PURPOSE: We set out to develop a publicly available tool that could accurately diagnose spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in exome, genome, or panel sequencing data sets aligned to a GRCh37, GRCh38, or T2T reference genome. METHODS: The SMA Finder algorithm detects the most common genetic causes of SMA by evaluating reads that overlap the c.840 position of the SMN1 and SMN2 paralogs. It uses these reads to determine whether an individual most likely has 0 functional copies of SMN1. RESULTS: We developed SMA Finder and evaluated it on 16,626 exomes and 3911 genomes from the Broad Institute Center for Mendelian Genomics, 1157 exomes and 8762 panel samples from Tartu University Hospital, and 198,868 exomes and 198,868 genomes from the UK Biobank. SMA Finder's false-positive rate was below 1 in 200,000 samples, its positive predictive value was greater than 96%, and its true-positive rate was 29 out of 29. Most of these SMA diagnoses had initially been clinically misdiagnosed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSION: Our extensive evaluation of SMA Finder on exome, genome, and panel sequencing samples found it to have nearly 100% accuracy and demonstrated its ability to reduce diagnostic delays, particularly in individuals with milder subtypes of SMA. Given this accuracy, the common misdiagnoses identified here, the widespread availability of clinical confirmatory testing for SMA, and the existence of treatment options, we propose that it is time to add SMN1 to the American College of Medical Genetics list of genes with reportable secondary findings after genome and exome sequencing.

• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Exome genetics   MeSH
• Genome, Human genetics   MeSH
• Genomics methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein genetics   MeSH
• Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein genetics   MeSH
• Sequence Analysis, DNA methods   MeSH
• Exome Sequencing MeSH
• Muscular Atrophy, Spinal * genetics   diagnosis   MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Only a limited number of biomarkers guide personalized management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). Transcriptome profiling of microRNA (miRs) and mRNA has shown value in segregating PanNETs and identifying patients more likely to respond to treatment. Because miRs are key regulators of mRNA expression, we sought to integrate expression data from both RNA species into miR-mRNA interaction networks to advance our understanding of PanNET biology. METHODS: We used deep miR/mRNA sequencing on six low-grade/high-risk, well-differentiated PanNETs compared with seven non-diseased tissues to identify differentially expressed miRs/mRNAs. Then we crossed a list of differentially expressed mRNAs with a list of in silico predicted mRNA targets of the most and least abundant miRs to generate high probability miR-mRNA interaction networks. RESULTS: Gene ontology and pathway analyses revealed several miR-mRNA pairs implicated in cellular processes and pathways suggesting perturbed neuroendocrine function (miR-7 and Reg family genes), cell adhesion (miR-216 family and NLGN1, NCAM1, and CNTN1; miR-670 and the claudins, CLDN1 and CLDN2), and metabolic processes (miR-670 and BCAT1/MPST; miR-129 and CTH). CONCLUSION: These novel miR-mRNA interaction networks identified dysregulated pathways not observed when assessing mRNA alone and provide a foundation for further investigation of their utility as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers.

• MeSH
• Gene Regulatory Networks MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• RNA, Messenger * genetics   MeSH
• MicroRNAs * genetics   MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor genetics   MeSH
• Pancreatic Neoplasms * genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Neuroendocrine Tumors * genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Pancreas * metabolism   pathology   MeSH
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic MeSH
• Gene Expression Profiling MeSH
• Transcriptome MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Extrapyramídové ochorenia predstavujú heterogénnu skupinu ochorení, v mnohých prípadoch monogénne podmienenú. Najmä zásluhou technologického pokroku v oblasti sekvenovania došlo v posledných rokoch k významnému posunu diagnostických algoritmov pre túto skupinu ochorení, kde sa čoraz viac využívajú metodiky "next-generation sequencing". V prehľadovom článku je prezentovaný súčasný pohľad na genetickú diagnostiku extrapyramídových ochorení, súčasné možnosti testovania a prichádzajúce trendy so zameraním najmä na priblíženie pragmatických algoritmov testovania.

Movement disorders represent a heterogeneous group of diseases, often with a monogenic background. Especially thanks to technological progress in the field of sequen­cing, there has been a significant shift in diagnostic algorithms for this group of diseases in recent years, where "next-generation sequencing" methodologies are increasingly being used. The review article presents a current view of the genetic diagnostics of movement disorders, current testing options and upcoming trends, with a particular focus on pragmatic testing algorithms.

