CTCs Detection and Whole-exome Sequencing Might Be Used to Differentiate Benign and Malignant Pulmonary Nodules

Background and objective Low-density computed tomography(LDCT)improved early lung cancer diagnosis but introduces an excess of false-positive pulmonary nodules data.Hence,accurate diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer remains challenging.The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of using circulating tumour cells(CTCs)to differentiate malignant from benign pulmonary nodules.Materials and methods 122 patients with suspected malignant pulmonary nodules detected on chest CT in preparation for surgery were prospectively recruited.Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery,and CTCs were identified upon isolation by size of epithelial tumour cells and morphological analysis.Laser capture microdissection,MALBAC amplification,and whole-exome sequencing were performed on 8 samples.The diagnostic efficacy of CTCs counting,and the genomic variation profile of benign and malignant CTCs samples were analysed.Results Using 2.5 cells/5 m L as the cut-off value,the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was of 0.651(95%confidence interval:0.538-0.764),with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.526 and 0.800,respectively,and positive and negative predictive values of 91.1%and 30.3%,respectively.Distinct sequence variations differences in DNA damage repair-related and driver genes were observed in benign and malignant samples.TP53 mutations were identified in CTCs of four malignant cases;in particular,g.7578115T>C,g.7578645C>T,and g.7579472G>C were exclusively detected in all four malignant samples.Conclusion CTCs play an ancillary role in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.TP53 mutations in CTCs might be used to identify benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.

Whole-exome sequencing identifies novel mutations in genes responsible for retinitis pigmentosa in 2 nonconsanguineous Chinese families

AIM: To detect the pathogenetic mutations responsible for nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa(RP) in 2 nonconsanguineous Chinese families. METHODS: The clinical data, including detailed medical history, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscope examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, static perimetry, and full field electroretinogram, were collected from the members of 2 nonconsanguineous Chinese families preliminarily diagnosed with RP. Genomic DNA was extracted from the probands and other available family members;wholeexome sequencing was conducted with the DNA samples provided by the probands, and all mutations detected by whole-exome sequencing were verified using Sanger sequencing in the probands and the other available family members. The verified novel mutations were further sequenced in 192 ethnicity matched healthy controls.RESULTS: The patients from the 2 families exhibited the typical symptoms of RP, including night blindness and progressive constriction of the visual field, and the fundus examinations showed attenuated retinal arterioles, peripheral bone spicule pigment deposits, and waxy optic discs. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel nonsense mutation in FAM161 A(c.943 A>T, p.Lys315*) and compound heterozygous mutations in RP1 L1(c.56 C>A, p.Pro19 His;c.5470 C>T, p.Gln1824*). The nonsense c.5470 C>T, p.Gln1824* mutation was novel. All mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. The mutation p.Lys315* in FAM161A co-segregated with the phenotype, and all the nonsense mutations were absent from the ethnicity matched healthy controls and all available databases.CONCLUSION: We identify 2 novel mutations in genes responsible for autosomal recessive RP, and the mutation in FAM161A is reported for the first time in a Chinese population. Our result not only enriches the knowledge of the mutation frequency and spectrum in the genes responsible for nonsyndromic RP but also provides a new target for future gene therapy.

Comprehensive analysis of genetic variations in strictly-defined Leber congenital amaurosis with whole-exome sequencing in Chinese

AIM：To make a comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenic genes related with Leber congenital amaurosis（LCA） in Chinese.METHODS：LCA subjects and their families were retrospectively collected from 2013 to 2015.Firstly,whole-exome sequencing was performed in patients who had underwent gene mutation screening with nothing found,and then homozygous sites was selected,candidate sites were annotated,and pathogenic analysis was conducted using softwares including Sorting Tolerant from Intolerant（SIFT）,Polyphen-2,Mutation assessor,Condel,and Functional Analysis through Hidden Markov Models（FATHMM）.Furthermore,Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of pathogenic genes were performed followed by co-segregation analysis using Fisher exact Test.Sanger sequencing was used to validate single-nucleotide variations（SNVs）.Expanded verification was performed in the rest patients.RESULTS：Totally 51 LCA families with 53 patients and24 family members were recruited.A total of 104 SNVs（66 LCA-related genes and 15 co-segregated genes）were submitted for expand verification.The frequencies of homozygous mutation of KRT12 and CYP1A1 were simultaneously observed in 3 families.Enrichment analysis showed that the potential pathogenic genes were mainly enriched in functions related to cell adhesion,biological adhesion,retinoid metabolic process,and eye development biological adhesion.Additionally,WFS7 and STAU2 had the highest homozygous frequencies.CONCLUSION：LCA is a highly heterogeneous disease.Mutations in KRT12,CVP1A1,WFS1,and STAU2 may be involved in the development of LCA.

