No abstract

Multiple congenital contractures (MCC) comprise a number of rare, non‐progressive conditions displaying marked phenotypic and etiologic heterogeneity. A genetic cause can be established in approximately half of the affected individuals, attributed to genetic defects in the formation and functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, skeletal muscles, and connective tissue. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 14 (USP14) encodes a major proteasome‐associated deubiquitinating enzyme with an established dual role as an inhibitor and an activator of proteolysis, maintaining protein homeostasis. Usp14‐deficient mice show a phenotype similar to lethal human MCC phenotypes, with callosal anomalies, muscle wasting, and early lethality, attributed to neuromuscular junction defects due to decreased monomeric ubiquitin pool. We describe a new, autosomal recessive MCC phenotype in three fetuses from two different branches of a consanguineous family, presenting with distal arthrogryposis, underdevelopment of the corpus callosum, and dysmorphic facial features. Exome sequencing identified a biallelic 4‐bp deletion (c.233_236delTTCC; p.Leu78Glnfs*11, SCV002028347) in USP14, and sequencing of family members showed segregation with the phenotype. RT‐qPCR experiment in an unaffected heterozygote revealed that mutant USP14 was expressed, indicating that abnormal transcript escapes nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. We propose that herein described fetuses represent the first human phenotype of USP14 loss, with callosal anomalies and/or cortical malformations, multiple contractures, and recognizable dysmorphic facial features.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> GDF5-BMPR1B signaling pathway-associated chondrodysplasias are a genetically heterogeneous group of conditions with significant phenotypic and genotypic overlap, consisting of Hunter-Thompson-type acromesomelic dysplasia, Grebe dysplasia, and Du Pan syndrome. Constituting a spectrum of clinical severity, these disorders are characterized by disproportionate short stature mainly involving middle and distal segments of the extremities. Du Pan syndrome represents the mildest end of this spectrum with less marked shortened limbs, fibular agenesis or hypoplasia, absence of frequent joint dislocations, and carpotarsal fusions with deformed phalangeal bones. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> Here, we report the first prenatal diagnosis of Du Pan syndrome based on the sonographic findings of bilateral fibular agenesis and ball-shaped toes mimicking preaxial polydactyly accompanying subtle brachydactyly in the family. <i>GDF5</i> (NM_000557.5) sequencing identified a homozygous pathogenic variant c.1322T&#x3e;C, p.(Leu441Pro) in the fetus and confirmed the carrier status in the mother. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> We suggest that the presence of bilateral fibular agenesis and the apparent image of preaxial polydactyly of the feet on prenatal ultrasound should alert suspicion to Du Pan syndrome, with the latter possibly being a sonographic pitfall. Alongside the fetal imaging, a detailed clinical examination of the expectant parents is also of great importance in establishing a preliminary diagnosis of Du Pan syndrome, as well as the other GDF5-BMPR1B-associated chondrodysplasias.

No abstract

Crisponi/cold-induced sweating syndrome (CS/CISS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by episodic hyperthermia, arthrogryposis, impaired feeding ability, and respiratory distress. The classic CS/CISS is mainly associated with CRLF1 and, rarely, CLCF1. PERCHING syndrome, previously known as CS/CISS type-3 associated with biallelic pathogenic variants in KLHL7, is notable for its few overlapping manifestations. This study presents genotype-phenotype relationships in CS/CISSlike spectrum associated with CRLF1 and KLHL7. Clinical findings of 19 patients from 14 families and four patients from three families were found in association with six different CRLF1 and three different KLHL7 variants, respectively. c.167T>C and c.713delC of the CRLF1 gene and the c.642G>C of the KLHL7 were novel. The c.708_709delCCinsT allele of CRLF1 was identified in 10 families from the Mardin province of Turkey, underlining that an ancestral haplotype has become widespread.CRLF1-associated phenotypes revealed novel manifestations such as prenatal oligohydramnios, benign external hydrocephalus, previously unreported dysmorphic features emerging with advancing age, severe palmoplantar keratoderma and facial erythema, hypopigmented macules and streaks, and recurrent cardiac arrests. KLHL7 variants presented with glabellar nevus flammeus, blepharophimosis, microcephaly, thin corpus callosum, and cleft palate. Abnormalities of sweating, observed in one patient reported herein, is known to be very rare among KLHL7-related phenotypes.