Citations

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS NEK8/NPHP9 encodes a protein that localizes to the primary cilium. Biallelic NEK8 variants are known to cause multiorgan developmental defects, including kidney cystic dysplasia and extensive extra-renal defects, with heterozygous carrier parents being asymptomatic [1]. This autosomal recessive inheritance is the most common inheritance mode for ciliopathies. Complementary to this, we now propose a dominant negative effect for specific heterozygous NEK8 missense variants in the kinase domain resulting in an autosomal-dominant ciliopathy. METHOD We performed genetic testing in patients from several medical centers. To explore the consequences of the identified NEK8 variants, we are performing cilia staining assays in patients' skin fibroblast and kidney cells, as well as in mIMCD3 cells overexpressing the identified variants. Furthermore, we are examining the impact of the NEK8 variants on replication stress response. RESULTS We identified three distinct heterozygous NEK8 variants in 12 families (Table 1), all leading to missense alterations in the kinase domain. Interestingly the p.Arg45Trp variant is a recurrent variant we detected in 10 unrelated families. All patients have a kidney phenotype that varies from mild focal segmental glomerulosclerosis to prenatal presentation with polycystic kidneys. Most patients have kidney failure needing kidney replacement therapy at varying ages of onset. In all patients, we thoroughly checked whether a second variant could be found. Furthermore, the large symptomatic family and de novo occurrences favor a dominant inheritance mode. Our preliminary results from functional studies show abnormal primary cilia formation in serum-starved cells as well as increased replication stress. CONCLUSION We present the first evidence for a pathogenic effect of heterozygous NEK8 variants. Remarkably our patients present with a kidney limited phenotype as compared to the multiorgan defects found in patients with biallelic variants. This reveals a new mode of inheritance for NEK8 variants and expands genotype-phenotype correlations for this gene.

Abstract Background: A previous International Lymphoma Epidemiology (InterLymph) Consortium evaluation of joint associations between five immune gene variants and autoimmune conditions reported interactions between B-cell response-mediated autoimmune conditions and the rs1800629 genotype on risk of B-cell non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes. Here, we extend that evaluation using NHL subtype-specific polygenic risk scores (PRS) constructed from loci identified in genome-wide association studies of three common B-cell NHL subtypes. Methods: In a pooled analysis of NHL cases and controls of Caucasian descent from 14 participating InterLymph studies, we evaluated joint associations between B-cell–mediated autoimmune conditions and tertile (T) of PRS for risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 1,914), follicular lymphoma (n = 1,733), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; n = 407), using unconditional logistic regression. Results: We demonstrated a positive association of DLBCL PRS with DLBCL risk [T2 vs. T1: OR = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–1.43; T3 vs. T1: OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.59–2.07; P-trend (Ptrend) < 0.0001]. DLBCL risk also increased with increasing PRS tertile among those with an autoimmune condition, being highest for those with a B-cell–mediated autoimmune condition and a T3 PRS [OR = 6.46 vs. no autoimmune condition and a T1 PRS, Ptrend < 0.0001, P-interaction (Pinteraction) = 0.49]. Follicular lymphoma and MZL risk demonstrated no evidence of joint associations or significant Pinteraction. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PRS constructed from currently known subtype-specific loci may not necessarily capture biological pathways shared with autoimmune conditions. Impact: Targeted genetic (PRS) screening among population subsets with autoimmune conditions may offer opportunities for identifying those at highest risk for (and early detection from) DLBCL.

Abstract Sex or gender differences in the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) differ by world region, suggesting that there are potentially modifiable risk factors for intervention. However, few epidemiological or clinical ADRD studies examine sex differences; even fewer evaluate gender in the context of ADRD risk. The goals of this perspective are to: (1) provide definitions of gender, biologic sex, and sexual orientation. and the limitations of examining these as binary variables; (2) provide an overview of what is known with regard to sex and gender differences in the risk, prevention, and diagnosis of ADRD; and (3) discuss these sex and gender differences from a global, worldwide perspective. Identifying drivers of sex and gender differences in ADRD throughout the world is a first step in developing interventions unique to each geographical and sociocultural area to reduce these inequities and to ultimately reduce global ADRD risk. Highlights The burden of dementia is unevenly distributed geographically and by sex and gender. Scientific advances in genetics and biomarkers challenge beliefs that sex is binary. Discrimination against women and sex and gender minority (SGM) populations contributes to cognitive decline. Sociocultural factors lead to gender inequities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) worldwide.

