DNA methylation episignature and comparative epigenomic profiling of HNRNPU-related neurodevelopmental disorder

Kathleen Rooney, Liselot van der Laan, Slavica Trajkova, Sadegheh Haghshenas, Raissa Relator, Peter Lauffer, Niels Vos, Michael A. Levy, Nicola Brunetti-Pierri, Gaetano Terrone, Cyril Mignot, Boris Keren, Thierry B. de Villemeur, Catharina M. L. Volker-Touw, Nienke Verbeek, Jasper J. van der Smagt, Renske Oegema, Alfredo Brusco, Giovanni B. Ferrero, Mala Misra-IsrieRon Hochstenbach, Mariëlle Alders, Marcel M. A. M. Mannens, Bekim Sadikovic, Mieke M. van Haelst, Peter Henneman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: HNRNPU haploinsufficiency is associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 54. This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and early-onset epilepsy. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) analysis in a cohort of individuals to develop a diagnostic biomarker and gain functional insights into the molecular pathophysiology of HNRNPU-related disorder. Methods: DNAm profiles of individuals carrying pathogenic HNRNPU variants, identified through an international multicenter collaboration, were assessed using Infinium Methylation EPIC arrays. Statistical and functional correlation analyses were performed comparing the HNRNPU cohort with 56 previously reported DNAm episignatures. Results: A robust and reproducible DNAm episignature and global DNAm profile were identified. Correlation analysis identified partial overlap and similarity of the global HNRNPU DNAm profile to several other rare disorders. Conclusion: This study demonstrates new evidence of a specific and sensitive DNAm episignature associated with pathogenic heterozygous HNRNPU variants, establishing its utility as a clinical biomarker for the expansion of the EpiSign diagnostic test.
Original languageEnglish
Article number100871
JournalGenetics in medicine
Volume25
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2023

Keywords

  • CNV
  • DNA methylation
  • Episignature
  • HNRNPU
  • Neurodevelopmental disorder

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