X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a strategy used by mammals to silence genes along one of the two female X chromosomes and equilibrate expression dosage between XY males and XX females. This epigenetically-inherited silencing is established during early embryonic development and maintained thereafter through cell divisions. Seeding of multiple repressive epigenetic marks along the inactive X chromosome (Xi) makes inactivation extremely robust and difficult to reverse upon single genetic perturbations. Reversal of XCI has, however, been observed when somatic cells are reprogrammed towards pluripotency, and in vitro reprogramming techniques have been used in recent years to dissect Xi gene reactivation mechanisms. These studies pave the way for developing novel therapeutic approaches for X-linked diseases. Here, the author reviews Xi reactivation during pluripotent reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells, highlight recent advances and species-specific differences, and discuss the relevance for human diseases.

Aim: Whole exome sequencing technology has permitted the discovery of genes that cause Mendelian disorders and was used in clinical laboratories. However, identifying the disease causing variant(s) for a specific disorder from thousands of variants is challenging. In this study, we describe the Cincinnati Clinical Exome Pipeline Analysis Suite (CCEPAS) that utilizes a four-level framework into one analysis procedure that rapidly identify the most likely causative gene variants to establish a clinical diagnosis.

Methods: We developed and validated CCEPAS using 100 clinical exome cases. We applied this pipeline to clinical cases by first translating phenotypic information into candidate gene lists using Pheno2Gene. This list of candidate genes was given to the VarEval algorithm to guide variant filtering and prioritization. Finally, a short list of filtered variants was produced for clinical interpretation.

Results: We demonstrated the development and implementation of CCEPAS to aid in the variant prioritization and filtering to produce a short list of candidate variants for clinical diagnosis. Its unique Pheno2Gene tool utilized an extensive list of resources and provided an accurate, sensitive and specific way to obtain gene lists from clinical feature keywords. In addition, VarEval narrowed down the variants from ~150,000 to the top 20 (trios) and top 50 (singleton) for further variant curation and candidate determination.

Conclusion: Significantly, employment of CCEPAS rapidly provided causative variants in the top 20 and top 50 variants for single and trio cases, respectively, thus, ending the diagnostic odyssey in more than 30% of our clinical exome cases.

Many important medical conditions may be the result of an inherited mutation in one of a number of different genes. Technical advances have reduced the cost of whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing to a level where it is now feasible to analyse multiple genes in one test. Every human carries several hundred potentially pathogenic coding variants, so a major challenge is to understand which of these is relevant to the patient’s disease. This requires considerable computing power, the use of international unaffected “normal” population and disease cohort databases, clinical scientist input as well as a medical context provided by accurate phenotyping and understanding of Bayesian probability. The guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics provide a useful framework for the evaluation and reporting of sequence variants. In England, the 100,000 Genomes Project was established within the National Health Service to introduce these technologies into mainstream healthcare. From January 2019, genomic laboratory hubs will deliver a genomics service. In this paper, we review what has been learnt from the project to date and consider how other health care systems could use similar approaches.

The dosage compensation in placental mammals is achieved by silencing of one copy of the X chromosomes in a female cell by a process called X chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI ensures equal gene dosage for X-linked genes between the two genders. Although the choice of X chromosome to be silenced is random, once the silencing of the X chromosome has been established, this process is highly regulated and maintained throughout subsequent cell divisions. A long non-coding RNA, Xist, and its interacting proteins execute this multistep process, but several of these regulatory proteins remain unidentified. Recent technological advances based on the genetic and proteomics screening have identified several new regulatory factors as well as dissected the molecular details of XCI regulation. Moreover, identification of regulators of XCI offers an opportunity to explore reactivation of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat X-linked diseases, like Rett syndrome. Here, we summarize recent reports that identified new regulatory proteins and RNA species playing a crucial role in Xist localization and spreading, recruitment of silencing machinery to the Xi, Xist interaction with chromatin, and structural organization of the Xi in the nuclei.

Aim: Idiopathic cardiomyopathy is often genetic in origin, typically autosomal dominant, and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is the rarest form. Clinically, RCM prognosis is poor with most patients requiring heart transplant due to impaired diastolic function leading to heart failure. In some cases, desminopathy is also observed, whereby desmin protein aggregates in the myocardium. Many genes are known to be involved in cardiomyopathy, and we sought to find the pathogenic mutation of a four-generation family with RCM and desminopathy.

Methods: We employed whole exome sequence analysis of four RCM patients from the family, to identify the underlying pathogenic mutation(s).

Results: Analysis of the exome data led to identification of two putative pathogenic variants. One, a nonsense mutation in ADD3, encoding adducin 3, was found in the proband and his affected daughter, but not other family members. The other was a missense mutation (G1546S) in the gene encoding filamin C (FLNC), found in all of the affected individuals. Both of these proteins interact with proteins involved in sarcomere function, and are expressed in both heart and skeletal muscle. FLNC has recently been implicated as a cardiomyopathy gene, but ADD3 has not at this point.

