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.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pedigree Analysis01:35

Pedigree Analysis

Overview
88.6K
Pleiotropy01:33

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
43.1K
Incomplete Dominance01:43

Incomplete Dominance

Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.
29.5K
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
3.9K
ATP Synthase: Mechanism01:48

ATP Synthase: Mechanism

In animals, the mitochondrial F1F0 ATP synthase is the key protein that synthesizes ATP molecules through a complex catalytic mechanism. While the nuclear genome encodes the majority of ATP synthase subunits, the mitochondrial genome encodes some of the enzyme's most critical components. The formation of this multi-subunit enzyme is a complex multi-step process regulated at the level of transcription, translation, and assembly. Defects in one or more of these steps can result in decreased...
16.4K
Genetic Lingo01:11

Genetic Lingo

Overview
113.3K