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Intellectual disability v9.303 WARS Arina Puzriakova Tag Q3_25_promote_green was removed from gene: WARS.
Intellectual disability v9.299 WARS Arina Puzriakova reviewed gene: WARS: Rating: GREEN; Mode of pathogenicity: ; Publications: ; Phenotypes: ; Mode of inheritance:
Intellectual disability v9.298 WARS Arina Puzriakova Source NHS GMS was added to WARS.
Source Expert Review Green was added to WARS.
Rating Changed from Amber List (moderate evidence) to Green List (high evidence)
Intellectual disability v9.34 WARS Eleanor Williams Classified gene: WARS as Amber List (moderate evidence)
Intellectual disability v9.34 WARS Eleanor Williams Added comment: Comment on list classification: Promoting to amber with a recommendation for green rating following GMS review as there are 4 families with intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability v9.34 WARS Eleanor Williams Gene: wars has been classified as Amber List (Moderate Evidence).
Intellectual disability v9.33 WARS Eleanor Williams Tag Q3_25_promote_green tag was added to gene: WARS.
Intellectual disability v9.33 WARS Eleanor Williams changed review comment from: Sources: Literature; to: Associated with Neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly and speech delay, with or without brain abnormalities OMIM:620317 (AR). Also associated with Neuronopathy, distal hereditary motor, autosomal dominant 9, OMIM:617721 (AD).

5 families reported with biallelic variants in WARS1 and phenotype of intellectual disability and progressive severe microcephaly in 4 families. Variable other phenotypes were also present such as hearing loss, skeletal and brain abnormalities and seizures.

PMID: 34585293 - Okamoto et al 2022 - 4 year old female Japanese proband with compound het variants in WARS1 (p.Arg448Trp and p.Ala333Thr). Parents were heterozygous. Variants are rare. She presented with hypotonia, developmental delay, delayed myelination in the cerebral white matter. She had a seizure age 2. Severe intellectual disability at age 4, did not walk independently. Head circumference was -0.4 SD at birth and -3.4 SD by age 4.

PMID: 35815345 - Lin et al 2022 - 3 probands from 2 consanguineous Pakistani families. In family 1, one proband at age 20 had developmental delay, mild ID, mild microcephaly, mild sensorineural hearing loss. The second proband at age 16 had severe delayed developmental milestones/intellectual disability, hypotonia, severe microcephaly (-7.8 SD), severe hearing impairment and skeletal abnormalities of the legs. In family 2, the 5 year male had global developmental delay, complex partial epilepsy, a history of central adrenal insufficiency, cortical blindness, and multiple brain abnormalities. He has a history of seizures. A homozygous, rare, start loss variant (c.1A>G, p.Met1?) in exon 2 of WARS1 was identified in family 1 with parents as carriers. A homozygous c.1255G>A, p.(Asp419Asn) variant was identified in WARS1 in family 2, with parents as carriers. This variant is present in population databases with a MAF ~ 0.003 but not in the homozygous state. Zebrafish wars1 knockout displayed microcephaly, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal abnormalities, and the homozygous animals do not survive past Day 10

PMID: 35790048 - Bögershausen et al 2022 - 4 individuals from 2 families all with the same missense variant in WARS1 (c.397C>T, p.(R133C)). All 4 had progressive microcephaly with OFC at (-4.2, -4.3, -3.8 and −3.5) at assessment at ages 5, 13, 8 and 7 years. the proband from family 1 had mild ID, the three from family 2 had severe ID and two from family 2 had hypotonia. No seizures or hearing loss was reported. The WARS1 variant negatively impacts protein abundance and is unable to rescue the phenotype of a CRISPR/Cas9 wars1 knockout zebrafish model.

