ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

Brief summary: The Human Pangenome Reference Consortium reports a first draft of the human pangenome reference due to replace the existing reference GRCh38 (1, 2). It is an updated, high-quality, graph-based, telomere-to-telomere representation of global genomic diversity including common variants (single-nucleotide variants, structural variants and functional elements).The human reference genome is the fundamental, open-access resource of modern human g...

Brief summary: In this large-scale, multicenter DNA sequencing study, probands (and families; n=13 449) with previously undiagnosed, severe, likely monogenic, complex developmental disorders from 24 centers in the UK and Irland were studied by whole exome sequencing and microarray analysis. Multimodal data analysis yielded a diagnosis in 41%, more likely with TRIO family analysis. Probands with a history of extreme prematurity, in utero exposure to antiepileptics and ...

Brief summary: This maternal genome-wide meta-analysis of gestational duration (n=195 555) found 22 associated loci and an enrichment in genes expressed during labour. The related meta-analysis of preterm delivery (18 797 cases, 260 246 controls) revealed seven associated loci and large genetic similarities with gestational duration. Maternal alleles that increase gestational duration had a negative effect on birth weight.Preterm delivery is one...

Brief summary: Genomic information (nuclear, Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA data) of 13 Neanderthals from two neighboring caves in Siberia have been analysed to infer their social community organization. The data show greater diversity of maternal lineages, which is best explained by female-biased migration between communities.This study is fascinating as it illustrates what information can be gained with genetic data and analysis beyond the medical ...

Brief summary: This survey study addressed the question whether rare disease experts (n=238) would advise genetic neonatal screening for treatable genetic disorders. Most experts (87.9%) agreed that genetic analysis for a limited number of monogenic treatable conditions should be available to all newborns.Newborn screening has been introduced for diagnosing a few treatable congenital disorders at birth in apparently healthy newborns, in order to...