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Cousin, Margot A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6119-9346

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 26

Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-1 Expressing Dendritic Cell Populations Are Associated with Tumor-Induced Immune Tolerance & Aggressive Disease Biology in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Mangaonkar, Abhishek A. , Reichard, Kaaren K. , Chiu, April , Howard, Matthew T., King, Rebecca L. , Alver, Bonnie, Cousin, Margot A. , Fernández-Zapico, Martín E. , Gangat, Naseema , Al‐Kali, Aref , Elliott, Michelle A. , Litzow, Mark R. , Pardanani, Animesh , Tefferi, Ayalew , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Carr, Ryan M , Robertson, Keith D. , Villasboas, José C. , Lasho, Terra L. , Hogan, William J. , Solary, Éric

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 132 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4344-4344

10.1182/blood-2018-99-113881 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a chronic myeloid malignancy associated with monocytosis, autoimmunity (~30%) & an inherent risk for leukemic transformation. Bone marrow (BM) dendritic cell (DC) populations occur in ~30% of patients, with a poorly defined biological & prognostic role. The malignant immune microenvironment is regulated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) expressing DCs, which modulate regulatory T (Treg) cells & block their conversion into proinflammatory T helper (Th17)-like cells. IDO-1 is a known immune checkpoint & functions by catabolizing tryptophan, an amino acid essential for T cell function. We hypothesized that distinct IDO-1 expressing DC populations in CMML modulate Tregs & contribute towards immune tolerance & aggressive disease biology. Methods: Primary diagnostic CMML peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) & BM biopsy specimens were obtained after Mayo Clinic IRB approval. A DC population was defined on H&E stained biopsy sections as focal collections (>10) of cells with characteristic elongated nuclei & cytoplasmic extensions. Transcriptomic & protein expression studies assessing IDO-1 expression were done by previously described methods. In addition, IHC expression of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4 was also done. IDO-1 promoter methylation studies with DIP-seq were performed. The impact on immune tolerance was assessed using mass cytometry (CyTOF). Results: Cohort: Twenty eight patients with CMML were included in the study, median age 70 (range: 51-80) years; 71% males. Eleven (39%) patients had coexisting autoimmune conditions. Of these, 8 (73%) had detectable DC populations either at diagnosis, or during the course of their disease. At a median follow-up of 46 (95% CI 27, 84) months, there were 14 (50%) deaths & 9 (32%) leukemic transformations.IHC results: Nine (32%) patients were identified to have a DC population at CMML diagnosis. CD123 & TCL1 staining was performed in 5 (56%) patients, with 3 being positive for both, & 2 positive for CD123 only (additional IHC studies ongoing). IDO1 expression by IHC was documented in all 9 (100%) cases (Fig 1A & 1B), while rare populations of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4 lymphocytes were also seen in all cases. Due to the low DC burdens (median cellularity ≤ 5%) & uniform staining intensity, IHC-based grading was not done. Samples at serial time-points, post-HMA therapy & at the time of blast transformation, were available in 5 & 3 patients respectively. Among the patients who did not have DC populations at diagnosis, 5 (42%) developed them post-HMA therapy, while 3 (50%) developed them at the time of LT. The development of DC populations was associated with loss of response to HMA (50%) & disease progression (50%).Transcriptomic analysis: RNA expression data was available on 7 (25%) patients, of whom only 1 (14%) had DC populations at diagnosis. The IDO-1 RPKM value in the former was higher than the mean pooled value in the latter group (330 versus 74, p=0.05).Methylation studies: DIP-seq was performed on 12 (43%) cases from the primary IHC cohort. Qualitative analysis of IDO-1 promoter hypomethylation was conducted & confirmed in all 9 (100%) cases with 5-mC & 5-hmC marks compared to input as displayed in figure 1C.Immune profiling: CyTOF was performed on 4 CMML samples (3 with IDO-1 expressing DC populations at diagnosis) from the primary IHC cohort & compared to a normal PBMC control. Results confirmed an increase in DC populations (fig 1D& 1E), & reduced % of Th17-like T cells in CMML samples compared to control (1.1 versus 5.07, p=0.05, fig 1F).Clinical correlates & survival analysis: With the exception that CMML patients with DC populations had a higher frequency of NRAS (P=0.007) mutations, the two groups were comparable for cytogenetic & molecular abnormalities. The median OS for the cohort was 45 (95% CI 29, 84) months. CMML patients with IDO-1 expressing DC populations at diagnosis had a shorter median OS, in comparison to those without (median OS 30 vs 45, p=0.03, Kaplan-Meier analysis in fig 1G). Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that DC populations are seen in ~30% of patients with CMML with a uniform expression of IDO-1 & limited expression of PD-1, PD-L1 & CTLA-4. CMML patients with BM DC populations have a higher frequency of NRAS mutations & DC IDO-1 expression is associated with tumor induced immune tolerance. Additional IHC, genomic & preclinical studies with IDO-1 inhibitors are ongoing. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Novartis: Research Funding.
Differences in the Distribution of Cytogenetic Subtypes Between Multiple Myeloma Patients with and without a History of Familial MGUS and Multiple Myeloma
Greenberg, Alexandra J. , Cousin, Margot A. , Vachon, Celine M. , Colby, Colin , Kumar, Shaji , Vachon, Celine M. , Larson, Dirk R. , Rajkumar, S. Vincent

