Featured Publications
De novo pathogenic variants in neuronal differentiation factor 2 (NEUROD2) cause a form of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy
Sega AG, Mis EK, Lindstrom K, Mercimek-Andrews S, Ji W, Cho MT, Juusola J, Konstantino M, Jeffries L, Khokha MK, Lakhani SA. De novo pathogenic variants in neuronal differentiation factor 2 (NEUROD2) cause a form of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Journal Of Medical Genetics 2018, 56: 113. PMID: 30323019, DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105322.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEarly infantile epileptic encephalopathyInfantile epileptic encephalopathyEpileptic encephalopathyPatient variantsDe novo pathogenic variantsNovel de novo variantNovo pathogenic variantsEarly-onset refractory seizuresDifferentiation factor 2Whole-exome sequencingNeuronal differentiation factorRefractory seizuresSignificant developmental delaySpontaneous seizuresUnderlying etiologyEctopic neuronsDe novo variantsPatient's conditionEncephalopathyPathogenic variantsSevere disordersDevelopmental delayUnrelated childrenExome sequencingGene mutations
2024
CC2D1A causes ciliopathy, intellectual disability, heterotaxy, renal dysplasia, and abnormal CSF flow
Kim A, Sakin I, Viviano S, Tuncel G, Aguilera S, Goles G, Jeffries L, Ji W, Lakhani S, Kose C, Silan F, Oner S, Kaplan O, Group M, Ergoren M, Mishra-Gorur K, Gunel M, Sag S, Temel S, Deniz E. CC2D1A causes ciliopathy, intellectual disability, heterotaxy, renal dysplasia, and abnormal CSF flow. Life Science Alliance 2024, 7: e202402708. PMID: 39168639, PMCID: PMC11339347, DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402708.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDevelopmental disabilitiesIntellectual disabilityPatient-derived fibroblastsMidbrain regionsBrain developmentDefective ciliogenesisCSF circulationDisabilityCSF flowAbnormal CSF flowNervous system developmentMutant tadpolesCiliated tissuesMultiple model systemsVariant functionPronephric ductUnrelated familiesCC2D1AExpression patternsCiliogenesisRenal dysplasiaLeft-right organizerFunctional analysisDisease mechanismsBrainUnraveling the genetic tapestry of pediatric sarcomeric cardiomyopathies and masquerading phenocopies in Jordan
Azab B, Aburizeg D, Shaaban S, Ji W, Mustafa L, Isbeih N, Al-Akily A, Mohammad H, Jeffries L, Khokha M, Lakhani S, Al-Ammouri I. Unraveling the genetic tapestry of pediatric sarcomeric cardiomyopathies and masquerading phenocopies in Jordan. Scientific Reports 2024, 14: 15141. PMID: 38956129, PMCID: PMC11219879, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64921-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExome sequencingSarcomere-related genesMitochondrial-related diseasesAt-risk family membersGenetic architectureGenetic landscapePathogenic variantsGene panelPediatric cardiomyopathyMolecular underpinningsGenetic testingPhenocopiesSarcomeric cardiomyopathiesGenesSequenceStorage disorderFamily membersAt-riskVariantsEarly interventionExomeFamilyGlycogen storage disorderHypertrophic cardiomyopathyCardiomyopathy“Deficiency in ELF4, X-Linked”: a Monogenic Disease Entity Resembling Behçet’s Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Olyha S, O’Connor S, Kribis M, Bucklin M, Uthaya Kumar D, Tyler P, Alam F, Jones K, Sheikha H, Konnikova L, Lakhani S, Montgomery R, Catanzaro J, Du H, DiGiacomo D, Rothermel H, Moran C, Fiedler K, Warner N, Hoppenreijs E, van der Made C, Hoischen A, Olbrich P, Neth O, Rodríguez-Martínez A, Lucena Soto J, van Rossum A, Dalm V, Muise A, Lucas C. “Deficiency in ELF4, X-Linked”: a Monogenic Disease Entity Resembling Behçet’s Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Journal Of Clinical Immunology 2024, 44: 44. PMID: 