Targeted sequencing identifies 91 neurodevelopmental-disorder risk genes with autism and developmental-disability biases

Nat Genet. 2017 Apr;49(4):515-526. doi: 10.1038/ng.3792. Epub 2017 Feb 13.

Abstract

Gene-disruptive mutations contribute to the biology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but most of the related pathogenic genes are not known. We sequenced 208 candidate genes from >11,730 cases and >2,867 controls. We identified 91 genes, including 38 new NDD genes, with an excess of de novo mutations or private disruptive mutations in 5.7% of cases. Drosophila functional assays revealed a subset with increased involvement in NDDs. We identified 25 genes showing a bias for autism versus intellectual disability and highlighted a network associated with high-functioning autism (full-scale IQ >100). Clinical follow-up for NAA15, KMT5B, and ASH1L highlighted new syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of disease.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Phenotype