities. Visual acuity was severely affected in the homozygous patients leading to a first penetrating keratoplasty. Recurrence occurred rapidly, began in the seat of the corneal stitches and remained superficial up to 40 years after the graft. For heterozygous cases, visual acuity ranged from 6/10 to 10/10. Corneal opacities were deeper and predominating in the stromal center. According to bioinformatic analysis, this mutation likely perturbs the protein physicochemical properties and reduces its solubility without structural modification. Conclusions: Our study describes for the first time phenotype-genotype correlation in a large Tunisian family with GCDI and illustrates for the first time clinical and histopathological presentation of homozygous p.[R124S] mutation. These results help to understand pathophysiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra Bouyacoub
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genetics and Oncogenetics, Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR16IPT05 , Tunis , Tunisia.,Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir , Monastir , Tunisia
| | - Yousra Falfoul
- B Department, Hedi Raies Institute of Ophthalmology , Tunis , Tunisia.,Oculogenetic Laboratory, LR14SP01, Hedi Raies Institute of Ophthalmology , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Mariem Ouederni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Habib Thameur Hospital , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Marwa Sayeb
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genetics and Oncogenetics, Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR16IPT05 , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Aschraf Chedli
- Department of Anatomopathology, Habib Thameur Hospital , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Mariem Chargui
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genetics and Oncogenetics, Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR16IPT05 , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Hela Sassi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Habib Thameur Hospital , Tunis , Tunisia
| | | | - Francis L Munier
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Leila El Matri
- B Department, Hedi Raies Institute of Ophthalmology , Tunis , Tunisia.,Oculogenetic Laboratory, LR14SP01, Hedi Raies Institute of Ophthalmology , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genetics and Oncogenetics, Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, LR16IPT05 , Tunis , Tunisia
| | - Monia Cheour
- Department of Ophthalmology, Habib Thameur Hospital , Tunis , Tunisia
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35
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Romdhane L, Mezzi N, Hamdi Y, El-Kamah G, Barakat A, Abdelhak S. Consanguinity and Inbreeding in Health and Disease in North African Populations. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2019; 20:155-179. [PMID: 31039041 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-083118-014954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
North Africa is defined as the geographical region separated from the rest of the continent by the Sahara and from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea. The main demographic features of North African populations are their familial structure and high rates of familial and geographic endogamy, which have a proven impact on health, particularly the occurrence of genetic diseases, with a greater effect on the frequency and spectrum of the rarest forms of autosomal recessive genetic diseases. More than 500 different genetic diseases have been reported in this region, most of which are autosomal recessive. During the last few decades, there has been great interest in the molecular investigation of large consanguineous North African families. The development of local capacities has brought a substantial improvement in the molecular characterization of these diseases, but the genetic bases of half of them remain unknown. Diseases of known molecular etiology are characterized by their genetic and mutational heterogeneity, although some founder mutations are encountered relatively frequently. Some founder mutations are specific to a single country or a specific ethnic or geographic group, and others are shared by all North African countries or worldwide. The impact of consanguinity on common multifactorial diseases is less evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Romdhane
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 1002 Tunis Belvédère, Tunisia; .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Université Tunis Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Nessrine Mezzi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 1002 Tunis Belvédère, Tunisia;
| | - Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 1002 Tunis Belvédère, Tunisia;
| | - Ghada El-Kamah
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine et Biologie Moléculaire, Département de Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 20100 Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, 1002 Tunis Belvédère, Tunisia;
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36
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Sayeb M, Riahi Z, Laroussi N, Bonnet C, Romdhane L, Mkaouar R, Zaouak A, Marrakchi J, Abdessalem G, Messaoud O, Bouchniba O, Ghilane N, Mokni M, Besbes G, Yacoub‐Youssef H, Petit C, Abdelhak S. A Tunisian family with a novel mutation in the gene
CYP
4F22
for lamellar ichthyosis and co‐occurrence of hearing loss in a child due to mutation in the
SLC
26A4
gene. Int J Dermatol 2019; 58:1439-1443. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Sayeb
