Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Facial Dysostoses.

backgroundDefects in the development of the first and second pharyngeal arches and their derivatives result in abnormal formation of the craniofacial complex, consequently giving rise to facial dysostoses (FDs). FDs represent a group of rare and highly heterogeneous disease entities that encompass mandibulofacial dysostoses (MFDs) with normal extremities and acrofacial dysostoses (AFDs) with limb anomalies in addition to craniofacial defects.

methodsWe examined 11 families with variable clinical symptoms of FDs, in most of which only one member was affected. We applied two custom gene panels-first comprising 37 genes related to the genetic disorders of craniofacial development such as FDs (On-Demand AmpliSeq Thermo Fisher Scientific gene panel with two primer pools) and second composed of 61 genes and 11 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) known to be involved in the development of skull malformations, mainly in the form of craniosynostoses (SureSelect Agilent Technologies). Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using the Ion Torrent S5 platform. To confirm the presence of each detected variant, we have analyzed a genomic region of interest using Sanger sequencing.

resultsIn this paper, we summarized the results of custom targeted gene panel sequencing in the cohort of sixteen patients from 11 consecutive families affected by distinct forms of FDs. We have found three novel pathogenic variants in the

conclusionOur study confirms the efficiency and clinical utility of the targeted gene panel sequencing and shows that this strategy is suitable and efficient in the molecular screening of variable forms of FDs.