Neurogenetic fetal akinesia and arthrogryposis: genetics, expanding genotype-phenotypes and functional genomics.

BACKGROUND: Fetal akinesia and arthrogryposis are clinically and genetically heterogeneous and have traditionally been refractive to genetic diagnosis. The widespread availability of affordable genome-wide sequencing has facilitated accurate genetic diagnosis and gene discovery in these conditions.
METHODS: We performed next generation sequencing (NGS) in 190 probands with a diagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, distal arthrogryposis, fetal akinesia deformation sequence or multiple pterygium syndrome. This sequencing was a combination of bespoke neurogenetic disease gene panels and whole exome sequencing. Only class 4 and 5 variants were reported, except for two cases where the identified variants of unknown significance (VUS) are most likely to be causative for the observed phenotype. Co-segregation studies and confirmation of variants identified by NGS were performed where possible. Functional genomics was performed as required.
RESULTS: Of the 190 probands, 81 received an accurate genetic diagnosis. All except two of these cases harboured class 4 and/or 5 variants based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. We identified phenotypic expansions associated with CACNA1S, CHRNB1, GMPPB and STAC3. We describe a total of 50 novel variants, including a novel missense variant in the recently identified gene for arthrogryposis with brain malformations-SMPD4.
CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive gene panels give a diagnosis for a substantial proportion (42%) of fetal akinesia and arthrogryposis cases, even in an unselected cohort. Recently identified genes account for a relatively large proportion, 32%, of the diagnoses. Diagnostic-research collaboration was critical to the diagnosis and variant interpretation in many cases, facilitated genotype-phenotype expansions and reclassified VUS through functional genomics. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.