Frameshift mutations at the C-terminus of HIST1H1E result in a specific DNA hypomethylation signature
Andrea Ciolfi, Erfan Aref‐Eshghi, Simone Pizzi, Lucia Pedace, Evelina Miele, Jennifer Kerkhof, Elisabetta Flex, Simone Martinelli, Francesca Clementina Radio, Claudia Ruivenkamp, Gijs W.E. Santen, Emilia Bijlsma, Daniela Q.C.M. Barge‐Schaapveld, Katrin Õunap, Victoria Mok Siu, R. Frank Kooy, Bruno Dallapiccola, Bekim Sadiković, Marco Tartaglia
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We previously associated HIST1H1E mutations causing Rahman syndrome with a specific genome-wide methylation pattern. RESULTS: Methylome analysis from peripheral blood samples of six affected subjects led us to identify a specific hypomethylated profile. This "episignature" was enriched for genes involved in neuronal system development and function. A computational classifier yielded full sensitivity and specificity in detecting subjects with Rahman syndrome. Applying this model to a cohort of undiagnosed probands allowed us to reach diagnosis in one subject. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate an epigenetic signature in subjects with Rahman syndrome that can be used to reach molecular diagnosis.