Noonan's and DiGeorge syndromes with monosomy 22q11

Challenges in genetic diagnosis, co-occurrence of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and Noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome (NS) is caused by pathogenic variants in genes involved in the RAS/MAPK pathway. On the other hand, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) is caused by heterozygous microdeletion on chromosome 22q11.2. The clinical characteristics of both syndromes are expected to be relatively distinct, and, in fact, there is only one report of these syndromes occurring together, but on daily clinical practice and especially in early childhood phenotypes may overlap. In this study, we describe a patient with NS and 22q11.2DS features harboring a heterozygous 2.54 Mb deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 and a variant in LZTR1, c.1531G > A p.(Val511Met). In 1993, Wilson et al reported a patient with both 22q11.2DS and NS, proposing that probably more than one gene is deleted in the proband and that one of the deleted genes is responsible for Noonan's phenotype. In our patient, one of the deleted genes within the 22q11.2 region was the LZTR1 gene which was associated with NS in 2015. This case also highlights the importance of the long-term patients' follow-up to detect evolutionary changes that may appear in the phenotype and alerts clinicians of the co-occurrence of two syndromes that may manifest over time.

Towards Understanding the Gene-Specific Roles of GATA Factors in Heart Development: Does GATA4 Lead the Way?

Transcription factors play crucial roles in the regulation of heart induction, formation, growth and morphogenesis. Zinc finger GATA transcription factors are among the critical regulators of these processes. GATA4, 5 and 6 genes are expressed in a partially overlapping manner in developing hearts, and GATA4 and 6 continue their expression in adult cardiac myocytes. Using different experimental models, GATA4, 5 and 6 were shown to work together not only to ensure specification of cardiac cells but also during subsequent heart development. The complex involvement of these related gene family members in those processes is demonstrated through the redundancy among them and crossregulation of each other. Our recent identification at the genome-wide level of genes specifically regulated by each of the three family members and our earlier discovery that gata4 and gata6 function upstream, while gata5 functions downstream of noncanonical Wnt signalling during cardiac differentiation, clearly demonstrate the functional differences among the cardiogenic GATA factors. Such suspected functional differences are worth exploring more widely. It appears that in the past few years, significant advances have indeed been made in providing a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which each of these molecules function during heart development. In this review, I will therefore discuss current evidence of the role of individual cardiogenic GATA factors in the process of heart development and emphasize the emerging central role of GATA4.

GATA transcription factors in development and disease

The GATA family of transcription factors is of crucial importance during embryonic development, playing complex and widespread roles in cell fate decisions and tissue morphogenesis. GATA proteins are essential for the development of tissues derived from all three germ layers, including the skin, brain, gonads, liver, hematopoietic, cardiovascular and urogenital systems. The crucial activity of GATA factors is underscored by the fact that inactivating mutations in most GATA members lead to embryonic lethality in mouse models and are often associated with developmental diseases in humans. In this Primer, we discuss the unique and redundant functions of GATA proteins in tissue morphogenesis, with an emphasis on their regulation of lineage specification and early organogenesis.

Síndrome de deleção 22q11.2: compreendendo o CATCH22

OBJETIVO:Realizar uma revisão dos aspectos históricos, epidemiológicos, clínicos, etiológicos e laboratoriais da síndrome de deleção 22q11.2, salientando-se a importância e as dificuldades do seu diagnóstico. FONTES DE DADOS: Pesquisa nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e SciELO, além da Internet e capítulos de livros em inglês, acerca de publicações feitas entre 1980 e 2008. Para isso, utilizaram-se os descritores "22q11", "DiGeorge", "Velocardiofacial" e "CATCH22". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A síndrome de deleção 22q11.2, também conhecida como síndrome de DiGeorge ou velocardiofacial, foi identificada no começo da década de 1990. A microdeleção 22q11.2 é considerada uma das síndromes de microdeleção genética mais frequentes em seres humanos. Caracteriza-se por um espectro fenotípico bastante amplo, com mais de 180 achados clínicos já descritos do ponto de vista físico e comportamental. Contudo, nenhum achado é patognomônico ou mesmo obrigatório. A maioria dos pacientes apresenta uma deleção pequena, detectada somente por técnicas de genética molecular, como a hibridização in situ fluorescente. Apresenta padrão de herança autossômico dominante, ou seja, indivíduos acometidos apresentam um risco de 50% de transmiti-la a seus filhos. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes com a síndrome de deleção 22q11.2 frequentemente necessitam, ao longo de suas vidas, de um grande número de intervenções médicas e hospitalizações. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental para a adequada avaliação e manejo clínico dos indivíduos e seus familiares.