Abstract Background The literature regarding clinical olfaction, olfactory loss, and olfactory dysfunction has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, with an exponential rise in the past year. There is substantial variability in the quality of this literature and a need to consolidate and critically review the evidence. It is with that aim that we have gathered experts from around the world to produce this International Consensus on Allergy and Rhinology: Olfaction (ICAR:O). Methods Using previously described methodology, specific topics were developed relating to olfaction. Each topic was assigned a literature review, evidence‐based review, or evidence‐based review with recommendations format as dictated by available evidence and scope within the ICAR:O document. Following iterative reviews of each topic, the ICAR:O document was integrated and reviewed by all authors for final consensus. Results The ICAR:O document reviews nearly 100 separate topics within the realm of olfaction, including diagnosis, epidemiology, disease burden, diagnosis, testing, etiology, treatment, and associated pathologies. Conclusion This critical review of the existing clinical olfaction literature provides much needed insight and clarity into the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with olfactory dysfunction, while also clearly delineating gaps in our knowledge and evidence base that we should investigate further.

37 Knowledge of genetic factors that influence pharmacodynamics of responses to antihypertensive drugs may provide insights into molecular mechanisms contributing to elevation of BP and response to treatment. The T-allele of the C825T polymorphism of the gene coding for the G-protein β 3 subunit ( GNB3 ) has been associated with increased Na + -H + exchange and low plasma renin in individuals with EHT. Moreover, diminished counterregulatory activity of the renin-angiotensin system has been associated with greater BP declines in response to negative sodium balance induced by diuretic therapy. To assess the possible influence of GNB3 genotype on BP response to diuretic therapy, we measured the C825T polymorphism in community-based samples of 204 blacks (139 women, 65 men) and 192 whites (77 women, 115 men) with EHT (mean age=48±7 years) who underwent monotherapy with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for 4 weeks. In univariate analyses, the TT genotype was significantly associated with lower plasma renin activity ( p <0.001) and higher plasma aldosterone concentration ( p <0.019). In addition, mean declines in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 6±2 mmHg ( p <0.001) and 5±1 mmHg ( p <0.001) greater, respectively, in TT than in CC homozygotes. Responses in heterozygotes were intermediate between homozygote groups. Other univariate predictors of greater declines in both SBP and DBP were higher pretreatment BP ( p <0.001), black race ( p <0.001), female gender ( p <0.005), older age ( p ≤0.064), lower waist/hip ratio (p≤0.087), and lower plasma renin activity ( p <0.001). Even after considering effects of these other predictors, the TT genotype remained associated with greater declines in SBP ( p <0.058) and DBP ( p <0.001). Thus, the C825T polymorphism of GNB3 may help identify individuals with EHT who are more responsive to diuretic therapy and may have Na + -dependent BP elevation.

P10 Coronary artery calcification (CAC), quantified by electron beam computed tomography, provides a measure of extent of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. It is well recognized that coronary artery disease and CAC are complex processes that are influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Several aspects of CAC quantity make genetic studies of it particularly challenging. These include the non-normality of CAC frequency distributions and the strong age- and sex-dependence of CAC levels. To search for regions that may contain genes influencing CAC quantity, a genome-wide scan was conducted on a sample enriched for hypertension from the Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Calcification Study. The genome-wide linkage scan was based on 370 anonymous markers spanning the 22 autosomal chromosomes in 29 families. The analysis sample consisted of 20 affected sib-pairs, 8 affected sib-trios and 1 family with 6 affected siblings. Here, affection status was defined as being above the 70th sex- and age-specific percentile based on a reference population. Mode-of-inheritance-free qualitative linkage analysis was used to analyze sib-pair data. Maximum multipoint lod scores were calculated using the computer software Genehunter-2. Weighted analyses were conducted using Holmans “possible triangle” constraint. The overall maximum lod scores were observed on chromosomes 6 (lod=2.22) and 10 (lod=3.24). Additional lod scores greater than 1.0 were observed on chromosomes 2, 14, 15 and 17. These results identify regions that may harbor genes involved in high sex- and age-specific levels of CAC (supported by HL46292).