Conclusion: We present bioinformatic analyses that suggest that the FLNC variant is the major pathogenic variant affecting this family, but cannot rule out some contribution of the ADD3 mutation in at least two patients.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease, generally the first clinical manifestation of atopy and the start of atopic march. Effective treatment of AD could potentially interrupt the progression of atopic march. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a recently described class of gene expression regulators in inflammatory conditions, affect expression of numerous proteins. The role of miRNAs has been investigated in several atopic conditions, including asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic rhinitis as well as atopic dermatitis. They have been shown to be involved in the morphogenesis of skin. The therapeutic effects of inhibition or overexpression of miRNAs have been demonstrated in murine models. Considering their role as master switches of complex cellular processes, they could be potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis. MiRNAs can be detected in different cell-free body fluids, such as serum, plasma, urine and saliva, raising the obvious question whether they can be used as biomarkers of disease. This review article summarizes what is known so far abut miRNAs and atopic dermatitis.

Many important medical conditions may be the result of an inherited mutation in one of a number of different genes. Technical advances have reduced the cost of whole genome sequencing and whole exome sequencing to a level where it is now feasible to analyse multiple genes in one test. Every human carries several hundred potentially pathogenic coding variants, so a major challenge is to understand which of these is relevant to the patient’s disease. This requires considerable computing power, the use of international unaffected “normal” population and disease cohort databases, clinical scientist input as well as a medical context provided by accurate phenotyping and understanding of Bayesian probability. The guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics provide a useful framework for the evaluation and reporting of sequence variants. In England, the 100,000 Genomes Project was established within the National Health Service to introduce these technologies into mainstream healthcare. From January 2019, genomic laboratory hubs will deliver a genomics service. In this paper, we review what has been learnt from the project to date and consider how other health care systems could use similar approaches.

Aim: Whole exome sequencing technology has permitted the discovery of genes that cause Mendelian disorders and was used in clinical laboratories. However, identifying the disease causing variant(s) for a specific disorder from thousands of variants is challenging. In this study, we describe the Cincinnati Clinical Exome Pipeline Analysis Suite (CCEPAS) that utilizes a four-level framework into one analysis procedure that rapidly identify the most likely causative gene variants to establish a clinical diagnosis.

Methods: We developed and validated CCEPAS using 100 clinical exome cases. We applied this pipeline to clinical cases by first translating phenotypic information into candidate gene lists using Pheno2Gene. This list of candidate genes was given to the VarEval algorithm to guide variant filtering and prioritization. Finally, a short list of filtered variants was produced for clinical interpretation.

Results: We demonstrated the development and implementation of CCEPAS to aid in the variant prioritization and filtering to produce a short list of candidate variants for clinical diagnosis. Its unique Pheno2Gene tool utilized an extensive list of resources and provided an accurate, sensitive and specific way to obtain gene lists from clinical feature keywords. In addition, VarEval narrowed down the variants from ~150,000 to the top 20 (trios) and top 50 (singleton) for further variant curation and candidate determination.

Conclusion: Significantly, employment of CCEPAS rapidly provided causative variants in the top 20 and top 50 variants for single and trio cases, respectively, thus, ending the diagnostic odyssey in more than 30% of our clinical exome cases.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease, generally the first clinical manifestation of atopy and the start of atopic march. Effective treatment of AD could potentially interrupt the progression of atopic march. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a recently described class of gene expression regulators in inflammatory conditions, affect expression of numerous proteins. The role of miRNAs has been investigated in several atopic conditions, including asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic rhinitis as well as atopic dermatitis. They have been shown to be involved in the morphogenesis of skin. The therapeutic effects of inhibition or overexpression of miRNAs have been demonstrated in murine models. Considering their role as master switches of complex cellular processes, they could be potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis. MiRNAs can be detected in different cell-free body fluids, such as serum, plasma, urine and saliva, raising the obvious question whether they can be used as biomarkers of disease. This review article summarizes what is known so far abut miRNAs and atopic dermatitis.

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a strategy used by mammals to silence genes along one of the two female X chromosomes and equilibrate expression dosage between XY males and XX females. This epigenetically-inherited silencing is established during early embryonic development and maintained thereafter through cell divisions. Seeding of multiple repressive epigenetic marks along the inactive X chromosome (Xi) makes inactivation extremely robust and difficult to reverse upon single genetic perturbations. Reversal of XCI has, however, been observed when somatic cells are reprogrammed towards pluripotency, and in vitro reprogramming techniques have been used in recent years to dissect Xi gene reactivation mechanisms. These studies pave the way for developing novel therapeutic approaches for X-linked diseases. Here, the author reviews Xi reactivation during pluripotent reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells, highlight recent advances and species-specific differences, and discuss the relevance for human diseases.

