Recommendations for clinical interpretation of variants found in non-coding regions of the genome

Jamie M. Ellingford, Joo Wook Ahn, Richard D. Bagnall, Diana Baralle, Stephanie Barton, Chris Campbell, Kate Downes, Sian Ellard, Celia Duff-Farrier, David R. FitzPatrick, John M. Greally, Jodie Ingles, Neesha Krishnan, Jenny Lord, Hilary C. Martin, William G. Newman, Anne O’Donnell-Luria, Simon C. Ramsden, Heidi L. Rehm, Ebony RichardsonMoriel Singer-Berk, Jenny C. Taylor, Maggie Williams, Jordan C. Wood, Caroline F. Wright, Steven M. Harrison, Nicola Whiffin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The majority of clinical genetic testing focuses almost exclusively on regions of the genome that directly encode proteins. The important role of variants in non-coding regions in penetrant disease is, however, increasingly being demonstrated, and the use of whole genome sequencing in clinical diagnostic settings is rising across a large range of genetic disorders. Despite this, there is no existing guidance on how current guidelines designed primarily for variants in protein-coding regions should be adapted for variants identified in other genomic contexts. Methods: We convened a panel of nine clinical and research scientists with wide-ranging expertise in clinical variant interpretation, with specific experience in variants within non-coding regions. This panel discussed and refined an initial draft of the guidelines which were then extensively tested and reviewed by external groups. Results: We discuss considerations specifically for variants in non-coding regions of the genome. We outline how to define candidate regulatory elements, highlight examples of mechanisms through which non-coding region variants can lead to penetrant monogenic disease, and outline how existing guidelines can be adapted for the interpretation of these variants. Conclusions: These recommendations aim to increase the number and range of non-coding region variants that can be clinically interpreted, which, together with a compatible phenotype, can lead to new diagnoses and catalyse the discovery of novel disease mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number73
JournalGenome Medicine
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • Gene regulation
  • Non-coding variation
  • Variant interpretation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)

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