Novel KIF7 missense substitutions in two patients presenting with multiple malformations and features of acrocallosal

Sanjin Tunovic1, Kristin W Barañano2, James A Barkovich3

  • 1Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California.

Insights

Two children with Kinesin Family Member 7 (KIF7) gene mutations showed severe developmental delays and atypical features, suggesting a broader spectrum of KIF7-associated disorders and abnormal hedgehog signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Kinesin Family Member 7 (KIF7) is crucial for ciliogenesis and sonic hedgehog signaling.
  • Mutations in KIF7 are associated with acrocallosal syndrome and other developmental disorders.
  • The full spectrum of KIF7-associated phenotypes is not yet fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report novel KIF7 gene mutations in two children with severe developmental abnormalities.
  • To expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with KIF7 mutations.
  • To investigate the potential role of KIF7 variants in developmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic sequencing to identify mutations in the KIF7 gene.
  • Clinical evaluation of two pediatric patients with severe developmental delays and congenital anomalies.
  • Comparison of patient phenotypes with previously reported KIF7-associated disorders.

Main Results:

  • Two unrelated female patients presented with compound heterozygous missense mutations in KIF7.
  • Patient 1 exhibited severe developmental delays, growth retardation, infantile spasms, imperforate anus, and syndactyly.
  • Patient 2 displayed severe developmental delays, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, pachygyria, and polydactyly.

Conclusions:

  • The identified KIF7 missense mutations are likely pathogenic and contribute to the observed severe phenotypes.
  • The spectrum of KIF7-associated disorders includes atypical features not previously reported, such as imperforate anus and infantile spasms.
  • These findings highlight the complex role of KIF7 in human development and suggest potential links to abnormal hedgehog signaling.

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