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Zied Riahi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
- INSERM UMRS 1120 Vision Institut Paris France
- University of Paris VI UPMC Sorbonnes Paris France
| | - Nadia Laroussi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Crystel Bonnet
- INSERM UMRS 1120 Vision Institut Paris France
- University of Paris VI UPMC Sorbonnes Paris France
| | - Lilia Romdhane
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science of Bizerte Université Tunis Carthage ZarzounaTunisia
| | - Rahma Mkaouar
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Anissa Zaouak
- Department of Dermatology Habib Thameur Hospital TunisTunisia
| | | | - Ghaith Abdessalem
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Olfa Messaoud
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Oussema Bouchniba
- Departement of Biochemistry Habib Bourguiba Hospital MedenineTunisia
| | - Nacer Ghilane
- Departement of Biochemistry Habib Bourguiba Hospital MedenineTunisia
| | - Mourad Mokni
- Department of Dermatology CHU La Rabta Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Ghazi Besbes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology CHU La Rabta TunisTunisia
| | - Houda Yacoub‐Youssef
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
| | - Christine Petit
- INSERM UMRS 1120 Vision Institut Paris France
- University of Paris VI UPMC Sorbonnes Paris France
- Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'Audition Institut Pasteur Paris France
- Collège de France Paris France
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics (LR11IPT05) University of Tunis El Manar Pasteur Institut of Tunis Tunis Tunisia
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Hamdi Y, Ben Rekaya M, Jingxuan S, Nagara M, Messaoud O, Benammar Elgaaied A, Mrad R, Chouchane L, Boubaker MS, Abdelhak S, Boussen H, Romdhane L. A genome wide SNP genotyping study in the Tunisian population: specific reporting on a subset of common breast cancer risk loci. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1295. [PMID: 30594178 PMCID: PMC6310952 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Around 50% of breast cancer familial risk has been so far explained by known susceptibility alleles with variable levels of risk and prevalence. The vast majority of these breast cancer associated variations reported to date are from populations of European ancestry. In spite of its heterogeneity and genetic wealth, North-African populations have not been studied by the HapMap and the 1000Genomes projects. Thus, very little is known about the genetic architecture of these populations. Methods This study aimed to investigate a subset of common breast cancer loci in the general Tunisian population and to compare their genetic composition to those of other ethnic groups. We undertook a genome-wide haplotype study by genotyping 135 Tunisian subjects using the Affymetrix 6.0-Array. We compared Tunisian allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns to those of HapMap populations and we performed a comprehensive assessment of the functional effects of several selected variants. Results Haplotype analyses showed that at risk haplotypes on 2p24, 4q21, 6q25, 9q31, 10q26, 11p15, 11q13 and 14q32 loci are considerably frequent in the Tunisian population (> 20%). Allele frequency comparison showed that the frequency of rs13329835 is significantly different between Tunisian and all other HapMap populations. LD-blocks and Principle Component Analysis revealed that the genetic characteristics of breast cancer variants in the Tunisian, and so probably the North-African populations, are more similar to those of Europeans than Africans. Using eQTl analysis, we characterized rs9911630 as the most strongly expression-associated SNP that seems to affect the expression levels of BRCA1 and two long non coding RNAs (NBR2 and LINC008854). Additional in-silico analysis also suggested a potential functional significance of this variant. Conclusions We illustrated the utility of combining haplotype analysis in diverse ethnic groups with functional analysis to explore breast cancer genetic architecture in Tunisia. Results presented in this study provide the first report on a large number of common breast cancer genetic polymorphisms in the Tunisian population which may establish a baseline database to guide future association studies in North Africa. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5133-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie.
| | - Mariem Ben Rekaya
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Shan Jingxuan
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majdi Nagara
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Olfa Messaoud
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Amel Benammar Elgaaied
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mrad
- Department of Human Genetics, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Samir Boubaker
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Hamouda Boussen
- Medical Oncology Department, Abderrahmen Mami Hospital, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Lilia Romdhane
- Laboratory of biomedical genomics and oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002, Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science of Bizerte, Université Tunis Carthage, Tunis, Tunisia
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38
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Elloumi-Zghal H, Chaabouni Bouhamed H. Genetics and genomic medicine in Tunisia. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2018; 6:134-159. [PMID: 29663716 PMCID: PMC5902400 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetics and genomic medicine in Tunisia.
