Utility of High-Throughput Genomic Analysis for Genetic Counseling in Large Family with Wilson Disease Carrying a Novel 28-bp ATP7B Splice-Junction Deletion

Information from the abstract

Background/Objectives: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in the ATP7B gene. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for preventing irreversible complications. This study demonstrated the clinical utility of integrated high-throughput genomic analysis for molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling in a large Thai family affected by WD. Methods: A 32-year-old woman with clinical features suggestive of WD underwent clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic evaluations, including sequencing of the entire ATP7B gene and SNP microarray. Fluorescent PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis was used for segregation analysis in available family members. SNP microarray analysis and whole-exome sequencing were performed on the proband’s husband to identify pathogenic variants in the ATP7B gene and other disease-associated genes for reproductive risk assessment. Results: The proband presented with hepatic dysfunction, Kayser–Fleischer rings, low serum ceruloplasmin, and a family history of fatal liver disease. She also developed progressive weakness, with nerve conduction findings consistent with axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy predominantly affecting the lower limbs. Sequencing identified a novel homozygous 28-bp splice-junction deletion, c.4022-24_4025del, which disrupted the canonical splice acceptor site at the intron 19/exon 20 boundary and was classified as pathogenic variant. Segregation analysis confirmed carrier status in the proband’s father and identified heterozygous carrier or homozygous wild-type status among her living siblings. SNP microarray analysis revealed a 46.7 Mb copy-neutral long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (CN-LCSH) encompassing ATP7B, with CN-LCSH regions accounting for 2.046% of the total autosomal genome. These findings potentially reflected segmental uniparental isodisomy or identity by descent, while the overall homozygosity pattern did not support recent consanguinity. Combined genomic analyses of the proband’s husband revealed no pathogenic or likely pathogenic ATP7B variants. Based on the available testing, all offspring are expected to be heterozygous carriers, and the risk of an affected child is considered very low. Conclusions: This study highlights the value of integrated genomic analysis for molecular diagnosis, cascade testing, and reproductive risk counseling. Further functional studies should be conducted to validate their pathogenicity.

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