Identification of a LMNA (c.646C>T) variant by whole-exome sequencing in combination with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) related gene filter in a family with familiar DCM

Dilated cardiomyopathy（DCM）is characterized by the dilated heart chambers and reduced systolic function in the absence of specific aetiology[1].Approximately one third of DCM cases are hereditary.In recent years,DCM concomitant with arrhythmias and sudden death resulting from gene mutation has been widely

A novel CRX mutation by whole-exome sequencing in an autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy pedigree

AIMTo identify the disease-causing gene mutation in a Chinese pedigree with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (adCORD).METHODSA southern Chinese adCORD pedigree including 9 affected individuals was studied. Whole-exome sequencing (WES), coupling the Agilent whole-exome capture system to the Illumina HiSeq 2000 DNA sequencing platform was used to search the specific gene mutation in 3 affected family members and 1 unaffected member. After a suggested variant was found through the data analysis, the putative mutation was validated by Sanger DNA sequencing of samples from all available family members.RESULTSThe results of both WES and Sanger sequencing revealed a novel nonsense mutation c.C766T (p.Q256X) within exon 5 of CRX gene which was pathogenic for adCORD in this family. The mutation could affect photoreceptor-specific gene expression with a dominant-negative effect and resulted in loss of the OTX tail, thus the mutant protein occupies the CRX-binding site in target promoters without establishing an interaction and, consequently, may block transactivation.CONCLUSIONAll modes of Mendelian inheritance in CORD have been observed, and genetic heterogeneity is a hallmark of CORD. Therefore, conventional genetic diagnosis of CORD would be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Our study indicated the robustness and cost-effectiveness of WES in the genetic diagnosis of CORD.

Identifi cation of Three FBN1 Mutations in Chinese Patients with Typical or Incomplete Marfan Syndrome by Whole-Exome Sequencing

Objective:The purpose of this work was to obtain the phenotypes and detect potential mutations in three Chinese patients with Marfan syndrome(MFS)or incomplete MFS phenotypes.Methods:Three unrelated patients with a defi nite or suspected clinical diagnosis of MFS and their family members were recruited for research.Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of these patients and their family members.All the exons were sequenced by next-generation sequencing and the variants were further validated by Sanger sequencing.The functional consequences of the mutations were analyzed with various genomic resources and bioinformatics tools.Results:Three FBN1 mutations were identifi ed in the three patients,including one novel mutation(2125G>A)and two previously reported mutations(4786C>T and 6325C>T).It was interesting to note that the parents of these patients were normal as assessed by clinical features or genetic testing,but all these mutations were detected in their offspring,except for the variant 6325C>T.We also found that a few young members of the family of probands(proband 1 and proband 2)have exhibited no manifestations of MFS so far,although they carry the same disease-causing mutation.Conclusions:We found three FBN1 mutations in three unrelated Chinese families with MFS by genome sequencing,and the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes in MFS patients needs further exploration.

Exome sequencing analysis identifies novel homozygous mutation in ABCA4 in a Chinese family with Stargardt disease

AIM: To identify the disease-associated mutations in a Chinese Stargardt disease(STGD) family, extend the existing spectrum of disease-causing mutations and further define the genotype-phenotype correlations.METHODS: A Chinese STGD family and 200 normal controls were collected. Whole exome sequencing(WES) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to find the pathogenic gene mutation. Physico-chemical parameters of mutant and wildtype proteins were computed by Prot Param tool. Domains analysis was performed by SMART online software. HOPE online software was used to analyze the structural effects of mutation. Immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used for expression analysis.RESULTS: Using WES, a novel homozygous mutation(NM_000350: c.G3190 C, p.G1064 R) in ABCA4 gene was identified. This mutation showed co-segregation with phenotype in this family. It was not found in the 200 unrelated health controls and absent from any databases. It was considered "Deleterious" as predicted by five function prediction softwares, and was highly conserved during evolution. ABCA4 was expressed highly in the human eye and mouse retina. The p.G1064 R was located in AAA domain, may force the local backbone into an incorrect conformation, disturb the local structure, and reduce the activity of ATPase resulting in the disease pathology. CONCLUSION: We define a novel pathogenic mutation(c.G3190 C of ABCA4) of STGD. This extends the existing spectrum of disease-causing mutations and further defines the genotype-phenotype correlations.