38231408, PMCID: PMC10929603, DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01610-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDEX patientsClass-switched memory B cellsInborn errors of immunityTreated with anti-inflammatory agentsLow natural killerX-linkedMemory B cellsErrors of immunityCohort of patientsIncreased inflammatory cytokinesLoss-of-function variantsHeterogeneous clinical phenotypesInflammatory bowel diseaseTargeted therapeutic interventionsNatural killerAnti-inflammatory agentsAphthous ulcersTherapeutic responseAutoinflammatory syndromeInflammatory markersClinical manifestationsB cellsBehcet's syndromeGastrointestinal symptomsMechanisms of disease
2021
Human autoinflammatory disease reveals ELF4 as a transcriptional regulator of inflammation
Tyler PM, Bucklin ML, Zhao M, Maher TJ, Rice AJ, Ji W, Warner N, Pan J, Morotti R, McCarthy P, Griffiths A, van Rossum AMC, Hollink IHIM, Dalm VASH, Catanzaro J, Lakhani SA, Muise AM, Lucas CL. Human autoinflammatory disease reveals ELF4 as a transcriptional regulator of inflammation. Nature Immunology 2021, 22: 1118-1126. PMID: 34326534, PMCID: PMC8985851, DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00984-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsCalgranulin ADNA-Binding ProteinsFemaleGene Expression RegulationHereditary Autoinflammatory DiseasesHumansInflammatory Bowel DiseasesInterleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist ProteinLipocalin-2LipopolysaccharidesMacrophagesMaleMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutTh17 CellsTranscription FactorsTranscription, GeneticTriggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1ConceptsInterleukin-1Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characteristicsInflammatory immune cellsHuman inflammatory disordersAnti-inflammatory genesTumor necrosis factorHuman autoinflammatory diseasesInnate stimuliHyperinflammatory responseMale patientsNeutrophil chemoattractantDisease characteristicsInflammatory disordersMucosal diseaseImmune cellsInflammation amplifierNecrosis factorUnrelated male patientsAutoinflammatory diseasesMouse modelBroad translational relevanceTranslational relevanceInflammationFunction variantsMouse macrophagesExpansion of NEUROD2 phenotypes to include developmental delay without seizures
Mis EK, Sega AG, Signer RH, Cartwright T, Ji W, Martinez‐Agosto J, Nelson SF, Palmer CGS, Lee H, Mitzelfelt T, Konstantino M, Network U, Jeffries L, Khokha MK, Marco E, Martin MG, Lakhani SA. Expansion of NEUROD2 phenotypes to include developmental delay without seizures. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part A 2021, 185: 1076-1080. PMID: 33438828, PMCID: PMC8212414, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62064.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDevelopmental delayEarly-onset seizuresDe novo heterozygous variantsNovo heterozygous variantsDifferentiation factor 2Xenopus laevis tadpolesHeterozygous variantsSeizuresNeuronal differentiationParental studiesFunctional testingMissense variantsPatient variantsFunctional evidenceFactor 2Vivo assaysLaevis tadpolesVariant pathogenicityFunction effectsAdolescentsVariants
2020
DYNC1H1‐related disorders: A description of four new unrelated patients and a comprehensive review of previously reported variants
Amabile S, Jeffries L, McGrath JM, Ji W, Spencer‐Manzon M, Zhang H, Lakhani SA. DYNC1H1‐related disorders: A description of four new unrelated patients and a comprehensive review of previously reported variants. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part A 2020, 182: 2049-2057. PMID: 32656949, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61729.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSpinal muscular atrophyIntellectual disabilityUnrelated patientsSingle-center experienceNew unrelated patientsCenter experienceDYNC1H1 geneCNS disordersCombined disordersCortical developmentDisease-causing variantsVariable syndromeNeuromuscular diseaseNeuromuscular phenotypePatientsMuscular atrophyHeterozygous variantsDYNC1H1Medical literatureCharcot-MarieDisordersType 20Novel variantsPhenotypeReportNovel compound heterozygous variants in NHLRC2 in a patient with FINCA syndrome
