The role of combined SNV and CNV burden in patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy

Davut Pehlivan, Christine R. Beck, Yuji Okamoto, Tamar Harel, Zeynep H.C. Akdemir, Shalini N. Jhangiani, Marjorie A. Withers, Meryem Tuba Goksungur, Claudia M.B. Carvalho, Dirk Czesnik, Claudia Gonzaga-Jauregui, Wojciech Wiszniewski, Donna M. Muzny, Richard A. Gibbs, Bernd Rautenstrauss, Michael W. Sereda, James R. Lupski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose:Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Copy-number variants (CNVs) contribute significantly to CMT, as duplication of PMP22 underlies the majority of CMT1 cases. We hypothesized that CNVs and/or single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) might exist in patients with CMT with an unknown molecular genetic etiology.Methods:Two hundred patients with CMT, negative for both SNV mutations in several CMT genes and for CNVs involving PMP22, were screened for CNVs by high-resolution oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization. Whole-exome sequencing was conducted on individuals with rare, potentially pathogenic CNVs.Results:Putatively causative CNVs were identified in five subjects (∼2.5%); four of the five map to known neuropathy genes. Breakpoint sequencing revealed Alu-Alu-mediated junctions as a predominant contributor. Exome sequencing identified MFN2 SNVs in two of the individuals.Conclusion:Neuropathy-associated CNV outside of the PMP22 locus is rare in CMT. Nevertheless, there is potential clinical utility in testing for CNVs and exome sequencing in CMT cases negative for the CMT1A duplication. These findings suggest that complex phenotypes including neuropathy can potentially be caused by a combination of SNVs and CNVs affecting more than one disease-associated locus and contributing to a mutational burden.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)443-451
Number of pages9
JournalGenetics in Medicine
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics(clinical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of combined SNV and CNV burden in patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this