Journal of medical genetics
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The FOXG1 gene has been recently implicated in the congenital form of Rett syndrome (RTT). It encodes the fork-head box protein G1, a winged-helix transcriptional repressor with expression restricted to testis and brain, where it is critical for forebrain development. So far, only two point mutations in FOXG1 have been reported in females affected by the congenital form of RTT. Aim To assess the involvement of FOXG1 in the molecular aetiology of classical RTT and related disorders. ⋯ These new cases give additional support to the genetic heterogeneity in RTT and help to delineate the clinical spectrum of the FOXG1-related phenotypes. FOXG1 screening should be considered in the molecular diagnosis of RTT.
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Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder representing one of the most common genetic causes of mental retardation in girls. The classic form is caused by MECP2 mutations. In two patients affected by the congenital variant of Rett we have recently identified mutations in the FOXG1 gene encoding a brain specific transcriptional repressor, essential for early development of the telencephalon. ⋯ Mutations have been identified in four patients, independently classified as congenital Rett variants from France, Spain and Latvia. Clinical data have been compared with the two previously reported patients with mutations in FOXG1. In all cases hypotonia, irresponsiveness and irritability were present in the neonatal period. At birth, head circumference was normal while a deceleration of growth was recognised soon afterwards, leading to severe microcephaly. Motor development was severely impaired and voluntary hand use was absent. In contrast with classic Rett, patients showed poor eye contact. Typical stereotypic hand movements with hand washing and hand mouthing activities were present continuously. Some patients showed abnormal movements of the tongue and jerky movements of the limbs. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed corpus callosum hypoplasia in most cases, while epilepsy was a variable sign. Scoliosis was present and severe in the older patients. Neurovegetative symptoms typical of Rett were frequently present.