Phenotypic spectrum in Weiss-Kruszka syndrome caused by ZNF462 variants: Three new patients and literature review

Abstract

Weiss-Kruszka Syndrome (WSKA) is caused by pathogenic variants in ZNF462 representing a rare autosomal dominant congenital anomaly syndrome. It is characterized by global developmental delay, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and craniofacial abnormalities, documented in fewer than 30 patients. ZNF462, located on chromosome 9p31.2, is a transcription factor and has an important role during embryonic development and chromatin remodelling. Here, we report three new patients with WSKA, Through whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis, we identified two novel variants in three patients, two of whom are siblings. These variants (c.3078dup, p.Val1027Cysfs5 and c.4792A > T p.Lys1598*) in the ZNF462 gene are likely resulting in haploinsufficiency. Our patients help to further delineate the phenotype, genotype and potential therapeutic management strategies for WSKA. Since we report a second WSKA patient with an autoimmune disease further clinical and functional studies are needed to elucidate the association between this chromatin remodelling disorder and the development of autoimmune problems. In the future, collaborative efforts are encouraged to develop an episignature for WSKA, given the gene's function and associated patient phenotypes. This new technology has the potential to provide valuable insights into the disorder.