Novel Homozygous DLX5 and WNT10B Variants Expand the Genetic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Autosomal Recessive Split-Hand/Foot Malformations (SHFM1D and SHFM6)

Abstract

Background

Split-hand/foot malformations (SHFM) have both dominant and recessive inheritance patterns, but the autosomal recessive forms (SHFM1D and SHFM6) are much rarer and often present with more severe and asymmetrical limb defects compared to the dominant forms. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of SHFM in patients presenting with limb anomalies and associated features, contributing to the understanding of autosomal recessive SHFM subtypes (SHFM1D and SHFM6).

Methods

Clinical and radiological assessments were performed on the patients, followed by exome sequencing and segregation analysis.

Results

Two patients exhibited median clefts in hands/feet, aplasia/hypoplasia of phalanges. Patient 1 also presented with genital anomalies (hypospadias), hearing loss, and atrial defect detected in one patient. Exome sequencing identified two novel homozygous variants: A nonsense variant (p.Glu33*) in DLX5 (SHFM1D) in Patient 1 and a missense variant (p.Leu87Pro) in WNT10B (SHFM6) in Patient 2. Parental sequencing confirmed heterozygous carrier status. The DLX5 variant truncates the protein upstream of the DNA-binding domain, while the WNT10B variant disrupts a conserved palmitoylation site, impairing WNT signaling.

Conclusions

This study expands both the genetic and phenotypic spectra of autosomal recessive SHFM. We report the second documented case of SHFM1D worldwide. It is the first case to link the recessive SHFM1D with hypospadias, thereby expanding its clinical spectrum. Our findings also distinguish the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of DLX5 and WNT10B-related malformations. Further research into the DLX5/WNT10B pathways may provide insights into human development and differentiation in the context of SHFM and associated anomalies.