Analyses of 1236 genotyped primary ciliary dyskinesia individuals identify regional clusters of distinct DNA variants and significant genotype–phenotype correlations
Authors: Raidt Johanna , Riepenhausen Sarah , Pennekamp Petra , Olbrich Heike , Amirav Israel , Athanazio Rodrigo A. , Aviram Micha , Balinotti Juan E. , Bar-On Ophir , Bode Sebastian F.N. , Boon Mieke , Borrelli Melissa , Carr Siobhan B. , Crowley Suzanne , Dehlink Eleonora , Diepenhorst Sandra , Durdik Peter , Dworniczak Bernd , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Erdem Ela , Fonnesu Rossella , Gracci Serena , Große-Onnebrink Jörg , Gwozdziewicz Karolina , Haarman Eric G. , Hansen Christine R. , Hogg Claire , Holgersen Mathias G. , Kerem Eitan , Körner Robert W. , Kötz Karsten , Kouis Panayiotis , Loebinger Michael R. , Lorent Natalie , Lucas Jane S. , Maj Debora , Mall Marcus A. , Marthin June K. , Martinu Vendula , Mazurek Henryk , Mitchison Hannah M. , Nöthe-Menchen Tabea , Özçelik Ugur , Pifferi Massimo , Pogorzelski Andrzej , Ringshausen Felix C. , Roehmel Jobst F. , Rovira-Amigo Sandra , Rumman Nisreen , Schlegtendal Anne , Shoemark Amelia , Sperstad Kennelly Synne , Staar Ben O. , Sutharsan Sivagurunathan , Thomas Simon , Ullmann Nicola , Varghese Julian , von Hardenberg Sandra , Walker Woolf T. , Wetzke Martin , Witt Michal , Yiallouros Panayiotis , Zschocke Anna , Ziętkiewicz Ewa , Nielsen Kim G. , Omran Heymut 
Published: June 2024

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) represents a group of rare hereditary disorders characterised by deficient ciliary airway clearance that can be associated with laterality defects. We aimed to describe the underlying gene defects, geographical differences in genotypes and their relationship to diagnostic findings and clinical phenotypes.

Methods

Genetic variants and clinical findings (age, sex, body mass index, laterality defects, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)) were collected from 19 countries using the European Reference Network's ERN-LUNG international PCD Registry. Genetic data were evaluated according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. We assessed regional distribution of implicated genes and genetic variants as well as genotype correlations with laterality defects and FEV1.

Results

The study included 1236 individuals carrying 908 distinct pathogenic DNA variants in 46 PCD genes. We found considerable variation in the distribution of PCD genotypes across countries due to the presence of distinct founder variants. The prevalence of PCD genotypes associated with pathognomonic ultrastructural defects (mean 72%, range 47–100%) and laterality defects (mean 42%, range 28–69%) varied widely among countries. The prevalence of laterality defects was significantly lower in PCD individuals without pathognomonic ciliary ultrastructure defects (18%). The PCD cohort had a reduced median FEV1z-score (−1.66). Median FEV1z-scores were significantly lower inCCNO(−3.26),CCDC39(−2.49) andCCDC40(−2.96) variant groups, while the FEV1z-score reductions were significantly milder inDNAH11(−0.83) andODAD1(−0.85) variant groups compared to the whole PCD cohort.

Conclusion

This unprecedented multinational dataset of DNA variants and information on their distribution across countries facilitates interpretation of the genetic epidemiology of PCD and indicates that the genetic variant can predict diagnostic and phenotypic features such as the course of lung function.