Activity

Filter

Cancel
Date Panel Item Activity
10 actions
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v3.1525 CACNA2D1 Konstantinos Varvagiannis gene: CACNA2D1 was added
gene: CACNA2D1 was added to Intellectual disability. Sources: Literature,Other
Mode of inheritance for gene: CACNA2D1 was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal
Publications for gene: CACNA2D1 were set to 35293990; 28097321
Phenotypes for gene: CACNA2D1 were set to Abnormal muscle tone; Feeding difficulties; Global developmental delay; Intellectual disability; Seizures; Microcephaly; Abnormality of the corpus callosum; Cerebral atrophy; Abnormality of movement; Cortical visual impairment; Pain insensitivity
Penetrance for gene: CACNA2D1 were set to Complete
Review for gene: CACNA2D1 was set to GREEN
Added comment: Consider inclusion in the current panel with green rating.

Recent report of 2 unrelated individuals with DEE due to biallelic CACNA2D1 variants. Both referred to neurology/genetics for hypotonia/severe DD prior to onset of seizures.

One further individual with hypotonia and severe ID (seizures not discussed, age unknown).

Gene with established role, encoding α2δ-1 subunit of Cav channels. Studies for the variants support loss-of-function as the underlying effect.

Eventual contribution of monoallelic variants to NDD-phenotypes discussed (and put in question) in Ref [1] below.

There is currently no phenotype for CACNA2D1 in OMIM/G2P. In SysID this gene is listed among the candidates for ID, based on a previous report. CACNA2D1 is not currently included in the ID/epilepsy panels in PanelApp Australia.

See also relevant review in epilepsy panel (Dr. H. Lord).

Please consider also inclusion in other panels (e.g. microcephaly, corpus callosum, movement disorders, etc).

[1] ----
Dahimene et al (2022 - PMID: 35293990) describe the phenotype of 2 unrelated individuals with biallelic CACNA2D1 variants.

Overall, the phenotype corresponded to an early-onset DEE, characterized by abnormal muscle tone (axial hypotonia 2/2 with spasticity in extremities in 2/2), feeding difficulties (2/2), profound DD and ID (2/2), microcephaly (2/2 - approx. -2 SD in both), seizures (2/2 - 1st : onset 9m with absences and later generalized seizures, 2nd : onset 11m with hemi-clonic seizures and atypical absences). Other features included cortical visual impairment (2/2) and movement disorder (incl. choreiform movements 2/2, orofacial dyskinesia 2/2 and dystonic episodes 1/2). Brain MRI revealed corpus callosum anomalies (2/2) and cerebral atrophy (2/2). Both had echocardiography (abnormal in 1/2 - tiny PFO) and electrocardiography which was normal. Both exhibited insensibility to pain.

Presentation is relevant to the current panel as first symptoms in the first 3 months with severe hypotonia and poor head control (2/2) with evaluation in neurology/genetics preceding onset of seizures in both.

Trio ES was performed for both individuals and their (healthy) parents and revealed homozygosity for a fs variant in the first [NM_000722.3:c.818_822dup / p.(Ser275Asnfs*13)] and compound htz for a fs and a missense variant [c.13_23dup / p.(Leu9Alafs*5) and c.626G>A / p.(Gly209Asp)] in the second affected individual, respectively.

Eventual additional variants were not discussed.

Previous investigations are only provided for the 2nd and were all normal (karyotype, CMA, 15q methylation, epilepsy/neurometabolic gene panels).

Voltage-gated calcium channels are heteromultimers comprising different subunits incl. an alpha-1 (α1), α2δ (alpha-2/delta), beta (β) and gamma (γ). CACNA2D1 is one of the 4 genes (CACNA2D1-4) encoding the alpha-2/delta subunit. Its product is post-translationally processed into 2 peptides, an alpha-2 and a delta subunit, held by a disulfide bond.

Biallelic variants in CACNA2D2 - also encoding an alpha-2/delta subunit - cause cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay (# 618501).

