Pre- and postnatal growth failure with microcephaly due to two novel heterozygous IGF1R mutations and response to

Alexandra Gkourogianni1,2, Anenisia C Andrade1,2, Björn-Anders Jonsson3

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Insights

Two novel heterozygous insulin-like growth factor I receptor gene (IGF1R) mutations cause growth failure. Patients with these IGF1R mutations showed positive response to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) plays a crucial role in growth and development.
  • Mutations in IGF1R can lead to growth disorders, including short stature and microcephaly.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of growth failure is essential for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenotype and response to growth hormone therapy in patients with heterozygous IGF1R mutations.
  • To identify novel mutations in the IGF1R gene associated with growth impairment.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in individuals with IGF1R mutations.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic analysis of children with short stature, microcephaly, and signs of IGF-I insensitivity.
  • Sanger sequencing and Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) were used to detect IGF1R mutations or deletions.
  • Phenotypic evaluation and growth monitoring during rhGH treatment.

Main Results:

  • Two novel heterozygous missense IGF1R variants (p.Gly1122Cys and p.Arg1177His) were identified in two families, co-segregating with the phenotype.
  • These variants were rare and not found in the GnomAD database.
  • Three individuals with IGF1R mutations showed an average height increase of 0.42 SDS after 1 year and 0.64 SDS after 2 years of rhGH treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Heterozygous IGF1R mutations can cause pre- and postnatal growth failure and microcephaly.
  • Individuals with heterozygous IGF1R mutations may respond positively to rhGH treatment.
  • Sequencing of the IGF1R gene should be considered in children presenting with microcephaly and short stature due to growth failure.
Abstract