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease with intermittent flares predominately mediated through memory T cells. Yet, the identity of long-term memory cells that mediate allergic recall responses is not well defined. In this report, using a mouse model of chronic allergen exposure followed by an allergen-free rest period, we characterized a subpopulation of CD4 + T cells that secreted IL-9 as an obligate effector cytokine. IL-9–secreting cells had a resident memory T cell phenotype, and blocking IL-9 during a recall challenge or deleting IL-9 from T cells significantly diminished airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity. T cells secreted IL-9 in an allergen recall–specific manner, and secretion was amplified by IL-33. Using scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq, we defined the cellular identity of a distinct population of T cells with a proallergic cytokine pattern. Thus, in a recall model of allergic airway inflammation, IL-9 secretion from a multicytokine-producing CD4 + T cell population was required for an allergen recall response.

Abstract Background: FGFR gene amplifications are found in 18% of breast cancers (BCs), with FGFR1 amplifications occurring in ≈10% of cases, predominantly in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) MBCs. FGFR1 amplifications are associated with resistance to endocrine therapy, and in preclinical experiments, FGFR pathway inhibition has been shown to overcome resistance to hormone therapy in BC harboring FGFR1 amplifications. Futibatinib, a highly selective, irreversible FGFR1-4 inhibitor, has shown preclinical activity in BC xenograft models harboring FGFR1/2 amplifications. In a phase 1 study, futibatinib showed promising clinical activity and tolerability across tumor types, including MBC, harboring various FGFR aberrations. A multicohort phase 2 trial (FOENIX-MBC2; NCT04024436) was designed to evaluate futibatinib alone (cohorts 1-3) or in combination with fulvestrant (cohort 4) in patients with MBC harboring FGFR2 or FGFR1 amplifications, respectively. Here, we report preliminary safety data from cohort 4 of FOENIX-MBC2, including data from a safety lead-in. Methods: Cohort 4 of FOENIX-MBC2 enrolled adult patients with HR+ HER2− MBC harboring high levels of FGFR1 amplification (FGFR1:CEN8 ratio ≥5 or FGFR1 copy number ≥10 signals per cell), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1, and adequate organ function. Patients were fulvestrant naive and had previously received 1-2 endocrine-containing therapies, ≤1 chemotherapy regimen, and a CDK4/6 inhibitor (if eligible). Cohort 4 began with a safety lead-in to assess dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during the first treatment cycle. Patients received oral futibatinib 20 mg once daily continuously, and intramuscular fulvestrant 500 mg was administered on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 and day 1 of every subsequent 28-day cycle. Patients were treated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or another discontinuation criterion was met. Results: As of data cutoff (March 31, 2021), cohort 4 had enrolled 8 female patients with HR+ HER2− MBC harboring high-level FGFR1 amplification. The median age was 55.5 years (range: 31-62 years), and all patients had received ≥2 prior therapies for advanced/metastatic BC. The median duration of treatment was 8.0 weeks (range: 3.0-32.7 weeks); 3 of 8 patients (38%) were continuing treatment at time of data cutoff. All patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs; grade ≥3: 25%). The most common TRAE was hyperphosphatemia (88%), followed by constipation (62%), transaminase elevation (50%), dry mouth (38%), and alopecia (38%). Among these TRAEs, grade ≥3 events were only reported for hyperphosphatemia (12%), and no serious adverse events were reported. In this cohort, TRAEs led to dose reductions in 4 patients, dosing interruptions in 3 patients, and treatment discontinuation in 1 patient; no patients died due to TRAEs. DLTs were evaluated in 5 patients following 1 treatment cycle (1 patient was enrolled after data cutoff, and 4 of 9 patients were not evaluable for DLTs); DLTs were not experienced by any of the 5 evaluable patients. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary safety results, the combination of futibatinib and fulvestrant appears to be safe and tolerable in patients with HR+ HER− MBC harboring high-level FGFR1 amplification. The safety profile was consistent with the individual profiles of both drugs, and the treatment combination did not appear to result in synergistic toxicity. As no DLTs were observed in 5 evaluable patients, the recommended futibatinib dose in combination with fulvestrant is 20 mg once daily. Efficacy will be evaluated in the complete 28-patient post-lead-in cohort, in which enrollment is ongoing. Citation Format: Senthil Damodaran, Nisha Unni, Karthik V. Giridhar, Brooke Daniel, Sacha Howell, Luis Costa, Marta Ferreira, Masashi Shimura, Gareth Tomlinson, Maciej Gil, Nicholas Turner. Futibatinib in combination with fulvestrant in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) harboring high-level FGFR1 amplification: Preliminary data from a phase 2 study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-18-35.

