Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model
Published on: August 8, 2022
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identified Genes Responsible for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections in three Chinese
Renle Guo1,2, Pengcheng Du1, Yifei Pei1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Genetic variants in COL3A1 and ACTA2 are linked to familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD). Identifying these mutations aids in early screening and intervention for affected families.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) are life-threatening vascular conditions.
- Heritable forms of TAAD are linked to pathogenic variants in various genes.
- Early diagnosis and family screening are crucial for preventing fatal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the genetic underpinnings of familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections (TAAD).
- To establish an evidence-based strategy for gene selection in familial TAAD screening.
- To inform family screening and intervention protocols for TAAD.
Main Methods:
- Whole-exome sequencing was performed on four individuals from three unrelated families with TAAD.
- Variant evaluation was conducted to pinpoint pathogenic mutations.
- Genetic analysis focused on identifying causative genes for familial TAAD.
Main Results:
- Mutations in COL3A1 and ACTA2 were identified as key genetic drivers of familial TAAD.
- FBLN5, FBN1, SLC2A10, FBN2, and NOTCH1 were highlighted as potential candidate genes.
- The study identified specific genetic mutations responsible for TAAD in the investigated families.
Conclusions:
- COL3A1 and ACTA2 mutations are significant causes of familial TAAD.
- Identifying these genetic variants is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
- Family medical history and screening of relatives are vital for TAAD management.
Abstract:
Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are precarious conditions that often cannot be diagnosed with fatal outcomes. Over the last few years, pathogenic variants in numerous genes have been identified that predispose to heritable presentations of TAAD. An evidence-based strategy for the selection of genes to test in familial TAAD helps inform family screening and intervention to prevent life-threatening events. Using whole-exome sequencing, four members of three unrelated families clinically diagnosed with TAAD were used to identify the genetic origin of the disorder. Variant evaluation was carried out to detect the pathogenic mutation. Our studies suggest that mutations of COL3A1 and ACTA2 are responsible for familial TAAD. In addition, we highlight FBLN5, FBN1, SLC2A10, FBN2, and NOTCH1 as candidate genes. Future studies of crosstalk among the pathways may provide us a step toward understanding the pathogenic mechanism. This finding indicates the necessity of obtaining family medical history and screening of extended relatives of patients with TAAD for the early identification and treatment of TAAD.
More Related Videos
05:51A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia
Published on: June 15, 2011
08:22A Novel Strategy Combining Array-CGH, Whole-exome Sequencing and In Utero Electroporation in Rodents to Identify Causative Genes for Brain Malformations
Published on: December 1, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
Pleiotropy