Atypical Rett Syndrome: CDKL5 Gene Deletion/Duplication
Condition Description
Mutations in the gene CDKL5 (Xp22) (also known as serine threonine kinase 9 or STK9) are associated with an atypical variant of Rett syndrome, which includes intellectual disability and severe neurological symptoms. Characteristics include severe early-onset seizures, loss of communication and motor skills, hypsarrythmia, and profound global developmental arrest. Hand-wringing and hand-mouthing stereotypies and breathing dysfunction suggestive of Rett syndrome have been reported. Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene, and clinical symptoms include loss of speech and purposeful hand use, microcephaly, seizures, ataxia, and stereotypic hand movements. Similar to MeCP2, CDKL5 mutations manifest a wide range of clinical phenotypes in female and rare male patients, with features overlapping other intellectual disability disorders. Identical twin females with atypical Rett syndrome have been reported in which one was more severely affected, with profound intellectual disability, mixed seizure disorder, and small hands and feet, while the other had mild intellectual disability and autistic features, but no seizures.
CDKL5 mutations have been found in affected individuals with phenotypic features of atypical Rett syndrome. De novo mutations and evidence of germline mosaicism have been reported. It has been demonstrated that in the mouse brain, Cdkl5 expression overlaps that of Mecp2, suggesting that these two gene products play a role in a common pathogenic process. Mutation analysis of the CDKL5 gene should be considered in patients who previously tested negative for comprehensive mutation analysis in the MeCP2 gene.
For patients with suspected atypical Rett syndrome, sequence analysis is recommended as the first step in mutation identification. For patients in whom mutations are not identified by full gene sequencing, deletion/duplication analysis is appropriate.
Click here for the OMIM summary on this condition.
Genes (1)
Indications
This test is indicated for:
- Confirmation of a clinical/biochemical diagnosis of atypical Rett syndrome in an individual in whom sequencing analysis was negative
- Carrier testing in adult females with a family history of atypical Rett syndrome in whom sequencing analysis was negative
Methodology
Targeted CGH Array: DNA isolated from peripheral blood is hybridized to a CGH array to detect deletions and duplications. The targeted CGH array has overlapping probes which cover the entire genomic region.
Detection
Detection is limited to duplications and deletions. Array CGH will not detect point mutations or intronic mutations. Results of molecular analysis must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical and/or biochemical phenotype.
Specimen Requirements
Infants and Young Children (<2 years of age): 2-3 ml
Children > 2 years of age to 10 years old: 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml
Autopsy: 2-3 ml unclotted cord or cardiac blood
3µg
Isolation using the Perkin Elmer™Chemagen™ Chemagen™ Automated Extraction method or Qiagen™ Puregene kit for DNA extraction is recommended.
Special Instructions
Submit copies of diagnostic biochemical test results with the sample, if appropriate. Contact the laboratory if further information is needed.
Sequence analysis is required before deletion/duplication analysis by targeted CGH array. If sequencing is performed outside of EGL Genetics, please submit a copy of the sequencing report with the test requisition.
Related Tests
- Sequence analysis of the CDKL5 gene is available and is required before deletion/duplication analysis (RJ).
- A CGH array-based test for deletion/duplication analysis of 64 different X-linked intellectual disability genes is available (OL).
- Sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis is available for the MeCP2 gene for Rett syndrome (SR, KT).
- Prenatal testing is available to adult females who are confirmed carriers of mutations. Please contact the laboratory genetic counselor to discuss appropriate testing prior to collecting a prenatal specimen.