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Published on: August 20, 2019
Prenatal and postnatal phenotype of a pathologic variant in the ATP6AP1 gene
Alina Tvina1, Allison Thomsen2, Anna Palatnik1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Insights
This study details the first observed prenatal signs of ATP6AP1 gene mutations, including thickened nuchal translucency and spinal abnormalities. These findings expand our understanding of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and their early detection.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- ATP6AP1 gene mutations are linked to congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), causing postnatal issues like immunodeficiency and cognitive impairment.
- The prenatal phenotype associated with ATP6AP1 gene mutations has not been previously described.
Observation:
- A first-trimester ultrasound revealed thickened nuchal translucency (3.27 mm) and a dysmorphic spinal canal.
- Second-trimester findings included elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AF-AFP), positive acetylcholinesterase (AchE), aortic arch dilation, and a large Aplasia Cutis.
- Aplasia Cutis presented as a fluid collection under the skin on the fetal spine.
Findings:
- This case describes the initial prenatal presentation of an X-linked ATP6AP1 gene mutation.
- Key prenatal indicators identified include increased nuchal translucency, elevated AF-AFP and AchE, and Aplasia Cutis Congenita.
Implications:
- This research establishes the first prenatal phenotype for ATP6AP1 gene mutations.
- Early prenatal detection of these mutations can be improved through recognizing these specific ultrasound and biochemical markers.
- Understanding the prenatal impact of ATP6AP1 mutations aids in diagnosing and managing CDG earlier.
Introduction:
The ATP6AP1 gene encodes for ATPase H+ transporting protein. ATP6AP1 gene mutations are associated with congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and can affect multiple organ system. Descriptions of postnatal phenotype include immunodeficiency, hepatopathy and cognitive impairment. No prenatal phenotype of these gene mutations has been described to date.
Case:
This is a description of the prenatal workup of an infant diagnosed with a X-linked ATP6AP1 gene mutation. First trimester ultrasound demonstrated a thickened nuchal translucency measured at 3.27 mm and dysmorphic spinal canal, corresponding to kyphoscoliosis finding postnatally. Findings from amniocentesis at 15 weeks included elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AF-AFP) and positive acetylcholinesterase (AchE). Dilation of the aortic arch was seen on fetal echocardiogram at 20 weeks. Throughout the second trimester, a rim of fluid collection was seen under the skin covering the thoracic and lumbar fetal spine, consistent with a large Aplasia Cutis below the right scapula present at birth.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first description of prenatal phenotype of an X-linked ATP6AP1 gene mutation, and the association of this gene mutation with increased NT, elevated AF-AFP and AchE and Aplasia Cutis Congenita. This variant was submitted to ClinVar public database, submission ID: SUB6537411.
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