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39
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Clinical and genetic study of Tunisian families with genetic generalized epilepsy: contribution of CACNA1H and MAST4 genes. Neurogenetics 2018; 19:165-178. [PMID: 29948376 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-018-0550-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE) (childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS)) are mainly determined by genetic factors. Since few mutations were identified in rare families with autosomal dominant GGE, a polygenic inheritance was suspected in most patients. Recent studies on large American or European cohorts of sporadic cases showed that susceptibility genes were numerous although their variants were rare, making their identification difficult. Here, we reported clinical and genetic characteristics of 30 Tunisian GGE families, including 71 GGE patients. The phenotype was close to that in sporadic cases. Nineteen pedigrees had a homogeneous type of GGE (JME-CAE-CGTS), and 11 combined these epileptic syndromes. Rare non-synonymous variants were selected in probands using a targeted panel of 30 candidate genes and their segregation was determined in families. Molecular studies incriminated different genes, mainly CACNA1H and MAST4. The segregation of at least two variants in different genes in some pedigrees was compatible with the hypothesis of an oligogenic inheritance, which was in accordance with the relatively low frequency of consanguineous probands. Since at least 2 susceptibility genes were likely shared by different populations, genetic factors involved in the majority of Tunisian GGE families remain to be discovered. Their identification should be easier in families with a homogeneous type of GGE, in which an intra-familial genetic homogeneity could be suspected.
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40
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Jaouadi H, Zaouak A, Sellami K, Messaoud O, Chargui M, Hammami H, Jones M, Jouini R, Chadli Debbiche A, Chraiet K, Fenniche S, Mrad R, Mokni M, Turki H, Benkhalifa R, Abdelhak S. H syndrome: Clinical, histological and genetic investigation in Tunisian patients. J Dermatol 2018; 45:978-985. [PMID: 29808591 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
H syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with characteristic dermatological findings consisting of hyperpigmentation and hypertrichosis patches mainly located on the inner thighs and multisystemic involvement including hepatosplenomegaly, hearing loss, heart abnormalities and hypogonadism. The aim of this study was to conduct a clinical and genetic investigation in five unrelated Tunisian patients with suspected H syndrome. Hence, genetic analysis of the SLC29A3 gene was performed for four patients with a clinical diagnosis of H syndrome. We identified a novel frame-shift mutation in the SLC29A3 gene in a female patient with a severe clinical presentation. Furthermore, we report two mutations previously described, the p.R363Q mutation in a male patient and the p.P324L mutation in two patients of different age and sex. This paper extends the mutation spectrum of H syndrome by reporting a novel frame-shift mutation, the p.S15Pfs*86 in exon 2 of SLC29A3 gene and emphasizes the relevance of genetic testing for its considerable implications in early diagnosis and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hager Jaouadi
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory LR16IPT05, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Anissa Zaouak
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory LR16IPT05, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Dermatology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Khadija Sellami
- Department of Dermatology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Messaoud
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory LR16IPT05, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Chargui
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory LR16IPT05, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Houda Hammami
- Department of Dermatology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Jones
- Department of Dermatology, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Raja Jouini
- Department of Pathology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Karima Chraiet
- Department of Pediatrics, Mohamed Tahar Maamouri Hospital, Nabeul, Tunisia
| | - Sami Fenniche
