Vairo, F Pinto e

Abstract Purpose Bronchiectasis is a condition characterized by chronic cough, recurrent infections, and progressive airway damage that is rising in prevalence. While often idiopathic, a subset of patients have a genetic cause such as cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), or alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD). Genetic causes for bronchiectasis should be considered in patients with diffuse bronchiectasis involving ≥2 lobes, especially in those with early onset of symptoms, recurrent otitis media or chronic rhinosinusitis, infertility, organ laterality defects (e.g., situs inversus), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or family history of bronchiectasis. Genetic testing may impact management decisions. Methods The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine developed the Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (PRaUD) Genetic Testing and Counseling Unit (GTAC) provides abbreviated, point-of-care genetic counseling, and DNA sequencing-based testing. Patients with bronchiectasis evaluated by GTAC underwent exome or genome-based 52-gene panels which included PCD, CF, and A1ATD (SERPINA1)-associated genes. Sequencing panes results were reviewed and interpreted by a multidisciplinary team including genetic counselors, geneticists, and pulmonologists. Results From July 2022 to December 2025, 203 patients were identified; 163 patients completed testing (74% female, 93% white). A molecular diagnosis was confirmed in 10.4% (17/163) of cases, with known pathogenic variants identified in RSPH4A, SERPINA1 (A1ATD), and CFTR (CF). Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were identified in 24% of patients. Notably, 11.6% (19/163) were identified as CF carriers, a rate significantly higher than the general European-ancestry population (∼4%). Clinical management was impacted for two patients, including the initiation of targeted CFTR modulator therapy in one patient with CF-related disorder (CFTRD) and one CFTR pathogenic variant heterozygote. Conclusions Genetic counselor-supported DNA sequencing for bronchiectasis led to an increased identification of genes that cause bronchiectasis. Interestingly, we found a high rate of CFTR heterozygote variant carriers in our clinic cohort, this aligns with the findings of other studies that CFTR variant carriers can have an increased frequency of bronchiectasis. The identification of pathogenic variants and VUS helps facilitate a diagnosis or potential genetic cause in a significant proportion of patients and highlights the need for further research in understanding the epidemiology of CF, PCD, and A1ATD-related variant genotypes in patients with bronchiectasis. Clinical Implications Comprehensive DNA sequencing, combined with genetic counseling and support from genetic counselors in partnership with pulmonologists can advance precision diagnostics and care for patients with bronchiectasis. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Background Telomere maintenance and surfactant-related genetic mutations are increasingly recognized as contributing factors in familial pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Pathogenic variants in the SFTPA2 gene have been associated with early-onset pulmonary fibrosis and an elevated risk of developing lung cancer. Currently, PF lacks a definitive cure beyond lung transplantation, and treatment options remain limited. Understanding the prevalence and clinical implications of pathogenic SFTPA2 variants is critical. This study aims to assess the prevalence of PF, lung cancer, and other co-morbidities among individuals carrying pathogenic SFTPA2 variants. Ultimately, this study seeks a comprehensive understanding of the natural history and potential screening needs for SFTPA2 variants. Methods Individuals with pathogenic SFTPA2 variants were identified in the Tapestry genomic database at our academic medical center. Electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed for personal or family histories of PF, lung cancer, and other significant comorbidities. Imaging reports were evaluated for radiographic evidence of PF or lung cancer. Studies were approved by the local IRB. Results Out of 98,109 participants in the Tapestry database, 18 individuals were identified as carriers of SFTPA2 variants. The variants (NM_001098668.4) included c.460G>C - p.(Ala154Pro) in 13 individuals, c.557A>G - p.(Tyr186Cys) in 1 individual, and c.532G>A - p.(Val178Met) in 4 individuals. The mean age was 60.5 years, and 67% were female. No participants had a formal diagnosis of PF; however, five (28%) had prior chest CTs showing ground-glass opacities, fibrosis, or irregular nodularity. EMR review did not confirm clinically significant PF. Notably, 44% reported a family history of primary lung cancer, though no familial PF was documented. Comorbidities included inflammatory bowel disease (22%, with a tapestry cohort prevalence of 9%) and a personal history of cancer in 44%, encompassing nine distinct malignancies such as metastatic colon adenocarcinoma (1), prostate cancer (1), basal cell carcinoma of the skin (1), endometrial cancer (1), breast cancer (2), melanoma (1), and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (1). Conclusions In this cohort of individuals with SFTPA2 variants, no cases of clinically confirmed PF or lung cancer were identified. However, there was a notable prevalence of abnormal parenchymal chest CT findings, inflammatory bowel disease, personal cancer history, and family history of lung cancer. These findings underscore the variable penetrance of SFTPA2 variants and highlight the need for longitudinal studies to elucidate the genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors that modulate disease expression. Improved understanding may inform screening strategies and therapeutic interventions for at-risk individuals. This abstract is funded by: None