👤 Caterina Micolonghi

Genetic testing is valuable to confirm molecular diagnosis in nearly 60% of cases suspected of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the interpretation of variants, especially those of uncertain significance (VUSs), remains challenging for laboratories and clinicians. In April 2024, the ClinGen Cardiomyopathy Variant Curation Expert Panel (VCEP) adapted the ACMG/AMP criteria for eight of the sarcomeric genes ( Here, two groups of curators reinterpreted variants with the most recent data using the Cardiomyopathy VCEP specifications until a consensus was reached. To streamline the process, we created a semiautomated decision support tool based on these gene-specific rules. The application of the Cardiomyopathy VCEP specifications resulted in the reclassification of 17.4% ( Using gene-specific ACMG/AMP criteria reduces the rate of VUS, increasing diagnostic yield, and informing clinical management in the context of HCM. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts to generate evidence and promote standardization remain essential to improve variant interpretation. Show less

MYBPC3 pathogenic variants are the most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and are associated with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. Despite their pathogenic potential, MYBPC3 founder variants persist within specific populations. This study investigates the MYBPC3 c.2309-2 A > G splice variant hypothesizing its founder origin in central Italy. The aim was to confirm the presence of a common haplotype, assess its molecular and clinical impact, and compare the phenotype with that of other MYBPC3 founder variants. Among the 5251 HCM patients recruited at eight Italian referral centers, 1108 probands (21.1%) were identified as carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic MYBPC3 variants, and among these, 11.6% carried the c.2309-2 A > G variant. Haplotype reconstruction using short tandem repeats and tag-SNPs revealed a unique 5.2 Mb haplotype segregating with the c.2309-2 A > G variant in all carriers. Age estimation suggested that the variant originated approximately 481 years ago, likely in the Lazio region with clustering in Rome. Clinically, carriers exhibited variable expressivity with age-and sex-dependent penetrance. Males showed earlier onset, higher penetrance and greater disease severity compared to females. RNA analysis showed the retention of both introns 23 and 24, and significantly reduced MYBPC3 expression consistent with haploinsufficiency. Comparative analysis with other MYBPC3 founder variants highlighted differences in phenotypic expression, particularly in left ventricular wall thickness and clinical outcomes. This study establishes c.2309-2 A > G as an Italian MYBPC3 founder mutation, enhancing the understanding of HCM genetics and regional founder effects. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted genetic screening and personalized management for MYBPC3 c.2309-2 A > G carriers. Show less

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiac muscle disease characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Genetic testing can reveal the presence of disease-causing variants in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. However, it yields inconclusive or negative results in 40-60% of HCM cases, owing to, among other causes, technical limitations such as the inability to detect pathogenic intronic variants. Therefore, we aimed to increase the diagnostic yield of molecular analysis for HCM by improving the Show less