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.

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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