Next-generation sequencing reveals novel variants and large deletion in FANCA gene in Polish family with Fanconi anemia

Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2022 Jul 19;17(1):282. doi: 10.1186/s13023-022-02424-4.

Abstract

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most common inherited bone marrow failure syndrome. However, establishing its molecular diagnosis remains challenging. Chromosomal breakage analysis is the gold standard diagnostic test for this disease. Nevertheless, molecular analysis is always required for the identification of pathogenic alterations in the FA genes.

Results: We report here on a family with FA diagnosis in two siblings. Mitomycin C (MMC) test revealed high level of chromosome breaks and radial figures. In both children, array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) showed maternally inherited 16q24.3 deletion, including FANCA gene, and next generation sequencing (NGS) disclosed paternally inherited novel variants in the FANCA gene-Asn1113Tyr and Ser890Asn. A third sibling was shown to be a carrier of FANCA deletion only.

Conclusions: Although genetic testing in FA patients often requires a multi-method approach including chromosome breakage test, aCGH, and NGS, every effort should be made to make it available for whole FA families. This is not only to confirm the clinical diagnosis of FA in affected individuals, but also to enable identification of carriers of FA gene(s) alterations, as it has implications for diagnostic and genetic counselling process.

Keywords: Chromosome breakage test; FANCA gene; Fanconi anemia; Thrombocytopenia; aCGH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Comparative Genomic Hybridization
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group A Protein* / genetics
  • Fanconi Anemia* / diagnosis
  • Fanconi Anemia* / genetics
  • Fanconi Anemia* / pathology
  • Genetic Testing
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Poland

Substances

  • FANCA protein, human
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group A Protein