- Department of Dermatology, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mrad
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Mokni
- Department of Dermatology, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamida Turki
- Department of Dermatology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Rym Benkhalifa
- Venoms and Therapeutic Biomolecules Laboratory LR16IPT08, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics Laboratory LR16IPT05, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
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Al-Mousa H, Al-Dakheel G, Jabr A, Elbadaoui F, Abouelhoda M, Baig M, Monies D, Meyer B, Hawwari A, Dasouki M. High Incidence of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease in Saudi Arabia Detected Through Combined T Cell Receptor Excision Circle and Next Generation Sequencing of Newborn Dried Blood Spots. Front Immunol 2018; 9:782. [PMID: 29713328 PMCID: PMC5911483 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID). T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) copy number analysis is an efficient tool for population-based newborn screening (NBS) for SCID and other T cell lymphopenias. We sought to assess the incidence of SCID among Saudi newborn population and examine the feasibility of using targeted next generation sequencing PID gene panel (T-NGS PID) on DNA isolated from dried blood spots (DBSs) in routine NBS programs as a mutation screening tool for samples with low TREC count. Punches from 8,718 DBS collected on Guthrie cards were processed anonymously for the TREC assay. DNA was extracted from samples with confirmed low TREC count, then screened for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome by real-time polymerase chain reaction and for mutations in PID-related genes by T-NGS PID panel. Detected mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Sixteen out of the 8,718 samples were confirmed to have low TREC copy number. Autosomal recessive mutations in AK2, JAK3, and MTHFD1 were confirmed in three samples. Two additional samples were positive for the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. In this study, we provide evidence for high incidence of SCID among Saudi population (1/2,906 live births) and demonstrate the feasibility of using T-NGS PID panel on DNA extracted from DBSs as a new reliable, rapid, and cost-effective mutation screening method for newborns with low TREC assay, which can be implemented as part of NBS programs for SCID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamoud Al-Mousa
- Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadah Al-Dakheel
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Jabr
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahd Elbadaoui
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abouelhoda
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Project, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mansoor Baig
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Scientific Computing (BESC), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dorota Monies
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Project, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian Meyer
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Saudi Human Genome Project, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abbas Hawwari
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Dasouki
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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42
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Maffi I. Family Life in Tunisia after the Revolution of 2011. ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE EAST 2017. [DOI: 10.3167/ame.2016.120205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Postcolonial Tunisia has gone through substantial transformations of its legal and socio-economic structures. Habib Bourguiba began the work of social and juridical engineering aimed to make the independent state a modern country, contributing to profound changes in family structures. In this article, I intend to investigate the family life of two women and two men with whom I established friendships during the fieldwork I carried out in Tunisia between 2013 and 2014. Examining the relationships of my interlocutors with their family members, I will depict an ethnographic portrait of a few Tunisian families. While they are not representative of Tunisian society, they nevertheless allow insight into a specific sector of it and help understand the effects of the revolution of 2011 on family structures.
