Citations 11
Genomic Observations of a Rare/Pathogenic SMAD3 Variant in Loeys–Dietz Syndrome 3 Confirmed by Protein Informatics and Structural Investigations
Richter, John E. , Samreen, Ayesha , Vadlamudi, Charitha , Helmi, Haytham , Mohammad, Ahmed N. , Wierenga, Klaas J. , Hines, Stephanie L., Caulfield, Thomas R. , Wierenga, Klaas, Hines, Stephanie, Caulfield, Thomas R , Samreen, Ayesha , Atwal, Paldeep S
Medicina | May 15, 2019 | Volume: 55 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 137
Background and objectives: Loeys–Dietz syndrome 3, also known as aneurysms-–osteoarthritis syndrome, is an autosomal dominant genetic connective tissue disease caused by pathogenic variants in SMAD3, a transcription factor involved in TGF-β signaling. This disorder is characterized by early-onset osteoarthritis and arterial aneurysms. Common features include scoliosis, uvula abnormalities, striae, and velvety skin. Materials and Methods: The pathogenicity of a variant of uncertain significance in the SMAD3 gene was evaluated (variant c.220C > T) through personalized protein informatics and molecular studies. Results: The case of a 44-year-old male, who was originally presumed to have Marfan syndrome, is presented. An expanded gene panel determined the probable cause to be a variant in SMAD3, c.220C > T (p.R74W). His case was complicated by a history of stroke, but his phenotype was otherwise characteristic for Loeys–Dietz syndrome 3. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive genetic testing to evaluate patients for connective tissue disorders, as well as the potential benefit of utilizing a protein informatics platform for the assessment of variant pathogenicity.