Dispersed DNA variants underlie hearing loss in South Florida’s minority population
LéShon Peart,
Joanna Gonzalez,
Dayna Morel Swols
et al.
Abstract:Background
We analyzed the genetic causes of sensorineural hearing loss in racial and ethnic minorities of South Florida by reviewing demographic, phenotypic, and genetic data on 136 patients presenting to the Hereditary Hearing Loss Clinic at the University of Miami. In our retrospective chart review, of these patients, half self-identified as Hispanic, and the self-identified racial distribution was 115 (86%) White, 15 (11%) Black, and 6 (4%) Asian. Our analysis helps to reduce the gap in und… Show more
“…In addition, the prevalence of genetic impact and genetic factors associated with hearing impairment must be addressed to improve the unmet healthcare needs. The identification of new genetic variants associated with hearing loss in Latin America populations will pave the way for the development of effective screening tools and therapeutic strategies to either cure or slow down the progression of this condition [110,111].…”
Section: Current Situation In Latin Americamentioning
Congenital hearing loss is the most common birth defect, estimated to affect 2–3 in every 1000 births, with ~50–60% of those related to genetic causes. Technological advances enabled the identification of hundreds of genes related to hearing loss (HL), with important implications for patients, their families, and the community. Despite these advances, in Latin America, the population with hearing loss remains underdiagnosed, with most studies focusing on a single locus encompassing the GJB2/GJB6 genes. Here we discuss how current and emerging genetic knowledge has the potential to alter the approach to diagnosis and management of hearing loss, which is the current situation in Latin America, and the barriers that still need to be overcome.
“…In addition, the prevalence of genetic impact and genetic factors associated with hearing impairment must be addressed to improve the unmet healthcare needs. The identification of new genetic variants associated with hearing loss in Latin America populations will pave the way for the development of effective screening tools and therapeutic strategies to either cure or slow down the progression of this condition [110,111].…”
Section: Current Situation In Latin Americamentioning
Congenital hearing loss is the most common birth defect, estimated to affect 2–3 in every 1000 births, with ~50–60% of those related to genetic causes. Technological advances enabled the identification of hundreds of genes related to hearing loss (HL), with important implications for patients, their families, and the community. Despite these advances, in Latin America, the population with hearing loss remains underdiagnosed, with most studies focusing on a single locus encompassing the GJB2/GJB6 genes. Here we discuss how current and emerging genetic knowledge has the potential to alter the approach to diagnosis and management of hearing loss, which is the current situation in Latin America, and the barriers that still need to be overcome.
Autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss (ADSNHL) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder caused by pathogenic variants in various genes, including MYH14. However, the interpretation of pathogenicity for MYH14 variants remains a challenge due to incomplete penetrance and the lack of functional studies and large families. In this study, we performed exome sequencing in six unrelated families with ADSNHL and identified five MYH14 variants, including three novel variants. Two of the novel variants, c.571G > C (p.Asp191His) and c.571G > A (p.Asp191Asn), were classified as likely pathogenic using ACMG and Hearing Loss Expert panel guidelines. In silico modeling demonstrated that these variants, along with p.Gly1794Arg, can alter protein stability and interactions among neighboring molecules. Our findings suggest that MYH14 causative variants may be more contributory and emphasize the importance of considering this gene in patients with nonsyndromic mainly post‐lingual severe form of hearing loss. However, further functional studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of these variants.
Purpose of review
To summarize indications, methods, and diagnostic yields for genetic testing for pediatric hearing loss.
Recent findings
Genetic testing has become a cornerstone of clinical care for children with sensorineural hearing loss. Recent studies have shown the efficacy of gene panels and exome sequencing for any child with sensorineural hearing loss. Recent findings have underscored the importance of a diagnosis in clinical care. Clinical trials for gene therapy for hearing loss have begun.
Summary
Genetic testing has become critical for personalized care for children with hearing loss. Recent studies have shown a 43% overall diagnostic yield for genetic testing for pediatric hearing loss, though the diagnostic yield may range from 10 to 60% depending on clinical features. Syndromic diagnoses comprise 25% of positive genetic tests for pediatric sensorineural hearing loss. While diagnostic yield is lower for children with unilateral or asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss, the likelihood of syndromic hearing loss finding is higher. An early and accurate genetic diagnosis is required for participating in clinical trials for gene therapy for hearing loss.
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