Ciliopathies Gene Panel Contact details Introduction Regional Genetics Service The ciliopathies are a heterogeneous group of conditions with considerable phenotypic overlap. Levels 4-6, Barclay House These inherited diseases are caused by defects in cilia; hair-like projections present on most 37 Queen Square cells, with roles in key human developmental processes via their motility and signalling functions. Ciliopathies are often lethal and multiple organ systems are affected. Ciliopathies are London, WC1N 3BH united in being genetically heterogeneous conditions and the different subtypes can share T +44 (0) 20 7762 6888 many clinical features, predominantly cystic kidney disease, but also retinal, respiratory, F +44 (0) 20 7813 8578 skeletal, hepatic and neurological defects in addition to metabolic defects, laterality defects and polydactyly. Their clinical variability can make ciliopathies hard to recognise, reflecting the ubiquity of cilia. Gene panels currently offer the best solution to tackling analysis of genetically Samples required heterogeneous conditions such as the ciliopathies. Ciliopathies affect approximately 1:2,000 5ml venous blood in plastic EDTA births. bottles (>1ml from neonates) Ciliopathies are generally inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, with some autosomal Prenatal testing must be arranged dominant and X-linked exceptions. in advance, through a Clinical Genetics department if possible. Referrals Amniotic fluid or CV samples Patients presenting with a ciliopathy; due to the phenotypic variability this could be a diverse set should be sent to Cytogenetics for of features. For guidance contact the laboratory or Dr Hannah Mitchison dissecting and culturing, with (
[email protected]) / Prof Phil Beales (
[email protected]) instructions to forward the sample to the Regional Molecular Genetics Referrals will be accepted from clinical geneticists and consultants in nephrology, metabolic, laboratory for analysis respiratory and retinal diseases.