The effect of a single SMARCA4 exon deletion on RNA splicing: Implications for variant classification

Abstract Background Exon deletions are generally considered pathogenic, particularly when they are located out of frame. Here, we describe a pediatric, female patient presenting with hypercalcemia and a small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, and carrying a germline de novo SMARCA4 ex...

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Main Authors: Anna Byrjalsen, Ulrik Stoltze, Mana Mehrjouy, Jane Hübertz Frederiksen, Mads Bak, Ulf Birkedal, Henrik Hasle, Anne‐Marie Gerdes, Kjeld Schmiegelow, Karin Wadt, Thomas van Overeem Hansen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023-10-01
Series:Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/mgg3.2232
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Summary:Abstract Background Exon deletions are generally considered pathogenic, particularly when they are located out of frame. Here, we describe a pediatric, female patient presenting with hypercalcemia and a small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, and carrying a germline de novo SMARCA4 exon 14 deletion. Methods The SMARCA4 deletion was identified by whole genome sequencing, and the effect on the RNA level was examined by gel‐ and capillary electrophoresis and nanopore sequencing. Results The deletion was in silico predicted to be truncating, but RNA analysis revealed two major transcripts with deletion of exon 14 alone or exon 14 through 15, where the latter was located in‐frame. Because the patient's phenotype matched that of other patients with pathogenic germline variants in SMARCA4, the deletion was classified as likely pathogenic. Conclusion We propose to include RNA analysis in classification of single‐exon deletions, especially if located outside of known functional domains, as this can identify any disparate effects on the RNA and DNA level, which may have implications for variant classification using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.
ISSN:2324-9269