The dosage compensation in placental mammals is achieved by silencing of one copy of the X chromosomes in a female cell by a process called X chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI ensures equal gene dosage for X-linked genes between the two genders. Although the choice of X chromosome to be silenced is random, once the silencing of the X chromosome has been established, this process is highly regulated and maintained throughout subsequent cell divisions. A long non-coding RNA, Xist, and its interacting proteins execute this multistep process, but several of these regulatory proteins remain unidentified. Recent technological advances based on the genetic and proteomics screening have identified several new regulatory factors as well as dissected the molecular details of XCI regulation. Moreover, identification of regulators of XCI offers an opportunity to explore reactivation of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat X-linked diseases, like Rett syndrome. Here, we summarize recent reports that identified new regulatory proteins and RNA species playing a crucial role in Xist localization and spreading, recruitment of silencing machinery to the Xi, Xist interaction with chromatin, and structural organization of the Xi in the nuclei.

With the prevalence of end stage renal disease steadily increasing, chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents an impending public healthcare challenge. Classical diagnostic biomarkers of CKD, including creatinine, have low sensitivity and specificity. Thus, novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for patients at high risk of early-stage progression are urgently needed. Personalized medicine approaches generally stratify patients according to their biological or genomic make-up. Targeted clinical trials require more precise identification of these subgroups. The use of new biomarkers obtained via high-throughput technologies is expected in future, accompanied by vast improvements in computational power applied in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics studies using biological fluids and renal biopsy tissue. Genomic biomarkers may not only provide additional information regarding the etiology and mechanisms underlying CKD progression, but may also enable early diagnosis and the selection of appropriate drugs, thereby personalizing therapy. This review discusses commonly used research methods in genomic medicine and summarizes currently available genomic biomarkers in inherited and acquired CKD.

Genomic medicine, that is to say, using genomic information about a patient in order to set the diagnostic path and to tailor therapy to his/her specific characteristics, is one of the cornerstones of modern precision medicine and forms an integral part of several fields, oncology first of all. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality, causing more than 1.6 million deaths worldwide per year and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers. In a small subset of NSCLC (5%-8%), we can detect a genomic rearrangement on chromosome 2, between the Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4) gene and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene, resulting in the chimeric protein EML4-ALK, that acts as an oncogene and that can be specifically targeted by an ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. However, a major clinical challenge is represented by the fact that, after a first line ALK-TKI treatment, patients eventually develop acquired resistance to these agents, opening new scenarios for the right second-line drug choice.

Schizophrenia is a highly heritable psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the population. Genome-wide association studies have identified common variants in candidate genes associated with schizophrenia, but the genetics mechanisms of this disorder have not yet been elucidated. The discovery of rare genetic variants that contribute to schizophrenia symptoms promises to help explain the missing heritability of the disease. Next generation sequencing techniques are revolutionizing the field of psychiatric genetics. Various statistical approaches have been developed for rare variant association testing in case-control and family studies. Targeted resequencing, whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing combined with these computational tools are used for the discovery of rare genetic variations in schizophrenia. The findings provide useful information for characterizing the rare mutations and elucidating the genetic mechanisms by which the variants cause schizophrenia.

Asthma is a heterogenic disease affecting over 300 million people of all ages and socioeconomic status worldwide. The disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible airflow obstruction, wheeze, cough and shortness of breath. Although asthma has been traditionally described by phenotypes such as immune cell type or allergy, it is clear that a variety of subtypes have emerged, adding further complexity to the disease. microRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that act as regulatory molecules, binding to one or several target mRNAs, often resulting in translational silencing. In recent years, microRNAs have been the subject of many studies in order to better understand the mechanisms driving asthma development as well as discovery of potential biomarkers for asthma. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of microRNAs in asthma, from animal models to human cohorts.

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed non-skin male malignancy worldwide, with over 1.1 million new diagnoses each year. Population screening based on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has shifted the disease burden toward earlier stage, localized disease. However, clinical outcomes for localized prostate cancer are highly heterogeneous, despite the use of clinical prognostic factors (PSA, Gleason grade, and TNM stage). Recent advances in massively-parallel DNA sequencing and computational biology have permitted detailed genomic analyses of all major human cancer types, including prostate cancer. However, the long natural history of prostate cancer has largely precluded rapid translation of this knowledge into clinical practice. Herein, we provide a “state of the field” overview of prostate cancer genomics, with particular focus on localized, non-indolent disease. We discuss recurrent somatic aberrations, across multiple mutational classes, which characterize this disease state, and suggest strategies through which an improved understanding of these molecular aberrations may be utilized in the curative setting. Finally, we summarize the major outstanding questions in prostate cancer genomics, and discuss hypotheses and potential strategies to begin to address these questions.