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43
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Youssefian L, Vahidnezhad H, Saeidian AH, Sotoudeh S, Mahmoudi H, Daneshpazhooh M, Aghazadeh N, Adams R, Ghanadan A, Zeinali S, Fortina P, Uitto J. Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis: CERS3 mutations identified by a next generation sequencing panel targeting ichthyosis genes. Eur J Hum Genet 2017; 25:1282-1285. [PMID: 28875980 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2017.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There are at least 38 mutant genes known to be associated with the ichthyosis phenotypes, and autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a specific subgroup caused by mutations in 13 different genes. Mutations in some of these genes, such as CERS3 with only two previous reports, are rare. In this study, we identified mutations in candidate genes in consanguineous families with ARCI with a next generation sequencing (NGS) array that incorporates 38 ichthyosis associated genes. We applied this sequencing array to DNA from 140 ichthyosis families with high prevalence of consanguinity. Among these patients we identified six distinct, previously unreported mutations in CERS3 in six Iranian families. These mutations in each family co-segregated with the ichthyosis phenotype. The patients demonstrated collodion membrane at birth, acrogeria, generalized scaling, and hyperlinearity of the palms and soles. The presence of a significant percentage of CERS3 mutations in our cohort depicts a marked difference between the etiology of ichthyoses in genetically poorly characterized regions and well-characterized western populations. Also, it shows that rare alleles are more prevalent in the gene pool of consanguineous populations and emphasizes the importance of these population studies for better understanding of ichthyosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Youssefian
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vahidnezhad
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Saeidian
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Soheila Sotoudeh
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Medical Center, Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Mahmoudi
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Daneshpazhooh
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nessa Aghazadeh
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rebecca Adams
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alireza Ghanadan
- Department of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Kawsar Human Genetics Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paolo Fortina
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jouni Uitto
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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44
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Ouesleti S, Coutinho MF, Ribeiro I, Miled A, Mosbahi DS, Alves S. Update of the spectrum of mucopolysaccharidoses type III in Tunisia: identification of three novel mutations and in silico structural analysis of the missense mutations. World J Pediatr 2017; 13:374-380. [PMID: 28101780 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-017-0005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucopolysaccharidoses type III (MPS III) are a group of autosomal recessive lysosomal storage diseases, caused by mutations in genes that code for enzymes involved in the lysosomal degradation of heparan sulphate: heparan sulfate sulfamidase (SGSH), α-Nacetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU), heparan sulfate acetyl-CoA: α-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT), and N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase (GNS). METHODS In this study, we have performed the molecular analysis of the SGSH, NAGLU and HGSNAT genes in 10 patients from 6 different MPS III Tunisian families. RESULTS In the SGSH gene, two mutations were identified: one novel (p.D477N) and one already described (p.Q365X). In the NAGLU gene, two novel mutations were discovered (p.L550P and p.E153X). For the novel missense mutations found in these two genes we performed an in silico structural analysis and the results were consistent with the clinical course of the patients harboring those mutations. Finally, in HGSNAT gene, we found the splicesite mutation c.234+1G>A that had already been reported as relatively frequent in MPS IIIC patients from countries surrounding the basin of the Mediterranean sea. Its presence in two Tunisian MPS IIIC families points to the hypothesis of its peri Mediterranean origin. With the exception of the c.234+1G>A mutation, that was identified in two unrelated MPS IIIC families, the other identified mutations were family-specific and were always found in homozygosity in the patients studied, thus reflecting the existence of consanguinity in MPS III Tunisian families. CONCLUSIONS Three novel mutations are reported here, further contributing to the knowledge of the molecular basis of these diseases. The results of this study will allow carrier detection in affected families and prenatal molecular diagnosis, leading to an improvement in genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad Ouesleti
- Biochemical Service, CHU Farhat Hached, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaura Ribeiro
- Biochemical Genetics Unit, Medical Genetics Center Dr. Jacinto de Magalhães, Porto Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Abdehedi Miled
- Biochemical Service, CHU Farhat Hached, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Dalila Saidane Mosbahi
- Laboratory of Analysis, Treatment and Valorization of Pollutants of the Environment and Products, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Sandra Alves
- Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal. .,Research and Development Unit, Department of Human Genetics, INSA, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal.
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45
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Whole exome sequencing reveals inherited and de novo variants in autism spectrum disorder: a trio study from Saudi families. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5679. [PMID: 28720891 PMCID: PMC5515956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and clinical heterogeneity. The interplay of de novo and inherited rare variants has been suspected in the development of ASD. Here, we applied whole exome sequencing (WES) on 19 trios from singleton Saudi families with ASD. We developed an analysis pipeline that allows capturing both de novo and inherited rare variants predicted to be deleterious. A total of 47 unique rare variants were detected in 17 trios including 38 which are newly discovered. The majority were either autosomal recessive or X-linked. Our pipeline uncovered variants in 15 ASD-candidate genes, including 5 (GLT8D1, HTATSF1, OR6C65, ITIH6 and DDX26B) that have not been reported in any human condition. The remaining variants occurred in genes formerly associated with ASD or other neurological disorders. Examples include SUMF1, KDM5B and MXRA5 (Known-ASD genes), PRODH2 and KCTD21 (implicated in schizophrenia), as well as USP9X and SMS (implicated in intellectual disability). Consistent with expectation and previous studies, most of the genes implicated herein are enriched for biological processes pertaining to neuronal function. Our findings underscore the private and heterogeneous nature of the genetic architecture of ASD even in a population with high consanguinity rates.