Placental lesions in a case of DiGeorge sequence

This work describes some placental alterations found in a partial form of DiGeorge sequence, namely, hypoplasia of a cord artery with internal calcification of an extensive endoluminal thrombosis, and widespread calcification of microthrombi in the arteries of the second and third order villous branches. Hypoplasia of a cord artery is a relatively rare event, and is also associated with malformations of the gastroenteric and cardiovascular system, as sometimes described in the DiGeorge sequence. Interesting placental alterations are reported and their likely physiopathologic basis and pathogenic correlation discussed in order to give a better and more comprehensive picture of the DiGeorge sequence in which the correlated placental alterations are not sufficiently known.

Lack of correlation between impaired T cell production, immunodeficiency, and other phenotypic features in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndromes

Monosomic deletions of chromosome 22q11.2 are the leading cause of DiGeorge syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, and conotruncal anomaly face syndrome. DiGeorge syndrome was originally described as an immunodeficiency disorder secondary to impaired T cell production due to thymic aplasia or hypoplasia; however, the frequency of immunodeficiency in the other clinical syndromes associated with the chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion has not been previously investigated. This study examines the frequency and severity of impaired T cell production and immunodeficiency in chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndromes and the relationship of the immunodeficiency to specific phenotypic features. Sixty patients over 6 months of age with the characteristic chromosome 22q11.2 deletion underwent immunologic evaluations. Seventy-seven percent of patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletions were found to have evidence of immunocompromise. The severity of the immunodeficiency did not correlate with any particular phenotypic feature, nor was it restricted to patients who were categorized as having DiGeorge syndrome. Therefore, impaired T cell production and impaired immunologic function are common in patients with deletions of chromosome 22q11.2. The presence or severity of the immunocompromise cannot be predicted based on other phenotypic features and each child should be individually assessed for immune function.

Features of DiGeorge syndrome and CHARGE association in five patients

We report on five patients presenting with features of two congenital disorders, DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) and CHARGE association. CHARGE association is usually sporadic and its origin is as yet unknown. Conversely, more than 90% of DGS patients are monosomic for the 22q11.2 chromosomal region. In each of the five patients, both cytogenetic and molecular analysis for the 22q11.2 region were normal. In view of the broad clinical spectrum and the likely genetic heterogeneity of both disorders, these cases are consistent with the extended phenotype of either DGS without 22q11.2 deletion or CHARGE association, especially as several features of CHARGE association have been reported in rare patients with 22q11.2 deletion association phenotypes. On the other hand, these could be novel cases of an independent association involving a complex defect of neural crest cells originating from the pharyngeal pouches.

Genetic disorders of cardiac morphogenesis. The DiGeorge and velocardiofacial syndromes

The phenotype associated with a 22q11 deletion is highly variable and still under investigation. Of particular interest to cardiologists and cardiac developmental biologists is the finding that many patients with a 22q11 deletion have conotruncal cardiac defects and aortic arch anomalies. Despite the phenotypic variability, the vast majority of patients have a similar large deletion spanning approximately 2 megabases. The low-frequency repeated sequences at either end of the commonly deleted region may be responsible for the size of the deletion and account for the instability of this chromosomal region. Molecular studies of patients with the DGS/VCFS phenotype and unique chromosomal rearrangements have allowed a minimal critical region for the disease to be defined. Multiple genes have been identified in the minimal critical and larger deleted region. These genes are being investigated for their potential role in the disease pathophysiology by screening for mutations in nondeleted patients with the phenotype and by analysis of the pattern of expression in the developing mouse embryo. Further experimentation in the mouse mammalian model system will be of great utility to help determine whether haploinsufficiency of one critical gene or several genes within the DGCR results in the disease phenotype. Modifying factors, both genetic and environmental, must also be considered. Further investigation into the disease mechanism leading to the DGS/VCFS phenotype will hopefully further our understanding of cardiac development and disease.

Noonan's syndrome in association with acute leukemia

Noonan's syndrome (NS) is a syndrome with multiple congenital anomalies, characterized by craniofacial anomalies, congenital heart disease, skeletal and genital abnormalities, and mild mental retardation. Chromosomal abnormalities have been found in only a few cases. The combination of NS and acute leukemia has been reported in only three cases. Two additional cases are described here.

Chromosomal locations and modes of action of genes of the retinoid (vitamin A) system support their involvement in the etiology of schizophrenia

Vitamin A (retinoid), an essential nutrient for fetal and subsequent mammalian development, is involved in gene expression, cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and death. Retinoic acid (RA) the morphogenic derivative of vitamin A is highly teratogenic. In humans retinoid excess or deficit can result in brain anomalies and psychosis. This review discusses chromosomal loci of genes that control the retinoid cascade in relation to some candidate genes in schizophrenia. The paper relates the knowledge about the transport, delivery, and action of retinoids to what is presently known about the pathology of schizophrenia, with particular reference to the dopamine hypothesis, neurotransmitters, the glutamate hypothesis, retinitis pigmentosa, dermatologic disorders, and craniofacial anomalies.