Brodsky NN, Boyarchuk O, Kovalchuk T, Hariyan T, Rice A, Ji W, Khokha M, Lakhani S, Lucas CL. Novel compound heterozygous variants in NHLRC2 in a patient with FINCA syndrome. Journal Of Human Genetics 2020, 65: 911-915. PMID: 32435055, DOI: 10.1038/s10038-020-0776-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAmino Acid SequenceAngiomatosisBrain NeoplasmsCardiomegalyChild, PreschoolExome SequencingFibrosisHeterozygoteHumansIntracellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsLung DiseasesMaleModels, MolecularNeurodegenerative DiseasesPedigreePoint MutationProtein ConformationProtein DomainsSequence AlignmentSequence Homology, Amino AcidSyndromeConceptsWhole-exome sequencingNovel compound heterozygous variantsCompound heterozygous variantsUkrainian patientsClinical featuresNovel variantsNew patientsHealthy humansCompound heterozygous combinationPatientsHeterozygous variantsSyndromeFinnish childrenNHLRC2Sanger sequencingFibrosisDiseaseGnomAD databaseN-terminal thioredoxinCentral regulatorVariantsNeurodegenerationNovel truncating mutations in CTNND1 cause a dominant craniofacial and cardiac syndrome
Alharatani R, Ververi A, Beleza-Meireles A, Ji W, Mis E, Patterson QT, Griffin JN, Bhujel N, Chang CA, Dixit A, Konstantino M, Healy C, Hannan S, Neo N, Cash A, Li D, Bhoj E, Zackai EH, Cleaver R, Baralle D, McEntagart M, Newbury-Ecob R, Scott R, Hurst JA, Au PYB, Hosey MT, Khokha M, Marciano DK, Lakhani SA, Liu KJ. Novel truncating mutations in CTNND1 cause a dominant craniofacial and cardiac syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 2020, 29: 1900-1921. PMID: 32196547, PMCID: PMC7372553, DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa050.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCell-cell junctionsNovel protein-truncating variantsP120-catenin proteinProtein-truncating variantsNext-generation sequencingTranscriptional signalingP120-cateninCRISPR/Epithelial-mesenchymal transitionSubset of phenotypesDevelopmental roleLimb dysmorphologiesAdditional phenotypesHuman diseasesCTNND1Conditional deletionDe novoTruncating mutationsBlepharocheilodontic syndromeEpithelial integrityNovel truncating mutationCraniofacial dysmorphismPhenotypeCleft palateNeurodevelopmental disorders
2018
A homozygous variant in RRM2B is associated with severe metabolic acidosis and early neonatal death
Penque BA, Su L, Wang J, Ji W, Bale A, Luh F, Fulbright RK, Sarmast U, Sega AG, Konstantino M, Spencer-Manzon M, Pierce R, Yen Y, Lakhani SA. A homozygous variant in RRM2B is associated with severe metabolic acidosis and early neonatal death. European Journal Of Medical Genetics 2018, 62: 103574. PMID: 30439532, DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2018.11.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchA Novel Pathogenic UGT1A1 Variant in a Sudanese Child with Type I Crigler-Najjar Syndrome