Variant studies support loss-of-function effect for the studied variants, notably by NMD for the fs one, and severe impairment of the Cav2 channel function for the missense one :
- CACNA2D1 mRNA was reduced to 6-9% compared with control in fibroblasts from the 1st individual. mRNA levels for the 2nd subject were similar to control.
- Quantification of the protein in whole-cell lysates from fibroblasts revealed lower α2δ levels compared to control (10-12% and 31-38% applying to the 1st and 2nd individual).
- CACNA2D3 mRNA levels in fibroblasts from the 2nd patient were 2-7x higher compared to the 1st or controls suggesting a possible compensatory effect. CACNA2D2/4 mRNA levels were too low for quantification.
- Gly209 lies within the gabapentin and amino-acid binding pocket and this residue is invariable in CACNA2D1/CACNA2D2 in all vertebrates and paralogs.
- Transfection of tsA-201 cells with either WT or G209D HA-tagged α2δ revealed reduced cell surface expression for this missense variant (~80, for biotinylated form ~86%).
- In tsA-201 cells transfected with HA-tagged Cav2.2/β1b and either α2δ-1-WT, no α2δ-1 or α2δ-1-G209D, WT resulted in increased 13x currents with no increase applying to G209D (or in absence of α2δ). Plasma membrane expression of double (GFP/HA) tagged Cav2.2 was increased upon co-expression with WT α2δ-1 which was not the case for α2δ-1-G209D.
- In hippocampal neurons, double (GFP/HA)-tagged Cav2.2 could not be detected at the cell surface in the presence of α2δ-1-G209D (or no α2δ) in contrast with strong expression in presence of α2δ-1-WT. α2δ-1-G209D did not promote trafficking of Cav2.2 into hippocampal neurites, as indicated by reduced signals for both HA and GFP (for cell surface and total Cav2.2 respectively).
- Co-expression of double (GFP/HA) tagged Cav2.2 with β1b and either HA-α2δ-1-WT or HA-α2δ-1-G209D in tsA-201 cells, revealed reduced complex formation of G209D with Cav2.2 Co-immunoprecipitated HA-α2δ-1-G209D had higher molecular weight compared to HA-α2δ-1-WT which suggests that α2δ-1-G209D remains as the uncleaved immature form (probably in the ER).

Mouse model (several Refs in text):
Mild cardiac phenotype and reduced ventricular myocyte Ca current density was observed in hmz ko mice. Similarly to the insensibility to pain human phenotype, mice had delayed neuropathic pain-related responses. Overexpression of a2δ-1 resulted in epileptiform EEG and behavioral arrest, overall supporting a critical role of α2δ-1 for mouse brain.

The authors underscore that the parents of both patients (htz carriers) were healthy and review previous literature for association of monoallelic variants with epilepsy, ID and arrhythmogenic disorders (in suppl.) [Refs not here reviewed].

As for the NDD phenotype, CACNA2D1 is within a previously defined small region of overlap for 7q21.11 microdeletions associated with ID+/-epilepsy. The same study did not reveal de novo SNVs in any of the 3 contained genes within this SRO (HGF, CACNA2D1, PCLO) in 4293 patients with NDD [cited PMID: 28240412]. A frameshift variant (c.2625del) was identified in a 13-yo girl with infantile spasms and normal intelligence [cited PMID: 25877686]. A 1-bp insertion (c.659-2_659-1insT / not studied at the mRNA level) was identified in another 14-yo female with ID and epilepsy [cited PMID: 34356170]. The authors state that the phenotype (/differences) of these individuals as well as presence of pLoF CACNA2D1 variants in gnomAD [still pLI of 1] put in question pathogenicity of monoallelic variants for these phenotypes.

The role of heterozygous missense variants described in relation to arrhythmogenic disorders is also discussed extensively (some downgraded to LB/VUS, others having a relatively high MAF and presence of 1-2 homozygotes in gnomAD).

[2] ----
In an article cited by SysID for CACNA2D1 (2017 - PMID: 28097321), Reuter et al studied with WES and autozygosity mapping individuals with NDD belonging to consanguineous families.

As in eTables1/3, a male - single affected individual born to consanguineous parents from Turkey (MR150) - was investigated by singleton ES.

This individual was homozygous for a missense CACNA2D1 SNV [NM_000722.2:c.1514C>T;p.(Thr505Ile)].

Prior investigations are unavailable (although individuals with previously known P/LP CNVs were excluded).