Intellectual disability v9.33 WARS Eleanor Williams gene: WARS was added
gene: WARS was added to Intellectual disability. Sources: Literature
Mode of inheritance for gene: WARS was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal
Publications for gene: WARS were set to 34585293; 35790048; 35815345
Phenotypes for gene: WARS were set to Neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly and speech delay, with or without brain abnormalities, OMIM:620317; neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly and speech delay, with or without brain abnormalities, MONDO:0957218
Review for gene: WARS was set to GREEN
Added comment: Sources: Literature
Intellectual disability v3.1564 BUB1 Konstantinos Varvagiannis gene: BUB1 was added
gene: BUB1 was added to Intellectual disability. Sources: Literature
Mode of inheritance for gene: BUB1 was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal
Publications for gene: BUB1 were set to 35044816
Phenotypes for gene: BUB1 were set to Congenital microcephaly; Global developmental delay; Intellectual disability; Abnormal heart morphology; Growth delay
Penetrance for gene: BUB1 were set to Complete
Review for gene: BUB1 was set to AMBER
Added comment: A recent study provides evidence that this gene (biallelic variants) is relevant for inclusion in the DD/ID panel likely with amber / green rating (2 unrelated individuals with similar phenotype, 3 variants, role of this gene, extensive variant studies and demonstrated effects on cohesion and chromosome segregation, similarities with other disorders caused by mutations in mitosis-associated genes at the clinical and cellular level || number of affected subjects/families, different protein levels/kinase activity likely underlying few differences observed, role of monoallelic variants unclear).

This gene could probably be included in other panels e.g. for microcephaly (not added).

There is no BUB1-related phenotype in OMIM, G2P, SysID, PanelApp Australia.

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Carvalhal, Bader et al (2022 - PMID: 35044816) describe the phenotype of 2 unrelated individuals with biallelic BUB1 pathogenic variants and provide evidence for the underlying mechanism for this condition.

Common features comprised congenital microcephaly (2/2 | -2,8 and -2.9 SDs respectively / -7 and -4,9 SDs on last evaluation), DD/ID (2/2 - in one case with formal evaluation mild), some degree of growth retardation (2/2) and cardiovascular findings (2/2 - small ASD type II). Other findings limited to one subject included Pierre-Robin sequence, Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly, choanal stenosis, hypospadias, tracheal stenosis, etc.

Initial genetic testing was normal (incl. CMA in both, metabolic testing and individual genes incl. PITX2, GREM1, FOXD3, FOXC1 for one proband).

Exome sequencing revealed homozygosity for a start-lost variant (NM_004336.4:c.2T>G / p.?) in the first subject (P1). The variant lied within a 14-Mb region of homozygosity (no reported consanguinity). The second individual (P2) was compound htz for a splice-site and a frameshift variant (c.2625+1G>A and c.2197dupG) with Sanger sequencing used for confirmation and segregation studies.

BUB1 encodes BUB1 Mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase (/Budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1, s. cerevisiae, homolog of) a multifunctional component of the segregation machinery contributing to multiple mitotic processes. The protein has a kinetochore localization domain, multiple binding motifs and a C-terminal kinase domain (aa 784-1085) this structure allowing both kinase dependent/independent activities.

cDNA sequencing revealed that the splice variant leads to skipping of ex21 and in-frame deletion of 54 residues in the kinase domain (c.2625+1G>A / p.Val822_Leu875del).

Both individuals exhibited normal BUB1 mRNA levels (fibroblasts in both, tracheal tissue in one) but severely reduced protein levels (fibroblasts). A shorter protein product corresponding to the in-frame deletion variant was also detected.

The authors performed additional experiments to confirm small amounts of full-length protein produced by the start-lost variant. This was shown in SV40-transformed fibroblasts from the corresponding individual (treatment with a proteasome inhibitor resulted also in higher levels). Upon generation RPE1 cells using CRISPR for the start-lost variant, again, small amounts of full length protein were detected, which was not the case for complete knockout HAP1 cells. No shorter versions could be detected in the patient cells or RPE1 cells, arguing against utilization of an alternative start codon. (Use of non-AUG start codons discussed based on literature).

In line with small amounts of full-length protein the authors provided evidence for residual kinase activity for the start-loss variant (through proxy of phosphorylation of its substrate and use of a BUB1 kinase inhibitor). Cells from the individual with the frameshift variant and the splice variant had no residual kinase activity.

