Publications
Bone ReportsDec 2023 |
19
101728
DOI:
10.1016/j.bonr.2023.101728

Clinical and functional characterization of COL2A1 p.Gly444Ser variant: From a fetal phenotype to a previously undisclosed postnatal phenotype

Marchionni, Enrica; D'Apice, Maria Rosaria; Lupo, Viviana; Lattanzi, Giovanna; Mattioli, Elisabetta; Lisignoli, Gina; Gabusi, Elena; Pepe, Gerardo; Helmer Citterich, Manuela; Campione, Elena; Nardone, Anna Maria; Spitalieri, Paola; Pucci, Noemi; Cocciadiferro, Dario; Picchi, Eliseo; Garaci, Francesco; Novelli, Antonio; Novelli, Giuseppe
Product Used
Variant Libraries
Abstract
COL2A1 gene encodes the alpha-1 chain of type-II procollagen. Heterozygous pathogenic variants are associated with the broad clinical spectrum of genetic diseases known as type-II collagenopathies. We aimed to characterize the NM_001844.5:c.1330G>A;p.Gly444Ser variant detected in the COL2A1 gene through trio-based prenatal exome sequencing in a fetus presenting a severe skeletal phenotype at 31 Gestational Weeks and in his previously undisclosed mild-affected father. Functional studies on father's cutaneous fibroblasts, along with in silico protein modeling and in vitro chondrocytes differentiation, showed intracellular accumulation of collagen-II, its localization in external Golgi vesicles and nuclear morphological alterations. Extracellular matrix showed a disorganized fibronectin network. These results showed that p.Gly444Ser variant alters procollagen molecules processing and the assembly of mature type-II collagen fibrils, according to COL2A1-chain disorganization, displayed by protein modeling. Clinical assessment at 38 y.o., through a reverse-phenotyping approach, revealed limp gait, short and stocky appearance. X-Ray and MRI showed pelvis asymmetry with severe morpho-structural alterations of the femoral heads bilaterally, consistent with a mild form of type-II collagenopathy. This study shows how the fusion of genomics and clinical expertise can drive a diagnosis supported by cellular and bioinformatics studies to effectively establish variants pathogenicity.
Product Used
Variant Libraries

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