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Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
Two male sibs with severe micrognathia and a missense variant in MED12
Trine E Prescott1, Mari Ann Kulseth1, Ketil R Heimdal1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract:
Missense variants in MED12 cause three partially overlapping dysmorphic X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndromes: Lujan-Fryns syndrome (also known as Lujan syndrome), FG syndrome (also known as Opitz-Kaveggia syndrome) and X-linked Ohdo syndrome. We report a family with two severely micrognathic male sibs, a 10½ year old boy and a fetus, in which hemizygosity for a previously unreported missense variant in exon 13 of MED12 (NM_005120.2), c.1862G > A, p.(Arg621Gln) was detected by whole exome sequencing. The affected sibs shared no other rare variant with relevance to the phenotype. X-chromosome inactivation in blood was completely skewed (100:0) in the unaffected heterozygous mother, most likely as a result of preferential inactivation of the X-chromosome harbouring the missense variant in MED12. Neither the unaffected brother nor the unaffected maternal grandfather carried the missense variant in MED12. In the 10½ year old boy, upper airway obstruction secondary to Pierre Robin sequence necessitated a tracheostomy for the first 10 months of life. He has mild to moderate intellectual disability and some dysmorphic features seen in MED12-related syndromes. In addition, he has a horizontal gaze paresis, anomalies of the inner ear, and a cervical block vertebra. This report contributes to the expanding phenotypic range associated with MED12-mutations.
Insights
Missense variants in the MED12 gene are linked to X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndromes. A new MED12 variant was identified in a family, expanding the known phenotype of these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Missense variants in the MED12 gene are associated with several X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndromes, including Lujan-Fryns, FG, and Ohdo syndromes.
- These syndromes often present with overlapping dysmorphic features and intellectual disability.
Observation:
- A family with two affected male siblings exhibiting severe micrognathia was investigated.
- Whole exome sequencing identified a novel hemizygous missense variant (c.1862G>A, p.(Arg621Gln)) in exon 13 of the MED12 gene in the affected individuals.
- The unaffected mother showed complete skewing of X-chromosome inactivation (100:0).
Findings:
- The novel MED12 variant segregated with the phenotype in the family.
- The affected boy presented with intellectual disability, dysmorphic features consistent with MED12-related disorders, Pierre Robin sequence requiring tracheostomy, horizontal gaze paresis, inner ear anomalies, and a cervical block vertebra.
- No other rare variants of potential phenotypic relevance were shared between the affected siblings.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known phenotypic spectrum associated with MED12 mutations.
- It highlights the importance of MED12 in neurodevelopment and craniofacial formation.
- Further research into MED12 variants can improve diagnosis and understanding of XLID syndromes.
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