The authors provide evidence for mitotic defects in cells from both individuals with prolonged mitosis duration and chromosome segregation defects. Some patient-specific findings were thought to be related with BUB1 protein levels (affecting BUB1-mediated kinetochore recruitment of BUBR1, important for chromosome alignment) and others due to residual kinase activity [->phosphorylation of H2A at Threonine 120-> affecting centromeric recruitment of Aurora B, SGO1 (role in protection of centromeric cohesion), TOP2A (a protein preventing DNA breakage during sister chromatid separation), these correlated with high anaphase bridges (in P2), aneuploidy observed in lymphoblasts and primary fibroblasts from P2 but not P2's lymphocytes or lymphocytes from P1) and defective sister chromatid cohesion defects (in primary fibroblasts from P2, milder effect for P1).

Overall the authors provide evidence for overlapping clinical and cellular phenotype for this condition with primary microcephalies (MCPH - mutations in genes for mitotic regulators incl. kinetochore proteins or regulators of chromosome organization), mosaic variegated aneuploidy (biallelic variants in genes for kinetochore proteins, with random aneuploidies occurring in >5% cells of different tissues) and cohesinopathies (mostly Roberts or Warsaw breakage syndromes - characterized by cohesion loss and/or spontaneous railroad chromosomes).

Mouse model: Hmz disruption in mice is lethal shortly after E3.5 (cited PMID: 19772675), while a hypomorphic mutant mouse (lacking exons 2-3, expressing <5% of wt protein levels) is viable but exhibits increased tumorigenesis with aging and aneuploidy (cited PMID: 19117986). Mutant mice that lack kinase activity though with preserved Bub1 protein abundance, did not display increased susceptibility, despite substantial segregation errors and aneuploidies (cited PMID: 23209306).

The authors note that monoallelic germline BUB1 variants have been described in small number of individuals with CRC, exhibiting reduced expression levels and variegated aneuploidy in multiple tissues (cited PMID: 23747338) although the role of BUB1 is debated (cited PMIDs: 27713038, 29448935).

Based on the discussion, complete loss of BUB1 activity is presumed to be embryonically lethal based on the mouse study (PMID: 19772675) and reduced BUB1 expression associated with spontaneous miscarriages (cited PMID: 20643875, to my understanding in this study mRNA levels remained relatively constant despite reduced Bub1 protein levels, mRNA RT-PCR followed by sequencing revealed only 2 synonymous BUB1 variants).
Sources: Literature
Intellectual disability v2.978 WARS2 Catherine Snow Source Expert Review Green was added to WARS2.
Source Expert Review was added to WARS2.
Added phenotypes Neurodevelopmental disorder, mitochondrial, with abnormal movements and lactic acidosis, with or without seizures, 617710 for gene: WARS2
Publications for gene WARS2 were changed from 28236339; 28650581; 28905505; 29783990; 29120065 to 29783990; 28236339; 29120065; 28650581; 28905505
Rating Changed from No List (delete) to Green List (high evidence)
Intellectual disability v2.742 WARS2 Konstantinos Varvagiannis gene: WARS2 was added
gene: WARS2 was added to Intellectual disability. Sources: Literature
Mode of inheritance for gene: WARS2 was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal
Publications for gene: WARS2 were set to 28236339; 28650581; 28905505; 29783990; 29120065
Phenotypes for gene: WARS2 were set to Neurodevelopmental disorder, mitochondrial, with abnormal movements and lactic acidosis, with or without seizures, 617710
Penetrance for gene: WARS2 were set to unknown
Review for gene: WARS2 was set to GREEN
gene: WARS2 was marked as current diagnostic
Added comment: Several individuals with biallelic pathogenic WARS2 variants have been published to date. DD and ID have been reported among others in most of the affected individuals (only the respective features are commented on below):

PMID: 28236339 (Musante et al. 2017) : 2 sibs compound heterozygous for NM_201263.2:c.325delA (p.Ser109Alafs*159) and c.37T>G (p.Trp13Gly). DD with ID were features in both.

PMID: 28650581 (Theisen et al. 2017) : The authors report on 1 individual with DD, ID and seizures was found to harbor in the compound heterozygous state NM_0158360.3:c.938A>T (p.K313M) and c.298_300delCTT (p.L100del).

