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Molecular Studies of Monogenic Diseases: Diagnostics, Mechanisms and Therapeutics

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 1884

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of Mendelian inheritance originated almost two centuries ago, and it still drives the identification of human genetic disorders today. The recessive or dominant mutations in a single gene designate a monogenic disease, typically stemming from a molecular alteration in the functions, regulations, or physical interactions of the protein encoded by the affected gene. Starting in the 1980s, the molecular studies of monogenic diseases have led to the discovery of about 5000 causative genes. This provides an unparalleled basis for future understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying each disorder and translation into specific therapeutics. In addition, the spectrum of genotype–phenotype relationships is constantly growing. Molecular techniques for genetic diagnosis continue to evolve to allow for the correct identification of rare and common monogenic disorders. We are constantly faced with the need to identify new disease-causing genes, novel pathogenic mutations in a known causative gene, and undisclosed mechanisms that explain molecular pathogenesis. Finally, by understanding the full underlying biology of a given monogenic disease, we have a great opportunity for the rational development of novel therapies that are vital to many patients currently unable to receive effective treatment.

This Special Issue, entitled “Molecular Studies of Monogenic Diseases: Diagnostics, Mechanisms and Therapeutics”, aims to collect interdisciplinary knowledge from relevant studies in molecular genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular medicine. Original research articles and systematic reviews are welcome to be submitted.

Dr. Ivano Condò
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • cell death pathways
  • DNA sequencing
  • drug discovery
  • gene expression
  • gene mutation
  • genetic diagnosis
  • molecular signaling
  • molecular therapy
  • monogenic disease

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 1227 KiB  
Article
Nanopore Long-Read Sequencing as a First-Tier Diagnostic Test to Detect Repeat Expansions in Neurological Disorders
by Eddy N. de Boer, Arjen J. Scheper, Dennis Hendriksen, Bart Charbon, Gerben van der Vries, Annelies M. ten Berge, Petra M. Grootscholten, Henny H. Lemmink, Jan D. H. Jongbloed, Laura Bosscher, Nine V. A. M. Knoers, Morris A. Swertz, Birgit Sikkema-Raddatz, Dorieke J. Dijkstra, Lennart F. Johansson and Cleo C. van Diemen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 2850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26072850 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1547
Abstract
Inherited neurological disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and fragile X (FraX), are frequently caused by short tandem repeat (STR) expansions. The detection and assessment of STRs is important for diagnostics and prognosis. We tested the abilities of nanopore long-read sequencing (LRS) using [...] Read more.
Inherited neurological disorders, such as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and fragile X (FraX), are frequently caused by short tandem repeat (STR) expansions. The detection and assessment of STRs is important for diagnostics and prognosis. We tested the abilities of nanopore long-read sequencing (LRS) using a custom panel including the nine most common SCA-related genes and FraX and created raw data to report workflow. Using known STR lengths for 23 loci in 12 patients, a pipeline was validated to detect and report STR lengths. In addition, we assessed the capability to detect SNVs, indels, and the methylation status in the same test. For the 23 loci, 22 were concordant with known STR lengths, while for the last, one of three replicates differed, indicating an artefact. All positive control STRs were detected as likely pathogenic, with no additional findings after a visual assessment of repeat motifs. Out of 226 SNV and Indel variants, two were false positive and one false negative (accuracy 98.7%). In all FMR1 controls, a methylation status could be determined. In conclusion, LRS is suitable as a diagnostic workflow for STR analysis in neurological disorders and can be generalized to other diseases. The addition of SNV/Indel and methylation detection promises to allow for a one-test-fits-all workflow. Full article
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