Approaches to Evaluate Whole Exome Sequencing Data That Incorporate Genetic Intolerance Scores for Congenital Anomalies, Including Intronic Regions Adjacent to Exons.

Background: Whole exome sequencing (WES) aids in diagnosing monogenic diseases, yet > 50% of all cases remain undiagnosed. We aimed to improve diagnostic precision by developing an effective WES-based strategy for detecting congenital anomalies.

Methods: Initially, 128 probands with congenital anomalies were assessed using trio-WES and copy number variation analysis-variant interpretation was for exons and splice sites. Thereafter, we reanalyzed the sequence data for undiagnosed cases using the following methods. First, we performed trio-WES analysis, adding genetic intolerance scores annotation. Second, we analyzed all exons, splicing sites, and intron variants for cases with phenotypes suggestive of specific causative genes using SpliceAI. Lastly, using SpliceAI, we analyzed all exons, splicing sites, and intron variants in genetically constrained genes filtered with genetic intolerance scores.

Results: Initial analysis diagnosed 51 of 128 cases (39.8%). In the reanalysis, first, we identified novel likely pathogenic variants in MED12 and CCDC22 associated with X-linked diseases. Second, a novel TMEM67 intron variant associated with Meckel syndrome was detected. Finally, a de novo hemizygous pathogenic intronic variant in CASK was identified in a case of intrauterine fetal death.

Conclusions: WES analysis, including intronic regions and utilizing genetic intolerance scores, has the potential to efficiently improve diagnostic yield.