PMID: 28905505 (Wortmann et al. 2017) : Details on 6 individuals from 5 unrelated families are provided. DD and ID were observed in 5 of these individuals (Fam 2-5). Severe, neonatal presentation was the case for an additional subject. Confirmed occurrence of epilepsy was reported for 3 individuals from 2 families (and suspected in a further one). Using NM_0158360.3 variants were the following :
Fam1 : c.91-8725_348+27113del36096 (p.Lys31_Glndel116) in trans with c.1045G>C (p.Val349Leu)
Fam2 : c.797del (p.Pro266Argfs*10) in trans with c.938A>T (p.Lys313met) [in 2 individuals]
Fam3 : c.231C>G (p.His77Gln) in trans with c.1054G>A (p.Glu352Lys)
Fam4 : c.532G>C (p.Val178Leu) in homozygous state
Fam5 : c.134G>T (p.Gly45Val) in trans with c.938A>T (p.Lys313Met)

PMID: 29783990 (Vantroys et al. 2018) : The authors report on 1 individual with DD, ID and seizures (among other features), compound heterozygous for c.797del (p.Pro266Argfs*10) and c.938A>T (p.Lys313met), similar to subjects from family 2 in PMID: 28905505.

PMID: 29120065 (Burke et al. 2018) : One 17-year-old boy with infantile-onset Parkinsonism but not DD/ID is described in this study. This individuals was found to harbor in the following variants in the compound heterozygous state: NM_015836.3: c.37T>G (p.Trp13Gly) and c.683C>G (p.Ser228Trp).

Probably 7 missense variants, 3 frameshift ones and an intragenic deletion have been reported in individuals with DD/ID (overview in fig 4. - in PMID: 29783990).
- p.Pro266Argfs*10 is located in the last exon of the gene (NM_015836.3).
- p.Trp13Gly (c.37T>G using either NM_201263.2 or NM_015836.3 as ref) has been commented to be a functional polymorphism 'uncovered' by the presence of a LoF allele in trans in affected individuals (AF : 0.003265 and 6 homozygotes in gnomAD)
- p.Lys313Met is possibly the most frequently reported variant as discussed by Vantroys et al.

WARS2 encodes mitochondrial tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (a cytoplasmic form is encoded by WARS). As commented in most of the articles, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) are a group of enzymes responsible for ligating amino acids to cognate tRNA molecules. Mutations in mitochondrial ARSs lead to impaired intramitochondrial translation affecting OXPHOS complexes (with mitochondrial-encoded subunits). Mutations in all 19 mitochondrial ARSs have been linked to disorders affecting different organ systems with variable severity and phenotypic presentation (summarized by Vantroys et al.).

Several lines of evidence have been provided to support a role for specific variants (eg. reduced WARS2 amounts upon Western blot, or impaired mitochondrial localization depending on the different variants and their effect) or WARS2 (expression in brain, impaired aminoacylation, abnormalities in OXPHOS enzymes/biosynthesis , etc).

Alternative causes (disorders of the differential diagnosis) have been ruled out on most - if not all - occasions.

As commented by Wortmann et al. the clinical spectrum appears to be broad as for the age of onset, features and clinical course (as happens to be the case for some other disorders due deficiencies of other ARSs). The same authors state that apart from elevated lactate which is suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction, no specific metabolite was found to be altered in affected individuals.

Phenotypic variability even between individuals with the same genotype has been reported. Eg. severe neonatal presentation with lactic acidosis/hypoglycaemia was the case for 2 sibs in family 2 from Wortmann et al. but the clinical course was different for the subject reported by Vantroys et al. (DD/ID with seizure onset at the age of 6 yrs).

As a result, investigations (and selection of gene panel) may not be straightforward.

In addition consideration of this gene in the epilepsy panel seems to be relevant given that seizures were noted in at least 5 individuals (from 4 families - 28650581, 28905505, 29783990) and severe adverse effects of valproate administration occurred in the subject reported by Vantroys et al.
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The associated phenotype in OMIM is Neurodevelopmental disorder, mitochondrial, with abnormal movements and lactic acidosis, with or without seizures (# 617710). WARS2 is not associated with any disorder in G2P.
This gene is included in panels for ID offered by some diagnostic laboratories.
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As a result, WARS2 can be considered for inclusion in the ID and epilepsy panels as green (or amber).
Sources: Literature