22q11 deletions in isolated and syndromic patients with tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot (TF) is a congenital conotruncal heart defect commonly found in DiGeorge (DGS) and velo-cardio-facial (VCFS) syndromes. The deletion of chromosome 22q11 (del22q11) is a well established cause of DGS and VCFS, and it has been demonstrated also in sporadic or familial cases of TF. In order to investigate the prevalence of del22q11 in patients with TF, we analyzed the DNA of 137 consecutive patients with syndromic and isolated TF, using the HD7k probe, which detects hemizygosity for the D22S134 locus. Del22q11 has been detected in 11/26 (42%) syndromic patients. Evidence for hemizygosity was obtained in all patients with DGS and in 8/15 patients with VCFS. None of the 107 patients with isolated TF had del22q11. Our experience suggests that children with TF and del22q11 always present major or minor extracardiac anomalies. These features, including subtle facial dysmorphisms, should be checked routinely in patients with TF and other conotruncal heart defects.

Classical Noonan syndrome is not associated with deletions of 22q11

Deletions of 22q11 cause DiGeorge sequence (DGS), velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS), conotruncal anomaly face syndrome, and some isolated conotruncal heart anomalies. Demonstration of a 22q11 deletion in a patient with manifestations of DGS and Noonan syndrome (NS) has raised the question of whether NS is another of the chromosome 22 microdeletion syndromes. This prompted us to evaluate a cohort of patients with NS for evidence of 22q11 deletions. Five of 6 NS propositi studied in our laboratory with marker N25 (D22S75) did not have a 22q11 deletion. A 2-month-old infant with several findings suggestive of NS did have a 22q11 deletion, suggesting that a small number of 22q11 deletion propositi may present with a NS-like picture. However, most cases of NS must have another cause.

Upper limb malformations in DiGeorge syndrome

We report on upper limb anomalies in two children with a complete DiGeorge sequence: conotruncal defects, hypocalcemia, thymic aplasia, and facial anomalies. One child had preaxial polydactyly, and the other had club hands with hypoplastic first metacarpal. In both patients, molecular analysis documented a 22q11 deletion. To our knowledge, limb anomalies have rarely been reported in DiGeorge syndrome, and they illustrate the variable clinical expression of chromosome 22q11 deletions.

Mapping a gene for Noonan syndrome to the long arm of chromosome 12

Noonan syndrome is characterized by typical facies, short stature and congenital cardiac defects. Approximately half of all cases are sporadic, but autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expression is well established. We have performed a genome-wide linkage analysis in a large Dutch kindred with autosomal dominant Noonan syndrome, and localized the Noonan syndrome gene to chromosome 12 (Zmax = 4.04 at 0 = 0.0). Linkage analysis using chromosome 12 markers in 20 smaller, two-generation families gave Zmax = 2.89 at 0 = 0.07, but haplotype analysis showed non-linkage in one family. These data imply that a gene for Noonan syndrome is located on chromosome 12q, between D12S84 and D12S366.

Clinical and molecular studies in a large Dutch family with Noonan syndrome

We describe the largest Noonan syndrome (NS) family reported to date. The manifestations of the affected relatives are discussed. In the absence of a biochemical marker NS is still a clinical diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria that were used are presented compared with other published criteria for diagnosing NS. The large size of this family enabled us to test the possible involvement of candidate regions by multipoint linkage analysis. Both the region surrounding the NF1 locus on chromosome 17 and the proximal part of chromosome 22 could be excluded. Since NS may well be heterogeneous, the use of such a large family in linkage studies of NS should prove indispensable.

Isolation of a new marker and conserved sequences close to the DiGeorge syndrome marker HP500 (D22S134)

End fragment cloning from a YAC at the D22S134 locus allowed the isolation of a new probe HD7k. This marker detects hemizygosity in two patients previously shown to be dizygous for D22S134. This positions the distal deletion breakpoint in these patients to the sequences within the YAC, and confirms that HD7k is proximal to D22S134. In a search for coding sequences within the region commonly deleted in DGS we have identified a conserved sequence at D22S134. Although no cDNAs have yet been isolated, genomic sequencing shows a short open reading frame with weak similarity to collagen proteins.

DiGeorge syndrome: part of CATCH 22

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) comprises thymic hypoplasia, hypocalcaemia, outflow tract defects of the heart, and dysmorphic facies. It results in almost all cases from a deletion within chromosome 22q11. We report the clinical findings in 44 cases. We propose that DiGeorge syndrome should be seen as the severe end of the clinical spectrum embraced by the acronym CATCH 22 syndrome; Cardiac defects, Abnormal facies, Thymic hypoplasia, Cleft palate, and Hypocalcaemia resulting from 22q11 deletions.

Deletions of human chromosome 22 and associated birth defects

Investigations into the genetic basis of DiGeorge syndrome have shown that in the majority of cases there are DNA deletions from the long arm of chromosome 22, at 22q11. Similar deletions are now known to be present in a wide range of conditions with overlapping clinical features, and are an important cause of familial congenital heart defect. Deletions within 22q11 have also been identified in individuals with no clinical complications.