Identification of de novo Mutations in the Chinese Autism Spectrum Disorder Cohort via Whole-Exome Sequencing Unveils Brain Regions Implicated in Autism

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviors.Although hundreds of ASD risk genes,implicated in synaptic formation and transcriptional regulation,have been identified through human genetic studies,the East Asian ASD cohorts are still under-represented in genome-wide genetic studies.Here,we applied whole-exome sequencing to 369 ASD trios including probands and unaffected parents of Chinese origin.Using a joint-calling analytical pipeline based on GATK toolkits,we identified numerous de novo mutations including 55 high-impact variants and 165 moderate-impact variants,as well as de novo copy number variations containing known ASD-related genes.Importantly,combined with single-cell sequencing data from the developing human brain,we found that the expression of genes with de novo mutations was specifically enriched in the pre-,post-central gyrus(PRC,PC)and banks of the superior temporal(BST)regions in the human brain.By further analyzing the brain imaging data with ASD and healthy controls,we found that the gray volume of the right BST in ASD patients was significantly decreased compared to healthy controls,suggesting the potential structural deficits associated with ASD.Finally,we found a decrease in the seed-based functional connectivity between BST/PC/PRC and sensory areas,the insula,as well as the frontal lobes in ASD patients.This work indicated that combinatorial analysis with genome-wide screening,single-cell sequencing,and brain imaging data reveal the brain regions contributing to the etiology of ASD.

Identification of risk genes in Chinese nonobstructive azoospermia patients based on whole-exome sequencing

Nonobstructive azoospermia(NOA)is a severe condition in infertile men,and increasing numbers of causative genes have been identified during the last few decades.Although certain causative genes can explain the presence of NOA in some patients,a proportion of NOA patients remain to be addressed.This study aimed to investigate potential high-risk genes associated with spermatogenesis in idiopathic NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing.Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 46 male patients diagnosed with NOA.First,screening was performed for 119 genes known to be related to male infertility.Next,further screening was performed to determine potential high-risk causative genes for NOA by comparisons with 68 healthy male controls.Finally,risk genes with high/specific expression in the testes were selected and their expression fluctuations during spermatogenesis were graphed.The frequency of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR)gene pathogenic variant carriers was higher in the NOA patients compared with the healthy controls.Potential risk genes that may be causes of NOA were identified,including seven genes that were highly/specifically expressed in the testes.Four risk genes previously reported to be involved in spermatogenesis(MutS homolog 5[MSH5],cilia-and flagella-associated protein 54[CFAP54],MAP7 domain containing 3[MAP7D3],and coiled-coil domain containing 33[CCDC33])and three novel risk genes(coiled-coil domain containing 168[CCDC168],chromosome 16 open reading frame 96[C16orf96],and serine protease 48[PRSS48])were identified to be highly or specifically expressed in the testes and significantly different in the 46 NOA patients compared with 68 healthy controls.This study on clinical NOA patients provides further evidence for the four previously reported risk genes.The present findings pave the way for further functional investigations and provide candidate risk genes for genetic diagnosis of NOA.

Molecular diagnosis of Kallmann syndrome with diabetes by whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic approaches

BACKGROUND Kallmann syndrome(KS)is a hypogonadotropic hypogonadism accompanied by anosmia or hyposmia.It is associated with the low secretion of gonadotropins which can lead to other abnormal endocrine metabolism disorders such as diabetes.Through genetic and molecular biological methods,more than 10 KS pathogenic genes have been found.AIM To identify the existing mutation sites of KS with diabetes and reveal the relationship between genotype and phenotype.METHODS We studied KS pathogenesis through high-throughput exome sequencing on four diabetes’patients with KS for screening the potential pathogenic sites and exploring the genotype-phenotype correlation.Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients.White blood cells were separated and genomic DNA was extracted.High-throughput sequencing of all exons in the candidate pathogenic genes of probands was performed,and the results obtained were analyzed.RESULTS Sequencing revealed mutations in the KLB p.T313M,ANOS1 p.C172F,and IGSF10 gene(p.Lys1819Arg and p.Arg1035Thr)at different sites,which may have been associated with disease onset.CONCLUSION The diagnosis of KS is challenging,especially in early puberty,and the clinical manifestations reflect physical delays in development and puberty.Timely diagnosis and treatment can induce puberty,thereby improving sexual,bone,metabolic and mental health.

