Integration of Genome and Epigenetic Testing in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Developmental Delay: Differentiating Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann (BFLS) and White-Kernohan (WHIKERS) Syndromes.

Background

More than 1500 genes are associated with developmental delay and intellectual disability, with variants in many of these genes contributing to a shared phenotype. The discovery of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) found in these genes during genetic testing can lead to ambiguity and further delay in diagnosis and medical management. Phenotyping, additional genetic testing, and functional studies can all add valuable information to help reclassify these variants. Here we demonstrate the clinical utility of epigenetic signatures in prioritizing variants of uncertain significance in genes associated with developmental delay (DD) and intellectual disability (ID).

Methods

Genome sequencing was performed in a male with developmental delay. He was found to have VUSs in both PHF6 and DDB1 genes, linked with Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS) and White-Kernohan syndrome (WHIKERS), respectively. These two disorders share a similar phenotype but have distinct inheritance patterns and molecular pathogenic mechanisms. DNA methylation profiling (DNAm) of whole blood was performed using the clinically validated EpiSign assay.

Results

The proband's methylation profile demonstrated a strong correlation with the BFLS methylation signature, supporting the PHF6 variant as a likely cause of his neurodevelopmental disorder.

Conclusions

Epigenetic testing for disorders with distinct methylation patterns can provide diagnostic utility when a patient presents with variants of uncertain significance in genes associated with developmental delay. Epigenetic signatures can also guide genetic counselling and family planning.