• MeSH
• Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
• Dystonia diagnosis   genetics   classification   MeSH
• Genetic Testing methods   MeSH
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity diagnosis   genetics   classification   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Basal Ganglia Diseases * diagnosis   genetics   classification   MeSH
• Parkinsonian Disorders diagnosis   genetics   classification   MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Review MeSH

Multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTB) are already well established in many comprehensive cancer centers and play an important role in the individual treatment planning for cancer patients. Comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor tissue based on next-generation sequencing is currently performed for diagnostic and mainly predictive testing. If somatic genomic variants are identified, which are suspected to be pathogenic germline variants (PGVs), MTB propose genetic counseling and germline DNA testing. Commonly used comprehensive genomic profiling approaches of tumor tissue do not include a matched germline DNA control. Therefore, the detection of PGVs could be only predicted based on the content of tumor cells (CTC) in selected tumor area (%) and variant allele frequency score (%). For conclusion, the role of a medical geneticist is essential in these cases. The overall prevalence of PGVs in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is approximately 10%. In this single-center study, we present 37 patients with PDAC and 48 patients with CRC who were presented at MTB and tested using the large combined DNA/RNA sequencing panel. Content of tumor cells and variant allele frequency scores were evaluated in all tested patients. In case of suspicion of PGV and no previous genetic testing based on the standard guidelines, genetic counseling was recommended regardless of age, sex, and family history. In the PDAC subgroup, five patients were recommended by MTB for genetic counseling based on suspicious genetic findings. Based on a medical geneticist's decision, germline DNA sequencing was performed in four of these cases, and all of them tested positive for PGV in the following genes: ATM, ATM, BRCA1, and BRCA2. In the CRC subgroup, no PGV was confirmed in the two patients genetically tested based on the MTB recommendations. Furthermore, we present data from our center's registry of patients with PDAC and CRC who underwent genetic counseling and germline DNA testing based on the standard screening criteria. Our data confirm that comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor tissue can identify patients with hereditary forms of PDAC, who could remain unidentified by standard screening for hereditary forms of cancer.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal genetics   diagnosis   MeSH
• Genetic Counseling MeSH
• Genetic Testing methods   MeSH
• Genomics methods   MeSH
• Colorectal Neoplasms * genetics   diagnosis   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pancreatic Neoplasms * genetics   diagnosis   MeSH
• Incidental Findings MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing methods   MeSH
• Germ-Line Mutation * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: While the reported incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections is increasing, the true prevalence remains uncertain due to limitations in diagnostics and surveillance. The emergence of rare and novel species underscores the need for characterization to improve surveillance, detection, and management. METHODS: We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and/or targeted deep-sequencing using the Deeplex Myc-TB assay on all NTM isolates collected in Slovakia and the Czech Republic between the years 2019 to 2023 that were unidentifiable at the species level by the routine diagnostic line probe assays (LPA) GenoType CM/AS and NTM-DR. Minimal inhibitory concentrations against amikacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, clarithromycin, and linezolid were determined, and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cultures from different patients were included, of which 9 (32.1%) met the clinically relevant NTM disease criteria. The majority of those had pulmonary involvement, while two children presented with lymphadenitis. Antimycobacterial resistance rates were low. In total, 15 different NTM species were identified, predominantly rare NTM like M. neoaurum, M. kumamotonense and M. arupense. Notably, clinically relevant M. chimaera variants were also identified with WGS and Deeplex-Myc TB, which, unlike other M. chimaera strains, appeared to be undetectable by LPA assays. Deeplex detected four mixed infections that were missed by WGS analysis. In contrast, WGS identified two novel species, M. celatum and M. branderi, which were not detected by Deeplex-Myc TB. Importantly, one of these novel species strains was associated with clinically relevant pulmonary disease. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates the clinical relevance of uncommon NTM and the effectiveness of targeted deep-sequencing combined with WGS in identifying rare and novel NTM species.

• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology   MeSH
• Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous * microbiology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Drug Resistance, Bacterial MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Genotype MeSH
• Clinical Relevance MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Nontuberculous Mycobacteria * drug effects   genetics   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Whole Genome Sequencing * MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Child, Preschool MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Slovakia MeSH

High-grade B-cell lymphomas (HGBCLs) are aggressive blood cancers with a severe disease course, especially when the central nervous system (CNS) is involved. Standard histological examination depends on tissue availability and is currently supplemented with molecular tests, as the status of MYC, BCL2, or BCL6 gene rearrangements is required for proper lymphoma classification. This case report demonstrates the relevance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell-free DNA testing by integrative next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. The benefit of this approach resided in tumor genotyping alongside the proof of CNS progression despite MRI negativity, revealing a clonal relationship with the primary tumor lesion. In addition, our strategy allowed us to classify the tumor as DLBCL/HGBL-MYC/BCL2 entity. In clinical practice, such a minimally invasive approach provides a more sensitive tool than standard imaging and cell analyzing techniques, enabling more accurate disease monitoring and relapse prediction in particular cases.

