Publications by authors named "Hagit Baris Feldman"

Purpose: Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is a genetically diverse group of Mendelian disorders characterized by length-dependent axonal degeneration. Microtubule dysfunction is a known mechanism in HSP that impairs axonal dynamics. TBCB encodes Tubulin folding co-factor B (TBCB), which, along with TBCE, regulates αβ-heterodimer dynamics and neuronal axonal growth.

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Background: As advanced molecular testing is incorporated into routine clinical practice, accessibility and yield remain limited.

Objectives: We propose a simplified and effective workup strategy to maximize diagnostic yield based on presented diagnostic yield of rare movement disorders at a tertiary Neurogenetics Clinic.

Methods: Retrospective analysis (2019-2023) of 190 patients aged 2-87 years, diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia (CA, n = 91), hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP, n = 51), or dystonia and paroxysmal dyskinesia movement disorders (DPD, n = 48).

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Glycine, along with GABA, constitutes the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the retina, glycinergic neurotransmission is primarily used by amacrine cells that are involved in the lateral processing of visual stimuli in the inner retina. We have previously shown that the high-affinity glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1), that is commonly used as a reliable marker for glycinergic amacrine cells in the retina, is essential for glycinergic neurotransmission by these cells.

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Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay and a typical behavioral phenotype. Interstitial 17p11.2 deletions, which include the RAI1 gene are detected in >90% of patients, while single nucleotide variants (SNVs) are detected in the rest.

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Background: The gene encodes a subunit of the conserved LSM1-7 protein complex involved in messenger RNA (mRNA) metabolism. Variants in the gene have been described in two separate case reports. The first published report identified the homozygous splice-site variant c.

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Rapid growth in genetic testing usage resulted in declining availability of genetic counselors (GCs) per ordered tests, prolonging the waiting times for face-to-face (F2F) counseling. We evaluated the digital genetic assistant (DGA) for reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS) in a real-life clinical setting using a "couple-based" paradigm. The platform provides digital patient intake and automated counseling for low-risk individuals, as well as GC-facing tools that reduce administrative burden in patient-related activities.

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Background: CD55 deficiency with hyper-activation of complement, angiopathic thrombosis, and protein-losing enteropathy (CHAPLE) disease is a newly identified condition with an estimated worldwide prevalence of < 100 patients. Patient interviews can ensure that what is important to patients is assessed in a clinical trial program. Due to the rare and potentially fatal nature of CHAPLE disease, interviews were conducted as part of the pozelimab clinical trial, rather than in a separate study before the trial.

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Carcinogenesis often involves significant alterations in the cancer genome, marked by large structural variants (SVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) that are difficult to capture with short-read sequencing. Traditionally, cytogenetic techniques are applied to detect such aberrations, but they are limited in resolution and do not cover features smaller than several hundred kilobases. Optical genome mapping (OGM) and nanopore sequencing [Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)] bridge this resolution gap and offer enhanced performance for cytogenetic applications.

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  • Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS) is a rare condition marked by yellow, malformed nails, swelling due to lymphedema, and chronic lung issues, typically presenting in adulthood, with potential genetic links suggested.
  • Researchers conducted genetic sequencing and expression studies on 11 patients (6 with congenital YNS and 5 with sporadic YNS) to investigate its underlying causes.
  • Findings revealed biallelic variants in genes related to the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway in congenital cases, indicating that defects in cellular organization could be key to understanding YNS's development, though the study's small sample size is a limitation.
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The Druze are a distinct group known for their close community, traditions, and consanguineous marriages, dating back to the eleventh century. This practice has led to unique genetic variations, impacting both pathology and gene-associated phenotypes. Some Druze clans, particularly those with exceptional long-lived family heads (ELLI), attracted attention.

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  • CHAPLE disease is a rare and serious condition affecting fewer than 100 young people worldwide, characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain and protein loss from the intestines.
  • A study used mixed methods, including interviews and clinical assessments, to evaluate the impact of pozelimab treatment on these symptoms over 24 weeks.
  • Results showed that after treatment, patients experienced complete resolution of core symptoms, highlighting the value of mixed-methods in understanding patient experiences in rare disease trials.
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Gaucher disease (GD) has a high carrier rate among Ashkenazi Jews.The most common disease-causing variant in this population N370S, is also prevalent pan-ethnically. This has led to speculations of some protective effect for carriers of this variant.