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4000-4000

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4000.4000 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4000 Background: We have previously reported that there is an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in first-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). There are several cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma, and there are no data on whether certain cytogenetic subtypes of myeloma are more frequently associated with familial MGUS. Methods: We studied patients with myeloma who participated in the familial MGUS study in whom presence or absence of MGUS in the first-degree relatives had been ascertained (Vachon CM. Blood 2009 114: 785–790). Probands were seen at the Mayo Clinic Hematology/Oncology practice (Rochester, MN, USA) between February 2006 and September 2007. Cytogenetic data was acquired via electronic medical record abstraction of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) lab reports, and used to categorize patients into one of nine cytogenetic subgroups: trisomy(ies), t(6;14), t(11;14), t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20), Mixed (those with trisomy(ies) and an IgH translocation), other cytogenetic abnormalities (in the absence of trisomy(ies) or IgH translocation), and normal (Kumar S. Blood 2012;119:2100–2105). We examined whether a difference in the distribution of the six primary cytogenetic categories of myeloma existed between probands with a family history of MGUS and/or myeloma and those without. Results and Conclusions: Of the 248 patients invited to participate, FISH data (with sufficient plasma cells) was available on 119 participants to establish the primary molecular cytogenetic classification of myeloma. All had available information regarding family history of MGUS and multiple myeloma. 27 had an affected first-degree relative with MGUS, and 92 did not. Distributions of cytogenetic subtypes in the two groups are shown in Table 1. IgH translocated MM was more common in myeloma patients who lacked an affected first-degree relative compared to those with familial MGUS (19% vs 30%, P=0.32) Interestingly, the t(11;14) subtype was more common in myeloma patients without familial MGUS compared to those with an first-degree relative with MGUS (19.6% vs 7.4%, P=0.24). The differences in Table 1 did not reach statistical significance, possibly due to the small numbers of individuals with a family history in this sample. However, the distribution (Table 1) suggests that the distribution of cytogenetic subtypes may be different in myeloma that is not associated with familial MGUS compared with myeloma in which a familial tendency is detected. IgH translocated MM appears to have a lower risk of familial tendency. Further investigation is needed to estimate the risk of familial MGUS within each cytogenetic subtype. Disclosures: Kumar: Merck: Consultancy, Honoraria; Millennium: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding.
Whole exome sequencing of a patient with suspected mitochondrial myopathy reveals novel compound heterozygous variants in RYR 1
Blackburn, Patrick R. , Selcen, Duygu , Gass, Jennifer , Jackson, Jessica L. , Macklin, Sarah , Cousin, Margot A. , Boczek, Nicole J. , Klee, Eric W. , Dimberg, Elliot L., Kennelly, Kathleen D., Gass, Jennifer M , Atwal, Paldeep S , Cousin, Margot A

Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine | March 31, 2017 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 295-302

