Mutations in SGPL1, the Gene Encoding Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Lyase, Cause a Novel Form of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency with Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

AVINAASH MAHARAJ; FEDERICA BUONOCORE; CASSINELLI, H; MOIN SALEEMH; HELEN STORRA; DEBORA BRASLAVSKY; LOU METHERELL; RATHI PRASAD; PAUL VANVELDHOVEN; BERGADÁ, I; RUTH KRONEG; ERKAN SARIJ; LEONARDO GUASTI; NANIK RAML; EIRINI MEIMARIDOU; ELIANA BARBAGALETA; URMI DASF; BULENT HACIHAMDIOGLUI; JOHN ACHERMANN; TULAY GURANK

Paris

Congreso; LV Reunion Anual de la Sociedad Europea de Endocrinología Pediatrica; 2016

Background: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is most commonly congenital in children. PAI is genetically heterogeneous with some gene defects causing syndromic disease. A third of patients have no genetic diagnosis meaning their prognosis is uncertain. We recently investigated families with a novel combination of PAI and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome. Objective and hypotheses: To discover the genetic defect underlying this syndrome. Method: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in two families with Sanger sequencing of SGPL1 to confirm segregation and screen further families. Results: By WES and Sanger sequencing three different mutations in SGPL1 were identified in four families. All mutations were homozygous in affected individuals and heterozygous in their asymptomatic parents. Kindred 1, three patients had a novel missense mutation [c.665GOA; p.R222Q], the index case presented with PAI (8 m), developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at 2.5y and received a kidney transplant aged 5y. A younger sibling with similar clinical history (not sequenced) died (4y) whilst an older sibling (8y) and a cousin (3y) have only PAI. Kindred 2, a child presenting with PAI had the p.R222Q mutation and at age 3.7y has no renal phenotype. Kindred 3, a female baby presenting with PAI (6 m) had a novel in-frame deletion, [c.1633_1635delTTC; p.F545del] and developed FSGS (5y) on follow-up, additional features included ichthyosis and neurological symptoms. Kindred 4, two affected siblings manifesting PAI and nephrotic syndrome (!1yr) had a canonical splice site change, [c.261C1GOA; p.?], the male sibling additionally presented with micropenis, unilateral cryptorchidism, ichthyosis and developed neurological symptoms. Conclusion: We have identified a novel, potentially progressive, disorder incorporating PAI and nephrotic syndrome amongst other features. This novel syndrome highlights the importance of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway in adrenal function. A genetic diagnosis for patients with this form of PAI is important for correct treatment, genetic counselling and screening for co-morbidities.