This article discusses the benefits of personalized genomic medicine, some of the challenges of adoption into the clinic, and provides examples of UK and European projects that are developing the practice of personalized genomic medicine. It highlights the work of the UK Pharmacogenetics and Stratified Medicine Network in providing information, developing multidisciplinary collaborations, and organizing events, to support the advancement of personalized genomic medicine.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease, generally the first clinical manifestation of atopy and the start of atopic march. Effective treatment of AD could potentially interrupt the progression of atopic march. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a recently described class of gene expression regulators in inflammatory conditions, affect expression of numerous proteins. The role of miRNAs has been investigated in several atopic conditions, including asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic rhinitis as well as atopic dermatitis. They have been shown to be involved in the morphogenesis of skin. The therapeutic effects of inhibition or overexpression of miRNAs have been demonstrated in murine models. Considering their role as master switches of complex cellular processes, they could be potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis. MiRNAs can be detected in different cell-free body fluids, such as serum, plasma, urine and saliva, raising the obvious question whether they can be used as biomarkers of disease. This review article summarizes what is known so far abut miRNAs and atopic dermatitis.

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a strategy used by mammals to silence genes along one of the two female X chromosomes and equilibrate expression dosage between XY males and XX females. This epigenetically-inherited silencing is established during early embryonic development and maintained thereafter through cell divisions. Seeding of multiple repressive epigenetic marks along the inactive X chromosome (Xi) makes inactivation extremely robust and difficult to reverse upon single genetic perturbations. Reversal of XCI has, however, been observed when somatic cells are reprogrammed towards pluripotency, and in vitro reprogramming techniques have been used in recent years to dissect Xi gene reactivation mechanisms. These studies pave the way for developing novel therapeutic approaches for X-linked diseases. Here, the author reviews Xi reactivation during pluripotent reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells, highlight recent advances and species-specific differences, and discuss the relevance for human diseases.

The dosage compensation in placental mammals is achieved by silencing of one copy of the X chromosomes in a female cell by a process called X chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI ensures equal gene dosage for X-linked genes between the two genders. Although the choice of X chromosome to be silenced is random, once the silencing of the X chromosome has been established, this process is highly regulated and maintained throughout subsequent cell divisions. A long non-coding RNA, Xist, and its interacting proteins execute this multistep process, but several of these regulatory proteins remain unidentified. Recent technological advances based on the genetic and proteomics screening have identified several new regulatory factors as well as dissected the molecular details of XCI regulation. Moreover, identification of regulators of XCI offers an opportunity to explore reactivation of the inactive X chromosome (Xi) as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat X-linked diseases, like Rett syndrome. Here, we summarize recent reports that identified new regulatory proteins and RNA species playing a crucial role in Xist localization and spreading, recruitment of silencing machinery to the Xi, Xist interaction with chromatin, and structural organization of the Xi in the nuclei.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare but clinically-aggressive tumor. While most cases are sporadic, parathyroid cancer is overrepresented in hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, or rarely other heritable syndromes. Evidence suggests that sporadic parathyroid carcinomas rarely, if ever, evolve through an identifiable benign tumor intermediate. A few genes have been directly implicated in the pathogenesis of sporadic parathyroid cancer; somatic (and less common germline) mutations in the CDC73 tumor suppressor gene are the most frequent finding and the only firmly established molecular drivers of parathyroid cancer. Alterations in other important human cancer genes, including CCND1/cyclin D1, PIK3CA, MTOR and PRUNE2 have also been described in parathyroid cancer, however their abilities to drive malignant parathyroid tumorigenesis remains to be demonstrated experimentally.

There is a general failure of reductionist and mechanistic approaches to rejuvenation biomedical technologies which aim at providing treatments against aging (defined as “time-dependent dysfunction”). Importantly, it is becoming increasingly recognised that genomic research findings in animals may not adequately be translated into effective human anti-aging therapies. There exist translational impediments, which although individually formidable, can theoretically be overcome. However, the combined effects of these obstacles render this reductionist avenue of quest unattainable, at least for the foreseeable future. Some of the clinical problems of physical and genomic-based therapies against aging include side effects, interactions, inter-subject variability, compliance, patient self-reporting of data, motivation, administrative issues, infrastructure, etc. A systematic review spanning over the past 5 years, describes these problems and identifies novel approaches. New and emerging disciplines and concepts such as molecular pathological epidemiology, social genomics and other “systems-thinking” methods provide a more comprehensive view of the entire subject of aging, and study its indivisible bonds with the environment, society and culture. The so-called “fountain of youth” cannot be found in a physical item.