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46
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Barbouche MR, Mekki N, Ben-Ali M, Ben-Mustapha I. Lessons from Genetic Studies of Primary Immunodeficiencies in a Highly Consanguineous Population. Front Immunol 2017; 8:737. [PMID: 28702026 PMCID: PMC5485821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, the study of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) has contributed tremendously to unravel novel pathways involved in a variety of immune responses. Many of these PIDs have an autosomal recessive (AR) mode of inheritance. Thus, the investigation of the molecular basis of PIDs is particularly relevant in consanguineous populations from Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Although significant efforts have been made in recent years to develop genetic testing across the MENA region, few comprehensive studies reporting molecular basis of PIDs in these settings are available. Herein, we review genetic characteristics of PIDs identified in 168 patients from an inbred Tunisian population. A spectrum of 25 genes involved was analyzed. We show that AR forms compared to X-linked or autosomal dominant forms are clearly the most frequent. Furthermore, the study of informative consanguineous families did allow the identification of a novel hyper-IgE syndrome linked to phosphoglucomutase 3 mutations. We did also report a novel form of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome caused by homozygous FAS mutations with normal or residual protein expression as well as a novel AR transcription factor 3 deficiency. Finally, we identified several founder effects for specific AR mutations. This did facilitate the implementation of preventive approaches through genetic counseling in affected consanguineous families. All together, these findings highlight the specific nature of highly consanguineous populations and confirm the importance of unraveling the molecular basis of genetic diseases in this context. Besides providing a better fundamental knowledge of novel pathways, their study is improving diagnosis strategies and appropriate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Ridha Barbouche
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infection (LR11IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Najla Mekki
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infection (LR11IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Ben-Ali
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infection (LR11IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben-Mustapha
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infection (LR11IPT02), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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47
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Al-Mousa H, Al-Saud B. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases in Highly Consanguineous Populations from Middle East and North Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Care. Front Immunol 2017; 8:678. [PMID: 28694805 PMCID: PMC5483440 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Middle East and North Africa region (MENA)1 populations are of different ethnic origins. Consanguineous marriages are common practice with an overall incidence ranging between 20 and 50%. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a group of heterogeneous genetic disorders caused by defects in the immune system that predisposes patients to recurrent infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. PIDs are more common in areas with high rates of consanguineous marriage since most have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Studies of PIDs in the region had contributed into the discovery and the understanding of several novel immunodeficiency disorders. Few MENA countries have established national registries that helped in estimating the prevalence and defining common PID phenotypes. Available reports from those registries suggest a predominance of combined immunodeficiency disorders in comparison to antibody deficiencies seen in other populations. Access to a comprehensive clinical immunology management services is limited in most MENA countries. Few countries had established advanced clinical immunology service, capable to provide extensive genetic testing and stem cell transplantation for various immunodeficiency disorders. Newborn screening for PIDs is an essential need in this population considering the high incidence of illness and can be implemented and incorporated into existing newborn screening programs in some MENA countries. Increased awareness, subspecialty training in clinical immunology, and establishing collaborating research centers are necessary to improve patient care. In this review, we highlight some of the available epidemiological data, challenges in establishing diagnosis, and available therapy for PID patients in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamoud Al-Mousa
- Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar Al-Saud
- Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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48
