RASopathies Genetic Tests | Medicover Genetics

OVERVIEW

RASopathies is the term for a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that are caused by germline mutations in genes that encode protein components of the Ras/mitogen-activated-protein kinase pathway. The Ras/MAP kinase signaling pathway plays an essential role in the regulation of the cell cycle, differentiation, growth and apoptosis; processes which are crucial for normal development. Dysregulation of this pathway has a profound impact on development. Most mutations causing the syndrome are activating changes which increase signal transduction within this pathway. Several organ systems, such as the cardiovascular system, skeleton, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, CNS, eyes, are affected. The syndromes overlap significantly in their signs and symptoms, which may complicate establishing a clear diagnosis and targeted diagnostic procedures. Moreover, several of these disorders may be caused by mutations in various genes of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Early identification of individuals at risk can help establish the right clinical management plan.

We offer comprehensive and syndrome-specific panels testing for RASopathies. The test can offer a molecular genetic diagnosis of a RASopathies that is observed or predicted in you or a family member.

IMPORTANCE OF GETTING TESTED

If you or a family member has a risk of a RASopathy, identifying the cause can help to take actions to improve the outcome of the disorder. Additionally, family members can be informed and encouraged to also get tested. Our genetic counsellors can provide medical advice.

You have a family history
of RASopathies

You have a child with distinctive
facial features, heart defect
and/or developmental delay

You have a clinical diagnosis
of a RASopathy

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF THE TEST

A molecular genetic diagnostic report outlining the results of the sequencing analysis is provided. Changes in DNA sequences (variants) can be detrimental and lead to the development of a cardiac or aortic disorder, including asymptomatic disorders that develop later in life. We will report pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants as well as variants of unknown significance.

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants mean the genetic cause of the observed symptoms has been identified and may help determine the right treatment and management plan.

Variants of unknown significance means there was not enough evidence to classify the variant as either pathogenic or neutral. Annual variant reclassification and testing family members is recommended.

It is important to note that a negative result does not guarantee the absence of a disorder or that the disorder does not have a genetic cause. Genetic testing is an evolving field and may not detect all variants or there may not currently be enough evidence to classify all variants that lead to an inherited disease.

MEDICAL GENETIC COUNSELLING

We provide expert medical genetic counselling as part of a genetic testing journey. Genetic counselling is a process of communication that supports patients and their relatives before and after genetic testing. It is educational, impartial and nondirective. Prior to any genetic test, genetic counsellors will obtain a detailed family history, explain the method of testing that will be used, its risks and benefits, the limitations of the diagnosis and the implications of making a genetic diagnosis (Elliott and Friedman, 2018, Nat Rev Genet 19:735).

Upon receiving the genetic test results, genetic counselling can help the specialist physician and the patient to interpret them. They can be advised of the consequences of the results including the probability of developing the genetic disorder or passing it on to children, as well as ways to prevent, avoid or reduce these risks (Yang and Kim, 2018, Ann Lab Med 38:291). Our goal of counselling is to provide the patient with greater knowledge and thus, a better understanding of the results and the ability to make a more informed decision.

ORDER FORM

Download here

ACCEPTED MATERIAL

1 ml EDTA Blood
Please note: DO NOT FREEZE. Ship with a frozen ice pack. Prepare the package such that the tube is tightly packed and not loose. Avoid getting the blood tube wet from the ice pack. Place a paper towel in between ice pack and blood tube if necessary. In sub-zero temperatures, include an unfrozen ice pack in the shipping container as insulation.

TURNAROUND TIME

15-25 working days

TECHNOLOGY

DNA is isolated and next generation sequencing is performed on all coding exons and conserved intronic regions. Single base pair changes, small deletions and duplications and copy number variants (CNV) are identified. Sequencing runs result in a Quality Score of >30 (accuracy >99.9%) in at least 75% of all bases with a coverage of >20-fold. CNV detection sensitivity is 76.99% and precision is 62.59% (with GC limitation between 0.4 and 0.6 per target sensitivity is 77.04% and precision is 84.10%). Variant classification is performed following ACMG guidelines (Richards et al. 2015, Genet Med 17:405; Kearney et al. 2011, Genet Med 13:680).

Test Methodology

Sequencing

Next generation
sequencing (Illumina)

Enrichment

Twist Human Core
Exome plus Ref Seq
Spikeln

SNV and CNV data anlaysis

Illumina DRAGEN
Bio-IT Platform

Data Evaluation

VarSeq by
GoldenHelix

Reference Genome

hg38, NCBI GR38

Quality Criteria