Microcephaly
Gene: KIF21B
Asselin et al (2020 - PMID: 32415109) report on 4 individuals with KIF21B pathogenic variants. DD/ID (borderline intellectual functioning to severe ID) was a feature in all. Variable other findings included brain malformations (CCA) and microcephaly. 3 missense variants and a 4-bp insertion were identified, in 3 cases as de novo events while in a single subject the variant was inherited from the father who was also affected. The authors provide evidence for a role of KIF21B in the regulation of processes involved in cortical development and deleterious effect of the missense variants impeding neuronal migration and kinesin autoinhibition. Phenotypes specific to variants (e.g. CCA or microcephaly) were recapitulated in animal models. Missense variants are thought to exert a gain-of-function effect. As commented on, the 4-bp duplication (/frameshift) variant might not be pathogenic. In blood sample from the respective individual, RT-qPCR analysis suggested that haploinsufficiency (NMD) applies. Although Kif21b haploinsufficiency in mice was shown to lead to impaired neuronal positioning, the gene might partially tolerate LoF variants as also suggested by 28 such variants in gnomAD. Homozygous Kif21b ko mice display severe morphological abnormalities, partial loss of commissural fibers, cognitive deficits and altered synaptic transmission (several refs to previous studies provided by the authors).
Sources: LiteratureCreated: 2 Sep 2020, 12:11 a.m.
Mode of inheritance
MONOALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal, NOT imprinted
Phenotypes
Global developmental delay; Intellectual disability; Abnormality of brain morphology; Microcephaly
Publications
Mode of pathogenicity
Loss-of-function variants (as defined in pop up message) DO NOT cause this phenotype - please provide details in the comments
Gene: kif21b has been classified as Green List (High Evidence).
Gene: kif21b has been classified as Green List (High Evidence).
gene: KIF21B was added gene: KIF21B was added to Microcephaly. Sources: Literature Mode of inheritance for gene: KIF21B was set to MONOALLELIC, autosomal or pseudoautosomal, NOT imprinted Publications for gene: KIF21B were set to 32415109 Phenotypes for gene: KIF21B were set to Global developmental delay; Intellectual disability; Abnormality of brain morphology; Microcephaly Mode of pathogenicity for gene: KIF21B was set to Loss-of-function variants (as defined in pop up message) DO NOT cause this phenotype - please provide details in the comments Review for gene: KIF21B was set to GREEN