1. DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS
1.1 Name of the disease (synonyms)
Phelan-McDermid syndrome/22q13 deletion syndrome/chromosome 22q13.3 deletion syndrome/telomeric 22q13 monosomy syndrome.
1.2 OMIM# of the disease
606232.
1.3 Name of the analysed genes or DNA/chromosome segments
SHANK3, 22q13.3.
1.4 OMIM# of the gene(s)
602306.
1.5 Mutational spectrum
Phelan-McDermid syndrome can result from simple 22q13 deletions, ring chromosomes and unbalanced translocations.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The deletions are extremely variable in size, ranging from 95 kb to 9 Mb. The gene responsible for the core neurological features is SHANK3, which has been found to be mutated in patients with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability.6, 7, 8, 9
55% de novo deletion 22q13.3 of the paternally derived chromosome
20% de novo deletion 22q13.3 of the maternally derived chromosome
10% paternal structural rearrangement
10% maternal structural rearrangement
4% de novo unbalanced rearrangement
<1% mutations within SHANK3 gene (only a small number of studies have sequenced SHANK3, so the frequency may be underestimated).6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Deletions of 22q13, not including the SHANK3 gene, have been reported in two unrelated individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.11
1.6 Analytical methods
Chromosome analysis, FISH, array CGH, MLPA and DNA sequencing.
Conventional cytogenetics is usually normal except for cases resulting from unbalanced translocations (24%). Small terminal or interstitial deletions of 22q13 will not be detected by FISH unless this region of chromosome 22 is targeted by probes specific for SHANK3 or other loci within the deleted region.
1.7 Analytical validation
Parallel analysis of positive and negative controls, depending on analytical method.
1.8 Estimated frequency of the disease
(incidence at birth (‘birth prevalence’) or population prevalence)
Unknown due to underdiagnosis.
1.9 If applicable, prevalence in the ethnic group of investigated person
Not applicable.
1.10 Diagnostic setting
Comment:
In 20% of cases, deletion 22q13 results from a structural rearrangement in one of the parents. Study of the parents allows determination of whether additional family members are at risk of being balanced carriers. Detection of an inherited rearrangement may also influence the family's interest in prenatal diagnosis.
2. TEST CHARACTERISTICS
2.1 Analytical sensitivity
(proportion of positive tests if the genotype is present)
Nearly 100%.
2.2 Analytical specificity
(proportion of negative tests if the genotype is not present)
Nearly 100%.
2.3 Clinical sensitivity
(proportion of positive tests if the disease is present)
The clinical sensitivity can be dependent on variable factors such as age or family history. In such cases, a general statement should be given, even if a quantification can only be made case by case.
Nearly 100%. This may vary in the presence of mosaicism for the deletion of chromosome 22.
2.4 Clinical specificity
(proportion of negative tests if the disease is not present)
The clinical specificity can be dependent on variable factors such as age or family history. In such cases, a general statement should be given, even if a quantification can only be made case by case.
Nearly 100%.
2.5 Positive clinical predictive value
(life-time risk of developing the disease if the test is positive)
Nearly 100%.
2.6 Negative clinical predictive value
(probability not to develop the disease if the test is negative)
Assume an increased risk based on family history for a non-affected person. Allelic and locus heterogeneity may need to be considered.
Index case in that family had been tested:
Nearly 100%.
Index case in that family had not been tested:
Nearly 100%. Family members who do not have clinical symptoms will not develop the disorder.
3. CLINICAL UTILITY
3.1 (Differential) diagnosis: the tested person is clinically affected
(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘A’ was marked)
3.1.1 Can a diagnosis be made other than through a genetic test?
3.1.2 Describe the burden of alternative diagnostic methods to the patient
Not applicable.
3.1.3 How is the cost effectiveness of alternative diagnostic methods to be judged?
Not applicable.
3.1.4 Will disease management be influenced by the result of a genetic test?
3.2 Predictive setting: The tested person is clinically unaffected, but carries an increased risk based on family history
(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘B’ was marked)
3.2.1 Will the result of a genetic test influence lifestyle and prevention?
If the test result is positive (please describe):
Not applicable.
If the test result is negative (please describe):
Not applicable.
3.2.2 Which options in view of lifestyle and prevention does a person at-risk have if no genetic test has been done (please describe)?
Not applicable.
3.3 Genetic risk assessment in family members of a diseased person
(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘C’ was marked)
3.3.1 Does the result of a genetic test resolve the genetic situation in that family?
Yes. Establishing whether the deletion is de novo or secondary to a chromosomal rearrangement in one of the parents will influence the need for genetic testing in other family members.
3.3.2 Can a genetic test in the index patient save genetic or other tests in family members?
Yes. Knowing whether the deletion is de novo or secondary to a familial translocation has direct consequences for the genetic counselling of relatives.
3.3.3 Does a positive genetic test result in the index patient enable a predictive test in a family member?
Yes. Prenatal testing is an option for family members who are carriers of a balanced rearrangement.
3.4 Prenatal diagnosis
(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘D’ was marked)
3.4.1 Does a positive genetic test result in the index patient enable a prenatal diagnosis?
Yes.
4. IF APPLICABLE, FURTHER CONSEQUENCES OF TESTING
Please assume that the result of a genetic test has no immediate medical consequences. Is there any evidence that a genetic test is nevertheless useful for the patient or his/her relatives? (Please describe)
A genetic test is necessary to make a positive diagnosis. A diagnosis of 22q13 deletion has immediate consequences to the index patient, by facilitating care by experienced specialists. Parents are given accurate information about the cause of the disease and recurrence risk. Knowledge of the results of the genetic test may resolve feeling of guilt in the parents. Additional genetic testing is useful to relatives in the presence of a structural abnormality that might be inherited.
References
Luciani JJ, de Mas P, Depetris D et al: Telomeric 22q13 deletions resulting from rings, simple deletions, and translocations: cytogenetic, molecular, and clinical analyses of 32 new observations. J Med Genet 2003; 40: 690–696.
Wilson HL, Wong AC, Shaw SR et al: Molecular characterisation of the 22q13 deletion syndrome supports the role of haploinsufficiency of SHANK3/PROSAP2 in the major neurological symptoms. J Med Genet 2003; 40: 575–584.
Cusmano-Ozog K, Manning MA, Hoyme HE : 22q13.3 deletion syndrome: a recognizable malformation syndrome associated with marked speech and language delay. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet 2007; 145C: 393–398.
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Durand CM, Betancur C, Boeckers TM et al: Mutations in the gene encoding the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are associated with autism spectrum disorders. Nat Genet 2007; 39: 25–27.
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Bonaglia MC, Giorda R, Borgatti R : Disruption of the ProSAP2 gene in a t(12;22)(q24.1;q13.3) is associated with the 22q13.3 deletion syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2001; 69: 261–268.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by EuroGentest, an EU-FP6 supported NoE, contract number 512148 (EuroGentest Unit 3: ‘Clinical genetics, community genetics and public health’, Workpackage 3.2).
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Phelan, K., Betancur, C. Clinical utility gene card for: Deletion 22q13 syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 19, 492 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2010.193
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2010.193