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Carcinogenesis often involves significant alterations in the cancer genome architecture, marked by large structural and copy number variations (SVs and CNVs) that are difficult to capture with short-read sequencing. Traditionally, cytogenetic techniques are applied to detect such aberrations, but they are limited in resolution and do not cover features smaller than several hundred kilobases. Optical genome mapping and nanopore sequencing are attractive technologies that bridge this resolution gap and offer enhanced performance for cytogenetic applications.

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  • * A study identified 25 individuals with new variations in the MSL2 gene, who exhibited NDD symptoms such as developmental delays, coordination problems, and autism spectrum disorder, along with other health concerns.
  • * iPSCs from affected individuals showed reduced MSL2 levels and changes in gene expression, leading to the characterization of a new MSL2-related disorder with unique clinical markers and a specific DNA episignature for diagnosis.
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  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of a targeted Israeli expanded carrier screening panel (IL-ECSP) designed for the diverse Israeli population, beyond standard testing provided by health authorities.* -
  • Over an 18-month period, 10,115 samples were analyzed, revealing that 25% of couples had no concerning findings, while 24.3% had both partners as carriers of different genetic conditions, identifying numerous couples at risk.* -
  • The findings suggest that nearly half of the at-risk couples would not have been detected using standard screenings, highlighting the importance of expanding the targeted screening panel to enhance reproductive decision-making.*
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is mostly sporadic, with the C9orf72 repeat expansion being the most common genetic cause. While the prevalence of C9orf72-ALS in patients from different populations has been studied, data regarding the yield of C9orf72 compared to an ALS gene panel testing is limited.

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Background: Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome is a rare and aggressive cancer predisposition syndrome. Because a scarcity of data on this condition contributes to management challenges and poor outcomes, we aimed to describe the clinical spectrum, cancer biology, and impact of genetics on patient survival in CMMRD.

Methods: In this cohort study, we collected cross-sectional and longitudinal data on all patients with CMMRD, with no age limits, registered with the International Replication Repair Deficiency Consortium (IRRDC) across more than 50 countries.

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Neurons form the basic anatomical and functional structure of the nervous system, and defects in neuronal differentiation or formation of neurites are associated with various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton are essential for this process, which is, inter alia, controlled by the dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) through the activation of RAC1. Here, we clinically describe 7 individuals (6 males and one female) with variants in DOCK4 and overlapping phenotype of mild to severe global developmental delay.

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  • Rapid trio genome sequencing (rtGS) is being implemented in Israeli neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to provide advanced care for critically ill newborns suspected of having genetic issues.
  • A study conducted from October 2021 to December 2022 involved 130 neonates, leading to a diagnostic rate of 50% for disease-causing genetic variants and 11% for variants of unknown significance (VUS).
  • Results showed a mean turnaround time for rapid reports of 7 days, with high engagement from medical staff regarding the clinical utility of the results (82% response rate to questionnaires).
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Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) has a genetically heterogeneous phenotype with six known genes, exhibiting both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inheritance patterns. PUF60 is a nucleic acid-binding protein, which is involved in a number of nuclear processes, including pre-mRNA splicing, apoptosis, and transcription regulation. Pathogenic variants in this gene have been described in Verheij syndrome due to either 8q24.

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  • CD55 deficiency with hyperactivation of complement, angiopathic thrombosis, and protein-losing enteropathy (CHAPLE) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the intestines and causes serious complications due to excessive complement system activity.
  • The study evaluated the safety and efficacy of pozelimab, an antibody that blocks a specific part of this system, in ten patients diagnosed with CHAPLE across three countries: Thailand, Türkiye, and the USA.
  • Results focused on the proportion of patients whose serum albumin normalized and showed clinical improvement after 24 weeks of treatment, with assessments conducted to monitor any worsening of inactive symptoms.
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