The phenotype - briefly reported - included hypotonia, severe ID, stereotypic behaviors, inguinal hernia and omphalocele. Presence of seizures was not commented on. The age of this individual was not reported.
Sources: Literature, Other
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v3.438 CACNA2D2 Arina Puzriakova Classified gene: CACNA2D2 as Amber List (moderate evidence)
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v3.438 CACNA2D2 Arina Puzriakova Added comment: Comment on list classification: Kept rating Amber as severe GDD is a neurodegenerative manifestation that is secondary to the onset of seizures, which represent the key phenotypic feature of this disorder.

This gene is Green on the Genetic epilepsy syndromes (v2.170) panel, which should be a sufficient route for detecting these cases.
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v3.438 CACNA2D2 Arina Puzriakova Gene: cacna2d2 has been classified as Amber List (Moderate Evidence).
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v3.0 CACNA2D2 Zornitza Stark reviewed gene: CACNA2D2: Rating: GREEN; Mode of pathogenicity: None; Publications: ; Phenotypes: Cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay, MIM#618501; Mode of inheritance: BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal; Current diagnostic: yes
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v2.1039 CACNA2D2 Rebecca Foulger Classified gene: CACNA2D2 as Amber List (moderate evidence)
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v2.1039 CACNA2D2 Rebecca Foulger Added comment: Comment on list classification: Gene was added to panel and rated Amber by Konstantinos Varvagiannis. Updated rating from Grey to Amber: phenotype is relevant to panel (MIM:618501) but developmental delay is variable amongst patients, and therefore Amber rating most appropriate.
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v2.1039 CACNA2D2 Rebecca Foulger Gene: cacna2d2 has been classified as Amber List (Moderate Evidence).
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v2.1038 CACNA2D2 Rebecca Foulger Phenotypes for gene: CACNA2D2 were changed from Cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay (MIM 618501) to Cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay, 618501
Intellectual disability - microarray and sequencing v2.1022 CACNA2D2 Konstantinos Varvagiannis gene: CACNA2D2 was added
gene: CACNA2D2 was added to Intellectual disability. Sources: Literature
Mode of inheritance for gene: CACNA2D2 was set to BIALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal
Publications for gene: CACNA2D2 were set to 23339110; 24358150; 30410802; 29997391; 31402629; 11487633; 11756448; 4177347; 14660671; 15331424
Phenotypes for gene: CACNA2D2 were set to Cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay (MIM 618501)
Penetrance for gene: CACNA2D2 were set to Complete
Review for gene: CACNA2D2 was set to AMBER
gene: CACNA2D2 was marked as current diagnostic
Added comment: Gene reviewed for the epilepsy panel. Due to the phenotype of EE, with variable GDD (severe in many cases) and/or ID (either specifically commented on or inferred in some cases, although not universal) this gene might also be relevant for the current panel. CACNA2D2 is also included in gene panels for ID offered by some diagnostic laboratories (eg. GeneDx) as well as the SysID database. There is no associated phenotype in G2P.

Copied from the epilepsy panel:

Biallelic pathogenic CACNA2D2 variants cause Cerebellar atrophy with seizures and variable developmental delay (MIM 618501).

A recent OMIM update, a subsequent relevant publication by Punatha et al. as well as several additional LP/P variants in ClinVar for the phenotype of epileptic encephalopathy, support possible upgrade to green.

The following affected individuals appear to be relevant [NM_006030.3 used as RefSeq unless otherwise specified]:

[1] Edvardson et al. (PMID: 23339110) - 3 sibs born to consanguineous parents with EIEE, severe GDD / ID (inferred from the descritpion, at least for the oldest one), cerebellar atrophy and movement abnormalities. A CACNA2D2 variant (c.3137T>C / p.Leu1046Pro) was found in affected individuals by SNP-arrays and WES in one of them. Functional studies (reduction in current density of calcium channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes) supported the deleterious effect of the variant. A role of a rare hmz CESLR3 variant could not be ruled out.

[2] Pippucci et al. (PMID: 24358150) - 1 individual born to consanguineous parents, presenting with EE (onset at 1-2 m), severe GDD, cerebellar atrophy and choreiform movements. Homozygosity for a LoF variant (c.1294delA - p.Asn432fs) was found by WES. The role of the variant was further supported by expression studies (80% reduced mRNA levels, protein levels estimated at 3% of control / milder effect in htz parents). The proband was also hmz for a CESLR3 variant. Previous studies incl. 'high-resolution karyotype' and metabolic investigations.