Molecular diagnosis of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia in the whole exome/genome sequencing era

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias(ARCA) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare neurodegenerative disorders characterized by autosomal recessive inheritance and an early age of onset. Progressive ataxia is usually the prominent symptom and is often associated with other neurological or additional features. ARCA classification still remains controversial even though different approaches have been proposed over the years. Furthermore, ARCA molecular diagnosis has been a challenge due to phenotypic overlap and increased genetic heterogeneity observed within this group of disorders. Friedreich's ataxia and ataxia telangiectasia have been reported as the most frequent and well-studied forms of ARCA. Significant progress in understanding the genetic etiologies of the ARCA has been achieved during the last 15 years. The methodological revolution that has been observed in genetics over the last few years has contributed significantly to the molecular diagnosis of rare diseases including the ARCAs. Development of high throughput technologies has resulted in the identification of new ARCA genes and novel mutations in known ARCA genes. Therefore,an improvement in the molecular diagnosis of ARCA is expected. Moreover, based on the fact that many patients still remain undiagnosed, additional forms of ataxia are expected to be identified. We hereby review the current knowledge on the ARCAs, focused on the genetic findings of the most common forms that were molecularly characterized before the whole exome/genome era, as well as the most recently described forms that have been elucidated with the use of these novel technologies. The significant contribution of wholeexome sequencing or whole-genome sequencing in the molecular diagnosis of ARCAs is discussed.

Targeted gene panel provides advantages over whole-exome sequencing for diagnosing obesity and diabetes mellitus

A small fraction of patients diagnosed with obesity or diabetes mellitus has an underlying monogenic cause.Here,we constructed a targeted gene panel consisting of 83 genes reported to be causative for monogenic obesity or diabetes.We performed this panel in 481 patients to detect causative variants and compared these results with whole-exome sequencing(WES)data available for 146 of these patients.The coverage of targeted gene panel sequencing was significantly higher than that of WES.The diagnostic yield in patients sequenced by the panel was 32.9%with subsequent WES leading to three additional diagnoses with two novel genes.In total,178 variants in 83 genes were detected in 146 patients by targeted sequencing.Three of the 178 variants were missed by WES,although the WES-only approach had a similar diagnostic yield.For the 335 samples only receiving targeted sequencing,the diagnostic yield was 32.2%.In conclusion,taking into account the lower costs,shorter turnaround time,and higher quality of data,targeted sequencing is a more effective screening method for monogenic obesity and diabetes compared to WES.Therefore,this approach could be routinely established and used as a first-tier test in clinical practice for specific patients.

48例原因不明矮身材儿童临床特征和致病基因分析

【目的】总结原因不明矮身材儿童的临床特征并探讨其致病基因,为临床精准诊疗提供依据。【方法】收集我院儿科内分泌专科2018年1月至2022年8月就诊的未能明确诊断的矮身材儿童临床表现、实验室检查及全外显子组测序(WES)结果进行回顾性分析,根据不同作用机制对致病基因进行归纳总结。【结果】纳入患儿48例(男性30例,女性18例),年龄(7.73±3.97)岁,身高标准差分值为-3.63±1.67;临床表现:特殊面容33例(68.8%),体型或骨骼系统异常31例(64.6%),围产期异常26例(54.2%,其中61.5%为小于胎龄儿),内分泌系统异常24例(50.0%,其中87.5%生长激素(GH)峰值低于正常),矮身材家族史21例(43.8%);实验室检查:GH激发试验峰值(9.72±7.25)ng/mL,IGF-1标准差分值为-0.82±1.42,骨龄与年龄差值(-0.93±1.39)岁;WES共发现相关基因变异者25例,其中14例(56.0%)为致病变异,6例(24.0%)为可能致病变异,5例(20.0%)为意义未明变异;评价为致病及可能致病变异的基因共14个,其中影响细胞内信号通路10个(PTPN11、RAF1、RIT1、ARID1B、ANKRD11、CSNK2A1、SRCAP、CUL7、SMAD4和FAM111A),影响细胞外基质(ECM)4个(ACAN、FBN1、COL10A1和COMP)。【结论】临床上表现为严重矮身材伴特殊面容、非匀称体型、骨骼系统异常、小于胎龄儿、GH峰值低于正常和矮身材家族史等特征的儿童,其病因需考虑罕见单基因疾病的可能,WES是提高单基因性矮小症诊断效能的重要手段。本组患儿致病基因中,主要致病机制是影响细胞内信号通路和ECM组分或功能,进一步研究有助于发现和研究新的矮小症致病变异和基因功能。