• MeSH
• Lymphoma, B-Cell genetics   pathology   diagnosis   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Circulating Tumor DNA genetics   MeSH
• Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local pathology   genetics   MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor genetics   MeSH
• Central Nervous System Neoplasms genetics   pathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Case Reports MeSH

The Rare Gynecologic Sarcoma study involved 23 institutions from 10 countries focusing on myxoid leiomyosarcoma and non-smooth muscle uterine sarcomas. Here, we present the main results of the study, including the comparison between the original and final diagnosis, the frequency and type of molecular aberrations, and the clinicopathologic outcomes. A total of 379 cases were included, with available results for next-generation sequencing (NGS) RNA in 338 of 379 cases and NGS DNA in 335 of 379 cases. According to the original diagnoses, the study included 204 cases of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS), 75 cases of high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HG-ESS), 74 cases of undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS), 17 cases of myxoid leiomyosarcoma, and 9 cases of unclassifiable sarcoma. The results of our second reading showed that 29% (110/379) of all the tumors had been originally misdiagnosed. After the reclassification, the final diagnoses were 147 cases of LG-ESS, 69 cases of HG-ESS, 58 cases of UUS, 3 cases of LG-ESS with high-grade transformation, 7 cases of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, 9 cases of uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor, 8 cases of tumors with a KAT6B/A::KANSL1 fusion, 2 cases of tumors with an NTRK fusion, 29 cases of undifferentiated carcinoma, and 47 tumors with smooth muscle differentiation. The molecular testing showed that LG-ESS harbor a recurrent fusion in 75.9% and HG-ESS in 43.7% of cases. The results of our study emphasize the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive significance of molecular testing in mesenchymal uterine tumors.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Leiomyosarcoma genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Uterine Neoplasms * genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Sarcoma * genetics   pathology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

BACKGROUND: Juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) of the ovary is a rare tumor with distinct clinicopathological and hormonal features primarily affecting young women and children. We conducted a complex clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of five cases of JGCT. METHODS: The immunohistochemical examination was performed with 32 markers, including markers that have not been previously investigated. Moreover, DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PTEN methylation analysis was performed. RESULT: We found the expression of calretinin, inhibin A, SF1, FOXL2, CD99, CKAE1/3, ER, PR, AR in all cases. WT1 was expressed in one case. Conversely, the expression of p16, OCT3/4, SALL4, GATA3, Napsin A, SATB2, MUC4, TTF1, and CAIX was completely negative. All tumors showed the wild-type pattern of p53 expression. Regarding predictive markers, all tumors were HER2 negative and did not express PD-L1. Mismatch repair proteins (MMR) showed no loss or restriction of expression, similarly to ARID1A, DPC4, BRG1, and INI1. The molecular analysis revealed AKT1 internal tandem duplication in two tumors. Two other cases exhibited mutations in TERT and EP400 and both developed recurrence. All AKT1-wild type tumors exhibited immunohistochemical loss of PTEN expression. However, no mutations, deletions (as assessed by CNV analysis), or promoter hypermethylation in the PTEN gene were detected. CONCLUSION: The results of our study further support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of JGCT may be driven by activation of the PIK3/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings could potentially have future therapeutic implications, as treatment strategies targeting the PTEN/mTOR pathways are currently under investigation.

• MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• PTEN Phosphohydrolase genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Immunohistochemistry * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• DNA Methylation MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Granulosa Cell Tumor * pathology   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor * genetics   analysis   metabolism   MeSH
• Ovarian Neoplasms * pathology   genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt * metabolism   genetics   MeSH
• Signal Transduction * MeSH
• TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases * metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

• MeSH
• Early Detection of Cancer MeSH
• Diabetes Mellitus MeSH
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease MeSH
• Genetic Testing MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Pancreatic Neoplasms * surgery   diagnosis   genetics   MeSH
• Diagnostic Screening Programs MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Newspaper Article MeSH

Measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is used to assess response to treatment and for early detection of imminent relapse. In childhood AML, MRD is typically evaluated using flow cytometry, or by quantitative detection of leukemia-specific aberrations at the mRNA level. Both methods, however, have significant limitations. Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of MRD monitoring in selected subgroups of AML at the genomic DNA (gDNA) level. To evaluate the potential of gDNA-based MRD monitoring across all AML subtypes, we conducted a comprehensive analysis involving 133 consecutively diagnosed children. Integrating next-generation sequencing into the diagnostic process, we identified (presumed) primary genetic aberrations suitable as MRD targets in 97% of patients. We developed patient-specific quantification assays and monitored MRD in 122 children. The gDNA-based MRD monitoring via quantification of primary aberrations with a sensitivity of at least 10-4 was possible in 86% of patients; via quantification with sensitivity of 5 × 10-4, of secondary aberrations, or at the mRNA level in an additional 8%. Importantly, gDNA-based MRD exhibited independent prognostic value at early time-points in patients stratified to intermediate-/high-risk treatment arms. Our study demonstrates the broad applicability, feasibility, and clinical significance of gDNA-based MRD monitoring in childhood AML.

• MeSH
• Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute * diagnosis   genetics   therapy   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Genomics MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• RNA, Messenger genetics   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Flow Cytometry MeSH
• Recurrence MeSH
• Neoplasm, Residual diagnosis   genetics   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH