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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.
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.
Abstract:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disease characterized by bilateral or left ventricular cardiac dilation and systolic dysfunction that can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death in children. Many studies have focused on genetic variation in DCM-related genes in adult populations; however, the mutational landscape in pediatric DCM patients remains undetermined, especially in the Chinese population. We applied next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to genetically analyze 46 pediatric DCM patients to reveal genotype-phenotype correlations. Our results indicated DCM-associated pathogenic mutations in 10 genes related to the structure or function of the sarcomere, desmosome, and cytoskeleton. We also identified 6 pathogenic mutations (5 novel) in the Titin (TTN) gene that resulted in truncated TTN variants in 6 (13%) out of 46 patients. Correlations between TTN mutations and clinical outcomes were assessed. Our data indicate that one-third of pediatric DCM cases are caused by genetic mutations. The role of TTN variants should not be underestimated in pediatric DCM and age-dependent pathogenic penetrance of these mutations should be considered for familial DCM cases. We argue that genetic testing of DCM cases is valuable for predicting disease severity, prognosis, and recurrence risk, and for screening first-degree relatives.
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