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Aloui M, Nasri K, Ben Jemaa N, Ben Hamida AM, Masmoudi A, Gaïgi SS, Marrakchi R. Congenital anomalies in Tunisia: Frequency and risk factors. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2017; 46:651-655. [PMID: 28539259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high risk of recurrence of congenital malformations, there are no well-accepted preventive measures in developing countries like Tunisia. It is recommended that thorough epidemiological studies of congenital anomalies in this country are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency and types of congenital anomalies in Tunisia and research some risk factors associated with occurrence of these anomalies. METHODS In this retrospective study, all the fetuses who were autopsied during 21years period from February 1991 to December 2011 (n=9678) at Service of embryofetopathology in the Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis (CMNT) were studied. The classification of malformations was based upon the anatomical system affected. The differences in fetal/maternal characteristics between cases with or without congenital malformations were assessed using Chi2 test. RESULTS Of the all 9678 autopsied fetuses, 4498 (46.47%) were diagnosed as being malformed fetuses. Anomalies of limbs (22.71%) and digestive and abdominal wall defects (14.76%) were mostly detected, followed by congenital brain defects (13.41%) and nephrourologic abnormalities (11.23%). A marked association of parental consanguinity with increased congenital anomalies rates was found (P<10-6, OR=1.89, CI=1.69-2.13). CONCLUSION In Tunisia, surveillance and epidemiological evaluation of congenital anomalies underline the high frequency of these events. This will help to better target congenital anomalies prevention and screening policies in our population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aloui
- Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, université de Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - K Nasri
- Faculté des sciences de Bizerte, université de Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Bizerte, Tunisia; UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - N Ben Jemaa
- UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia; Service de médecine préventive, faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A M Ben Hamida
- Laboratoire de génétique, immunologie et pathologie humaine, faculté des sciences de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Masmoudi
- UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia; Service de médecine préventive, faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - S S Gaïgi
- UR 06/SP14 troubles du développement embryofœtal et placentaire, service d'embryo-fœtopathologie, centre de maternité et de néonatologie de Tunis, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia; Service de médecine préventive, faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - R Marrakchi
- Faculté de médecine de Tunis, université Tunis El Manar, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
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Frigi S, Mota-Vieira L, Cherni L, van Oven M, Pires R, Boussetta S, El-Gaaied ABA. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Tunisians reveals a mosaic genetic structure with recent population expansion. HOMO-JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE HUMAN BIOLOGY 2017; 68:298-315. [PMID: 28838744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tunisia is a country of great interest for human population genetics due to its strategic geographic position and rich human settlement history. These factors significantly contributed to the genetic makeup of present-day Tunisians harbouring components of diverse geographic origins. Here, we investigated the genetic structure of Tunisians by performing a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) comparison of 15 Tunisian population groups, in order to explore their complex genetic landscape. All Tunisian data were also analysed against 40 worldwide populations. Statistical results (Tajima's D and Fu's FS tests) suggested recent population expansion for the majority of studied populations, as well as showed (AMOVA test) that all populations were significantly different from each other, which is evidence of population structure even if it is not guided by geographic and ethnic effects. Gene flow analysis revealed the assignment of Tunisians to multiple ancestries, which agrees with their genetic heterogeneity. The resulting picture for the mtDNA pool confirms the evidence of a recent expansion of the Tunisian population and is in accordance with a mosaic structure, composed by North African, Middle Easterner, European and Sub-Saharan lineages, resulting from a complex settlement history.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Frigi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - L Mota-Vieira
- Molecular Genetics and Pathology Unit, Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo of Ponta Delgada, EPER, Avenida D. Manuel I, 9500-370 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal; Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande, 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - L Cherni
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - M van Oven
- Turkooislaan 60, 3523 GN Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Pires
- Molecular Genetics and Pathology Unit, Hospital of Divino Espírito Santo of Ponta Delgada, EPER, Avenida D. Manuel I, 9500-370 Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
| | - S Boussetta
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - A Ben Ammar El-Gaaied
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Immunology and Human Pathology at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
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50
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Maffi I. Family Life in Tunisia after the Revolution of 2011. ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE MIDDLE EAST 2017. [DOI: 10.3167/ame.2017.120205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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