[3] Butler et al. (PMID: 30410802) - A 5 y.o. male, with EE (seizure onset at 7m / GDD) and cerebellar atrophy. Compound heterozygosity for c.782C>T (p.Pro261Leu) and c.3137T>C (p.Leu1046Pro) was demonstrated by WES and supported by segregation studies.

[4] Valence et al. (PMID: 29997391) - Reported on a 20 y.o. male belonging to a cohort of 20 individuals with congenital ataxia, all from consaguineous families. This individual, who had cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, a single episode of febrile seizures and normal cognitive impairment was homozygosity for c.2971G>A (p.Asp991Asn). RT-PCR revealed presence of a normal length transcript as well as an additional, longer one, due to a concurrent splicing effect (activation of a cryptic donor splice site and retention of 4 bases of intronic sequence). Presence of both nl/abn length transcripts was presumed to explain the mild phenotype (variability also commented in OMIM).

[5] Punatha et al. (PMID: 31402629) - 3 affected individuals from 2 consanguineous families presenting with early onset EE (onset 1-7m), GDD/ID, cerebelar atrophy and ataxia. Sibs from the first family were homozygous for c.1778G>C (p.Arg593Pro). An affected 5 y.o. child from the 2nd family was homozygous for c.485_486delAT (p.Tyr162Ter). Mutations were found by WES in regions of AOH.

The following variants - not reported in the literature - have been submitted in ClinVar as LP / P for EE:
[VCV000645106.1] NM_006030.4:c.1389+2T>C - EIEE with suppression bursts - Likely Pathogenic (Invitae)
[VCV000570589.1] NM_006030.4:c.1956_1960del (p.Asn652fs) - EIEE - Pathogenic (Invitae)
[VCV000578284.1] NM_006030.4:c.1555C>T (p.Gln519Ter) - EIEE - Pathogenic (Invitae)
[VCV000653393.1] NM_006030.4:c.851dup (p.Ala286fs) - EIEE with suppression bursts - Pathogenic (Invitae)
[VCV000411003.1] NM_006030.4:c.485_486del (p.Tyr161_Tyr162insTer) - EIEE - Pathogenic (Invitae)

Additional ones have been reported as LP / P although the condition is not specified.
[VCV000620551.1] NM_006030.4:c.1023C>A (p.Cys341Ter) - Likely pathogenic (GeneDx)
[VCV000373439.2] NM_006030.4:c.1846-1G>A - Likely pathogenic (GeneDx)
[VCV000423330.2] NM_006030.4:c.200dup (p.His68fs) - Pathogenic (GeneDx).

The aforementioned laboratories include CACNA2D2 in gene panels for epilepsy (Invitae) and/or ID (GeneDx).

A role for the CACNA2D2 is supported by :
- The highly overlapping features (with the exception of the milder phenotype reported by Valence et al.) incl. early onset of seizures, GDD, cerebellar atrophy in all (9/9 incl. the individual reported by Valence, as evaluated Punatha et al). Ataxia was a feature in many (with movement abnormalities also in the remaining ones).
- The role of the gene encoding the alpha-2-delta-2 auxiliary subunit of high voltage-gated calcium channels. Auxiliary subunits modulate calcium current and channel activation and inactivation kinetics, and may be involved in proper assembly and membrane localization of the channels (summary by Edvardson and OMIM).
- Functional / expression studies for some of the variants (as in Refs 1,2,4).
- Relevant expression patterns (notably in cerebellum) [GTEx project]
- Mouse models recapitulating the human phenotypes (summarized by Edvardson et al) : The 'ducky' mouse model (due to biallelic Cacna2d2 mutations) presenting absence epilepsy, spike-wave seizures and ataxia. Dysgenesis of the cerebellum is among the neuropathological findings (PMIDs cited : 11487633, 11756448, 4177347). The 'entla' mouse model (also AR due to an in-frame duplication) presents also epilepsy and ataxia (PMID : 14660671). Targeted knockout in another mouse model resulted also in ataxic gait, seizure susceptibility and cerebellar anomalies/degeneration (PMID: 15331424).

[Please consider inclusion in other relevant panels eg. for cerebellar anomalies / ataxia].
Sources: Literature