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Transcript:
New research from the Developmental Synaptopathies Consortium (DSC), a research group of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network.
Exploring the Relationship Between Genomic Diversity and Neurodevelopmental Versus Cancer Risks in Individuals with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome.
This summary is based on a paper published in the journal npj Genomic Medicine on May 20, 2025.
PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a spectrum of disorders caused by mutations in the PTEN gene, which typically suppresses formation of tumors. Individuals with PHTS have increased risks of cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Not much is known about why patients with PHTS are at increased risk for these seemingly unrelated outcomes.
In this study, researchers explored the relationship between genomic diversity and neurodevelopmental versus cancer risks in individuals with PHTS. The team analyzed the genotypes of 376 individuals with PHTS and grouped them according to clinical phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders (including ASD) and non-neurodevelopmental disorders (including cancer).
In the neurodevelopmental disorders group, results revealed an increased accumulation of homozygous common variants in genes involved in inflammatory processes. In the ASD group, researchers also found an increased accumulation of homozygous common variants in genes involved in differentiation and chromatin structure regulation. However, in the cancer group, the team found an increased accumulation of homozygous ultra-rare variants in genes modulating cell death.
Authors note that these findings suggest a new concept of genomic diversity as a modifier of neurodevelopmental and malignant phenotypes in those with PHTS. Results also demonstrate potential clinical utility—especially for neurodevelopmental phenotypes—for better PHTS patient management.
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