Genetic Analysis of Two Novel GPI Variants Disrupting H Bonds and Localization Characteristics of 55 Gene Variants Associated with Glucose-6-phosphate Isomerase Deficiency

Objective:Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(GPI)deficiency is a rare hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by GPI gene variants.This disorder exhibits wide heterogeneity in its clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics,often posing challenges for precise diagnoses using conventional methods.To this end,this study aimed to identify the novel variants responsible for GPI deficiency in a Chinese family.Methods:The clinical manifestations of the patient were summarized and analyzed for GPI deficiency phenotype diagnosis.Novel compound heterozygous variants of the GPI gene,c.174C>A(p.Asn58Lys)and c.1538G>T(p.Trp513Leu),were identified using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing.The AlphaFold program and Chimera software were used to analyze the effects of compound heterozygous variants on GPI structure.Results:By characterizing 53 GPI missense/nonsense variants from previous literature and two novel missense variants identified in this study,we found that most variants were located in exons 3,4,12,and 18,with a few localized in exons 8,9,and 14.This study identified novel compound heterozygous variants associated with GPI deficiency.These pathogenic variants disrupt hydrogen bonds formed by highly conserved GPI amino acids.Conclusion:Early family-based sequencing analyses,especially for patients with congenital anemia,can help increase diagnostic accuracy for GPI deficiency,improve child healthcare,and enable genetic counseling.

Clinical manifestations and the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 7 mosaicism:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The clinical manifestations of trisomy 7 mosaicism are diverse and nonspecific,so prenatal diagnosis is very difficult.CASE SUMMARY Two pregnant women with abnormal prenatal screening results were included.One was a 22-year-old woman(G1P0).At 31st week of gestation,ultrasound revealed that the posterior horn of the left lateral ventricle was 10 mm and the right renal pelvis had a separation of 7 mm.The other pregnant woman was 33 years old(G2P1L1A0),and her fetus was found to have a cardiac malformation at the 24th week of gestation.Copy number variation sequencing,whole-exome sequencing and karyotype analysis were carried out after amniocentesis,and both fetuses were diagnosed with trisomy 7 mosaicism.After parental counseling,one woman continued the pregnancy,and the other woman terminated the pregnancy.CONCLUSION In trisomy 7 mosaicism,the low proportion of trisomy does not lead to abortion,but can result in abnormal fetal development,which can be detected via ultrasound.Therefore,clinicians need to pay more attention to various aspects of fetal growth and development,combining with imaging,cellular,molecular genetics and other methods to perform comprehensive evaluations of fetuses to provide more reliable genetic counseling for pregnant women.

Mental retardation,seizures and language delay caused by new SETD1B mutations:Three case reports

BACKGROUND The SETD1B gene is instrumental in human intelligence and nerve development.Mutations in the SETD1B gene have been linked in recent studies to neurodevelopmental disorders,seizures,and language delay.CASE SUMMARY This study aimed to analyze the clinical manifestations and treatment of three patients suffering from mental retardation,epilepsy,and language delay resulting from a new mutation in the SETD1B gene.Three individuals with these symptoms were selected,and their clinical symptoms,gene test results,and treatment were analyzed.This article discusses the impact of the SETD1B gene mutation on patients and outlines the treatment approach.Among the three patients(two females and one male,aged 8,4,and 1,respectively),all exhibited psychomotor retardation,attention deficit,and hyperactivity disorder,and two had epilepsy.Antiepileptic treatment with sodium tripolyvalproate halted the seizures in the affected child,although mental development remained somewhat delayed.Whole exome sequencing revealed new mutations in the SETD1B gene for all patients,specifically with c.5473C>T(p.Arg1825trp),c.4120C>T(p.Gln1374*,593),c.14_15insC(p.His5Hisfs*33).CONCLUSION Possessing the SETD1B gene mutation may cause mental retardation accompanied by seizures and language delay.Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood,interventions such as drug therapy,rehabilitation training,and family support can assist patients in managing their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life.Furthermore,genetic testing supplies healthcare providers with more precise diagnostic and therapeutic guidance,informs families about genetic disease risks,and contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis and drug research and development.

The present and future of whole-exome sequencing in studying andtreating human reproductive disorders

The causes of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and fetal malformations are multifactorial and unclear in most cases. Environmental, maternal, and genetic factors have been shown to contribute to these defects. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is widely used to detect genetic variations associated with human diseases and has recently been successfully applied to unveil genetic causes of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and fetal malformations. Here, we review the current discovery and diagnosis strategies to identify the underlying pathogenic mutations of URSA and fetal malformations using WES technology and propose to further develop WES, both to advance our understanding of these diseases and to eventually lead to targeted therapies for reproductive disorders.

Personalized treatment based on mini patient-derived xenografts and WES/RNA sequencing in a patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma

Background:Treatment guidelines for a variety of cancers have been increasingly used in clinical practice,and have resulted in major improvement in patient outcomes.However,recommended regimens(even first-line treat-ments)are clearly not ideal for every patients.In the present study,we used mini patient-derived xenograft(mini-PDX)and next-generation sequencing to develop personalized treatment in a patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.Methods:Resected metachronous metastatic tumor tissues were implanted into SCID mice to determine the sensitivity to a variety of drug regimens.Mutation profiles were assessed using both DNA whole-exome sequencing(DNA-WES)and RNA sequencing.The results of the analyses were used to select optimal treatment for the patient with metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.Results:Assessment with mini-PDX models took only 7 days.The results showed high sensitivity to S-1 plus cis-platin,gemcitabine plus cisplatin and everolimus alone.The patient received gemcitabine plus cisplatin initially,but the treatment was terminated due to toxicity.The patient was then switched to treatment with S-1 alone.The overall disease-free survival was 34 months.DNA-WES and RNA sequencing identified KRAS mutation(A146T),TP53(C229Yfs*10)and RICTOR amplification in the metastatic duodenal adenocarcinoma.These findings provided further support to the results of the mini-PDX,and suggest mTOR inhibitors should be used if and when relapse eventually occurs in this patient.Conclusions:Mini-PDX model combined with WES/RNA sequencing can rapidly assess drug sensitivity in cancer patients and reveal key genetic alterations.Further research on this technology for personalized therapy in patients with refractory malignant tumors is warranted.

Diagnosis with Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia Using Whole-exome Sequencing in a Chinese Family

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia （MED; EDMI, OMIM 132400; EDM2, OMIM 600204; EDM3, OMIM 600969; EDM4, OMIM 226900; EDM5~ OMIM 607078; EDM6, OMIM 614135） is an autosomal dominant inherited disease of the skeletal system, characterized by mild short stature and early-onset degenerative joint disease, caused by heterogeneous genotypes involving more than six genes （COMP, COL9A 1, COL9A2, COL9A3, MATN3, DTDST）.However, in approximately 10-20% of all samples analyzed, a mutation cannot be identified in any of the six genes mentioned above, suggesting that the presence of other unidentified causative genes is also involved in the pathogenesis of MED.

Identification of A Novel SBF2 Frameshift Mutation in Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease Type 4B2 Using Whole-exome Sequencing

Abstract Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B2 with early-onset glaucoma （CMT4B2, OMIM 604563） is a genetically-heterogeneous childhood-onset neuromuscular disorder. Here, we report the case of a 15-year-old male adolescent with lower extremity weakness, gait abnormalities, foot deformities and early-onset glaucoma. Since clinical diagnosis alone was insufficient for providing pathogenetic evidence to indicate that the condition belonged to a consanguineous family, we applied whole-exome sequencing to samples from the patient, his parents and his younger brother, assuming that the patient＇s condition is transmitted in an autosomal recessive pattern. A frame-shift mutation, c.4571delG （P.Gly1524Glufs＊42）, was revealed in the CMT4B2-related gene SBF2 （also known as MTMR13, MIM 607697）, and this mutation was found to be homozygous in the proband and heterozygous in his parents and younger brother. Together with the results of clinical diagnosis, this case was diagnosed as CMT4B2. Our finding further demonstrates the use of whole-exome sequencing in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.