10.1002/mgg3.280 Get It

Abstract Background Pathogenic variants in ryanodine receptor 1 ( RYR 1, MIM # 180901) are the cause of congenital myopathy with fiber‐type disproportion, malignant hyperthermia susceptibility type 1, central core disease of muscle, multiminicore disease and other congenital myopathies. Methods We present a patient with global developmental delay, hypotonia, myopathy, joint hypermobility, and multiple other systemic complaints that were noted early in life. Later she was found to have multiple bone deformities involving her spine, with severe scoliosis that was corrected surgically. She was also diagnosed with ophthalmoplegia, chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, and hypertension. At 22 years of age she presented to the genetics clinic with a diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy and underwent whole exome sequencing ( WES ). Results Whole exome sequencing revealed two novel compound heterozygous variants in RYR 1 (c.7060_7062del, p.Val2354del and c.4485_4500del, p.Tyr1495X). Conclusion Review of her clinical, pathologic, and genetic findings pointed to a diagnosis of a congenital myopathy with fiber‐type disproportion.
Multigenerational pedigree with STAR syndrome: A novel FAM58A variant and expansion of the phenotype
Boczek, Nicole J. , Kruisselbrink, Teresa , Cousin, Margot A. , Blackburn, Patrick R. , Klee, Eric W. , Gavrilova, Ralitza H. , Lanpher, Brendan C.

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A | March 22, 2017 | Volume: 173 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 1328-1333

10.1002/ajmg.a.38113 Get It

STAR syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant disorder characterized by toe Syndactyly, Telecanthus, Anogenital malformations, and Renal malformations, and is caused by loss‐of‐function variants in FAM58A. Our proband presented with the hallmark features of STAR syndrome, as well as some additional less typical features including tethered cord and hearing loss. The proband's mother and maternal half‐sister had similar clinical histories, but had variability in phenotypic severity. Clinical whole exome sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic nonsense variant, c.651G>A (p.Trp217X; NM_152274), in FAM58A in the proband, mother, and maternal half‐sister. This pedigree represents the 11–13th patients described with STAR syndrome and the third instance of familial inheritance. To our knowledge, this is the first occurrence of a nonsense variant in FAM58A described in individuals with STAR syndrome and the phenotype in this pedigree suggests that tethered cord and hearing loss are features of STAR syndrome.
Pharmacogenomic findings from clinical whole exome sequencing of diagnostic odyssey patients
Cousin, Margot A. , Matey, Eric T. , Blackburn, Patrick R. , Boczek, Nicole J. , McAllister, Tammy M., Kruisselbrink, Teresa , Babovic‐Vuksanovic, Dusica , Klee, Eric W. , Kruisselbrink, Teresa M, Lazaridis, Konstantinos N. , Cousin, Margot A

Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine | March 20, 2017 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 269-279

10.1002/mgg3.283 Get It

AbstractBackgroundWe characterized the pharmacogenomics (PGx) results received by diagnostic odyssey patients as secondary findings during clinical whole exome sequencing (WES) testing as a part of their care in Mayo Clinic's Individualized Medicine Clinic to determine the potential benefits and limitations to this cohort.MethodsWES results on 94 patients included a subset of PGx variants in CYP2C19, CYP2C9, and VKORC1 if identified in the patient. Demographic, phenotypic, and medication usage information was abstracted from patient medical data. A pharmacist interpreted the PGx results in the context of the patients’ current medication use and made therapeutic recommendations.ResultsThe majority was young with a median age of 10 years old, had neurological involvement in the disease presentation (71%), and was currently taking medications (90%). Of the 94 PGx‐evaluated patients, 91% had at least one variant allele reported and 20% had potential immediate implications on current medication use.ConclusionDue to the disease complexity and medication needs of diagnostic odyssey patients, there may be immediate benefit obtained from early life PGx testing for many and most will likely find benefit in the future. These results require conscientious interpretation and management to be actionable for all prescribing physicians throughout the lifetime of the patient.
A novel de novo frameshift deletion in EHMT1 in a patient with Kleefstra Syndrome results in decreased H3K9 dimethylation
Blackburn, Patrick R. , Williams, Monique , Cousin, Margot A. , Boczek, Nicole J. , Beek, Geoffrey, Lomberk, Gwen , Babovic‐Vuksanovic, Dusica , Klee, Eric W. , Beek, Geoffrey J, Lomberk, Gwen A, Urrutia, Raul A, Babovic-Vuksanovic, Dusica, Urrutia, Raúl , Lomberk, Gwen L

Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine | January 26, 2017 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 141-146

10.1002/mgg3.268 Get It

AbstractBackgroundKleefstra Syndrome (KS) (MIM# 610253) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of euchromatic histone methyltransferase‐1 (EHMT1, GLP). EHMT1 (MIM# 607001) encodes a histone methyltransferase that heterodimerizes with EHMT2 (also known as G9a, MIM# 604599), which together are responsible for mono‐ and dimethylation of H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me1 and ‐me2), resulting in transcriptional repression of target genes.MethodsThis report describes an 18‐year‐old woman with intellectual disability, severely limited speech, hypotonia, microcephaly, and facial dysmorphisms, who was found to have a novel de novo single‐base frameshift deletion in EHMT1.ResultsFunctional studies using patient fibroblasts showed decreased H3K9me2 compared to wild‐type control cells, thus providing a rapid confirmatory test that complements molecular studies.ConclusionWhole exome sequencing revealed a novel frameshift deletion in EHMT1 after a lengthy diagnostic odyssey in this patient. Functional testing using this patient's fibroblasts provides proof‐of‐concept for the analysis of variants of uncertain significance that are predicted to impact EHMT1 enzymatic activity.
Novel Pathogenic Variant in TGFBR2 Confirmed by Molecular Modeling Is a Rare Cause of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Blackburn, Patrick R. , Cousin, Margot A. , Boczek, Nicole J. , Klee, Eric W. , Macmurdo, Colleen, Atwal, Paldeep S. , Zimmermann, Michael T. , Urrutia, Raul A, Atwal, Paldeep S , Urrutia, Raúl

Case Reports in Genetics | January 9, 2017 | Volume: 2017 | Issue: No issue available | Pages: 1-4

10.1155/2017/7263780 Get It

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by vascular findings of aneurysm and/or dissection of cerebral, thoracic, or abdominal arteries and skeletal findings. We report a case of a novel pathogenic variant in TGFBR2 and phenotype consistent with classic LDS. The proband was a 10-year-old presenting to the genetics clinic with an enlarged aortic root (Z-scores 5-6), pectus excavatum, and congenital contractures of the right 2nd and 3rd digit. Molecular testing of TGFBR2 was sent to a commercial laboratory and demonstrated a novel, likely pathogenic, variant in exon 4, c.1061T>C, p.(L354P). Molecular modeling reveals alteration of local protein structure as a result of this pathogenic variant. This pathogenic variant has not been previously reported in LDS and thus expands the pathogenic variant spectrum of this condition.
Clinical characteristics and platelet phenotype in a family withRUNX1mutated thrombocytopenia
Botero, Juliana Perez , Chen, Dong , Cousin, Margot A. , Majerus, Julie A. , Coon, Lea M., Kruisselbrink, Teresa , Klee, Eric W. , Pruthi, Rajiv K. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Perez Botero, Juliana, Kruisselbrink, Teresa M, Lazaridis, Konstantinos N. , Perez Botero, Juliana , Chen, Dong

Leukemia & Lymphoma | December 9, 2016 | Volume: 58 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 1963-1967

10.1080/10428194.2016.1265118 Get It

Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Case report and role of genetic counseling in post mortem testing
Clift, Kristin , Guthrie, Kimberly J., Klee, Eric W. , Boczek, Nicole J. , Cousin, Margot A. , Blackburn, Patrick R. , Guthrie, Kimberly, Boczek, Nicole, Cousin, Margot, Blackburn, Patrick, Atwal, Paldeep, Atwal, Paldeep S , Clift, Kristin E

Prion | December 8, 2016 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 502-506

10.1080/19336896.2016.1254858 Get It

Early‐onset limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy‐2L in a female athlete
Blackburn, Patrick R. , Selcen, Duygu , Jackson, Jessica L. , Guthrie, Kimberly J., Cousin, Margot A. , Boczek, Nicole J. , Clift, Kristin , Klee, Eric W. , Dimberg, Elliot L., Clift, Kristin E, Atwal, Paldeep S. , Atwal, Paldeep S , Clift, Kristin E

Muscle & Nerve | November 16, 2016 | Volume: 55 | Issue: 5 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/mus.25471 Get It