Objective To provide evidence‐based recommendations and expert guidance for the management of Kawasaki disease (KD), focusing on clinical scenarios more commonly addressed by rheumatologists. Methods Sixteen clinical questions regarding diagnostic testing, treatment, and management of KD were developed in the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) question format. Systematic literature reviews were conducted for each PICO question. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation method to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. Each recommendation required consensus from at least 70% of the Voting Panel. Results We present 1 good practice statement, 11 recommendations, and 1 ungraded position statement to guide the management of KD and clinical scenarios of suspected KD. These recommendations for KD are focused on situations in which input from rheumatologists may be requested by other managing specialists, such as in cases of treatment‐refractory, severe, or complicated KD. The good practice statement affirms that all patients with KD should receive initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). In addition, we developed 7 strong and 4 conditional recommendations for the management of KD or suspected KD. Strong recommendations include prompt treatment of incomplete KD, treatment with aspirin, and obtaining an echocardiogram in the setting of unexplained macrophage activation syndrome or shock. Conditional recommendations include use of IVIG with other adjuvant agents for patients with KD and high‐risk features of IVIG resistance and/or coronary artery aneurysms. These recommendations endorse minimizing risk to the patient by using established therapy promptly at disease onset and identifying situations in which adjunctive therapy may be warranted. Conclusion These recommendations provide guidance regarding diagnostic strategies, use of pharmacologic agents, and use of echocardiography in patients with suspected or confirmed KD.

Objective To provide evidence‐based recommendations and expert guidance for the management of Kawasaki disease (KD), focusing on clinical scenarios more commonly addressed by rheumatologists. Methods Sixteen clinical questions regarding diagnostic testing, treatment, and management of KD were developed in the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) question format. Systematic literature reviews were conducted for each PICO question. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation method to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. Each recommendation required consensus from at least 70% of the Voting Panel. Results We present 1 good practice statement, 11 recommendations, and 1 ungraded position statement to guide the management of KD and clinical scenarios of suspected KD. These recommendations for KD are focused on situations in which input from rheumatologists may be requested by other managing specialists, such as in cases of treatment‐refractory, severe, or complicated KD. The good practice statement affirms that all patients with KD should receive initial treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). In addition, we developed 7 strong and 4 conditional recommendations for the management of KD or suspected KD. Strong recommendations include prompt treatment of incomplete KD, treatment with aspirin, and obtaining an echocardiogram in the setting of unexplained macrophage activation syndrome or shock. Conditional recommendations include use of IVIG with other adjuvant agents for patients with KD and high‐risk features of IVIG resistance and/or coronary artery aneurysms. These recommendations endorse minimizing risk to the patient by using established therapy promptly at disease onset and identifying situations in which adjunctive therapy may be warranted. Conclusion These recommendations provide guidance regarding diagnostic strategies, use of pharmacologic agents, and use of echocardiography in patients with suspected or confirmed KD.