Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Novel Genetic Variants for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Pediatric Chinese Patients

Yan Wang1,2, Bo Han3,4, Youfei Fan2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, People's Republic of China.

Pediatric Cardiology
|August 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Genetic mutations cause one-third of pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases. Titin (TTN) gene variants are significant, and genetic testing aids in predicting DCM severity and recurrence risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition in children, leading to heart failure and sudden death.
  • Genetic causes of pediatric DCM are not well understood, particularly in the Chinese population.
  • Previous research focused on adult DCM genetics, leaving a gap in pediatric genetic insights.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic landscape of dilated cardiomyopathy in pediatric patients.
  • To identify genotype-phenotype correlations in pediatric DCM.
  • To assess the role of Titin (TTN) gene mutations in pediatric DCM.

Main Methods:

  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used for genetic analysis.
  • 46 pediatric DCM patients were included in the study.
  • Pathogenic mutations in genes affecting sarcomere, desmosome, and cytoskeleton were identified.

Main Results:

  • DCM-associated pathogenic mutations were found in 10 genes.
  • Six pathogenic mutations, including 5 novel ones, were identified in the Titin (TTN) gene.
  • Approximately one-third of pediatric DCM cases were attributed to genetic mutations.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic mutations are a significant cause of pediatric DCM.
  • Titin (TTN) variants play a crucial role and require careful consideration.
  • Genetic testing is valuable for prognosis, risk assessment, and family screening in pediatric DCM.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
86
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
17.0K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
100
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics02:59

Animal Mitochondrial Genetics

Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...
8.3K
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
137