Phenotypic Variability and Paternal Inheritance of a CHD8 Variant Causing Intellectual Developmental Disorder With Autism and Macrocephaly Confirmed by Epigenetic and Structural Analyses.

BACKGROUND

Intellectual developmental disorder with autism and macrocephaly (IDDAM, OMIM #615032) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized primarily by intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, macrocephaly, tall stature, gastrointestinal symptoms, and variable neurological manifestations. Most cases result from de novo pathogenic variants in CHD8.

METHODS

We conducted genome sequencing through the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) in a female proband harboring a CHD8 variant of uncertain significance (VUS), whose clinical presentation was consistent with IDDAM but included atypical features such as ptosis and hearing loss. Variant pathogenicity was further evaluated using EpiSign DNA methylation analysis and structural biology modeling.

RESULTS

Genome sequencing confirmed the CHD8 variant inherited from her father, who exhibited a subtle feature, including traits consistent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pathogenicity was confirmed through epigenetic signature testing (EpiSign), demonstrating characteristic methylation patterns and structural biology analysis, predicting significant protein destabilization.

CONCLUSION

We describe the case of IDDAM caused by a paternally inherited CHD8 variant. Our findings highlight the importance of considering parental inheritance in IDDAM diagnoses and suggest epigenetic and structural biology analyses as valuable tools for reclassifying VUS when variant pathogenicity remains uncertain.