Temple-Baraitser Syndrome and Zimmermann-Laband Syndrome: one clinical entity?

Abstract

Background: KCNH1 encodes a voltage-gated potassium channel that is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. Mutations in this gene were recently found to be responsible for Temple-Baraitser Syndrome (TMBTS) and Zimmermann-Laband syndrome (ZLS).

Methods: Here, we report a new case of TMBTS diagnosed in a Lebanese child. Whole genome sequencing was carried out on DNA samples of the proband and his parents to identify mutations associated with this disease. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the presence of detected variants.

Results: Whole genome sequencing revealed three missense mutations in TMBTS patient: c.1042G > A in KCNH1, c.2131 T > C in STK36, and c.726C > A in ZNF517. According to all predictors, mutation in KCNH1 is damaging de novo mutation that results in substitution of Glycine by Arginine, i.e., p.(Gly348Arg). This mutation was already reported in a patient with ZLS that could affect the connecting loop between helices S4-S5 of KCNH1 with a gain of function effect.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that KCNH1 mutations cause TMBTS and expand the mutational spectrum of KCNH1 in TMBTS. In addition, all cases of TMBTS were reviewed and compared to ZLS. We suggest that the two syndromes are a continuum and that the variability in the phenotypes is the result of the involvement of genetic modifiers.

Keywords: KCNH1; Temple-Baraitser syndrome; Whole genome sequencing; Zimmermann-Laband syndrome.

Fig. 1

Photographs of the patient at the age of 9 and 15 months. Note the frontal bossing, mild hypertelorism, broad and depressed nasal bridge, broad mouth with downturned corners, full cheeks and the myopathic face. Both thumbs are held in an adducted posture are terminally broad with aplasia of the nails bilaterally. Big toes are also broad, long, with aplasia of nails

Fig. 2

X-ray films of the patient. Note the absent distal phalanges of the thumbs and great toes, and the very small femoral epiphyses at the age of 15 months