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. 2025 May;117(5):e2472.
doi: 10.1002/bdr2.2472.

Exome Sequencing to Identify Novel Susceptibility Genes for Nonsyndromic Split-Hand/Ft Malformation: A Report From the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

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Exome Sequencing to Identify Novel Susceptibility Genes for Nonsyndromic Split-Hand/Ft Malformation: A Report From the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

Tonia C Carter et al. Birth Defects Res. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Split-hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous, congenital limb defect. Some but not all associated genes are known; therefore, the aim was to identify genes underlying SHFM.

Methods: Buccal cell-derived DNA from 26 children with SHFM and their parents who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study was exome sequenced. Family-based trio analyzes prioritized rare coding variants by inheritance patterns, predicted pathogenicity, and location within putative limb development genes. Copy-number variants in SHFM candidate genomic regions were also examined. Case-control analyzes compared coding variants between case children and 1191 controls (parents of children with non-limb birth defects). Variant validation was by Sanger sequencing or droplet digital polymerase chain reaction.

Results: In family-based analyzes, the prioritized and validated variants (each in a single family) included likely damaging variants that were heterozygous and de novo in speckle type BTB/POZ protein (SPOP) and ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 2 (UBA2), X-linked recessive in fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) and RNA binding motif protein 10 (RBM10), and compound heterozygous in interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 (ILF3). Validation assays did not confirm predicted de novo copy-number gains at chromosomes 10q24 and 19p13.11. Case-control analyzes did not identify statistically significant associations.

Conclusion: Exome analysis nominated new susceptibility genes (FGF13, ILF3, RBM10, SPOP) and detected a variant in a known candidate gene (UBA2). Follow-up investigation is needed to ascertain damaging variants in these genes in additional cases with SHFM and evaluate the impact of the variants on gene expression, protein function, and limb development.

Keywords: NBDPS; birth defects; congenital limb malformation; ectrodactyly; exome sequencing; split foot; split hand.

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