Elfar W, Järvinen E, Ji W, Mosorin J, Sega AG, Iuga AC, Lobritto SJ, Konstantino M, Chan A, Finel M, Lakhani SA. A Novel Pathogenic UGT1A1 Variant in a Sudanese Child with Type I Crigler-Najjar Syndrome. Drug Metabolism And Disposition 2018, 47: dmd.118.084368. PMID: 30385458, DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.084368.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsUridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferasesCrigler-Najjar syndromeSudanese childrenType I Crigler-Najjar syndromeSevere unconjugated hyperbilirubinemiaNovel homozygous variantClinical genetic testingAutosomal recessive disorderLiver transplantationClinical featuresPatient ethnicityHepatic enzymesUnconjugated hyperbilirubinemiaGlucuronidation activityGenetic testingBody's abilityHomozygous variantBilirubin conjugationRecessive disorderPatient variantsUGT1A1 variantsDisease phenotypeSanger sequencingUGT functionSyndromePatients with common variable immunodeficiency with autoimmune cytopenias exhibit hyperplastic yet inefficient germinal center responses
Romberg N, Le Coz C, Glauzy S, Schickel JN, Trofa M, Nolan BE, Paessler M, Xu M, Lambert MP, Lakhani SA, Khokha MK, Jyonouchi S, Heimall J, Takach P, Maglione PJ, Catanzaro J, Hsu FI, Sullivan KE, Cunningham-Rundles C, Meffre E. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency with autoimmune cytopenias exhibit hyperplastic yet inefficient germinal center responses. Journal Of Allergy And Clinical Immunology 2018, 143: 258-265. PMID: 29935219, PMCID: PMC6400323, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.06.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCommon variable immunodeficiencyVariable immunodeficiencyB cellsCommensal bacteriaIsotype-switched memory B cellsRegulatory T cell frequencyFollicular helper T cellsGC responseIsotype-switched antibodiesT cell frequenciesSubset of patientsT cell compartmentHelper T cellsPeripheral blood samplesMemory B cellsGerminal center responseB cell clonesAutoimmune cytopeniasGC hyperplasiaSerum endotoxemiaExcisional lymphAntibody responseT cellsMucosal microbiotaSomatic hypermutation frequencies
2017
A novel SAMD9 mutation causing MIRAGE syndrome: An expansion and review of phenotype, dysmorphology, and natural history
Jeffries L, Shima H, Ji W, Panisello‐Manterola D, McGrath J, Bird LM, Konstantino M, Narumi S, Lakhani S. A novel SAMD9 mutation causing MIRAGE syndrome: An expansion and review of phenotype, dysmorphology, and natural history. American Journal Of Medical Genetics Part A 2017, 176: 415-420. PMID: 29266745, DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38557.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsConstellation of symptomsAdditional clinical featuresNovel de novo variantReview of phenotypesSAMD9 mutationsAdrenal insufficiencyMultidisciplinary managementAdditional patientsClinical featuresPatient's courseSpecialist careMIRAGE syndromeDe novo variantsEarly diagnosisHigh riskPatientsTreatment planGermline gainNatural historyFunction variantsGenital phenotypeNovo variantsRestriction of growthSyndromeAmino acid variants
2006
Caspases 3 and 7: Key Mediators of Mitochondrial Events of Apoptosis
Lakhani SA, Masud A, Kuida K, Porter GA, Booth CJ, Mehal WZ, Inayat I, Flavell RA. Caspases 3 and 7: Key Mediators of Mitochondrial Events of Apoptosis. Science 2006, 311: 847-851. PMID: 16469926, PMCID: PMC3738210, DOI: 10.1126/science.1115035.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsApoptosisApoptosis Inducing FactorBcl-2-Associated X ProteinCaspase 3Caspase 7CaspasesCell NucleusCell ShapeCell SurvivalCells, CulturedCytochromes cDNA FragmentationFemaleFibroblastsHeartHeart Defects, CongenitalMaleMiceMice, Inbred C57BLMice, KnockoutMitochondriaMitochondrial MembranesPermeabilityT-LymphocytesConceptsApoptosis-inducing factorMitochondrial eventsDownstream effector caspasesDeath receptor-mediated apoptosisCytochrome c releaseCaspase-3Receptor-mediated apoptosisDefective nuclear translocationEarly apoptotic eventsMitochondrial membrane potentialEffector caspasesBax translocationC releaseCardiac developmentApoptotic eventsCaspase-7Upstream signalsNuclear translocationApoptosisMembrane potentialCritical mediatorKey mediatorTranslocationCaspasesEffectors