Scalp-Ear-Nipple syndrome: first report of a Potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing 1 in-frame insertion and review of the literature

Clin Dysmorphol. 2021 Oct 1;30(4):167-172. doi: 10.1097/MCD.0000000000000387.

Abstract

Objectives: Pathogenic missense variants in the potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing 1 (KCTD1) gene are associated with autosomal dominant Scalp-Ear-Nipple syndrome (SENS), a type of ectodermal dysplasia characterized by aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp, hairless posterior scalp nodules, absent or rudimentary nipples, breast aplasia and external ear anomalies. We report a child with clinical features of an ectodermal dysplasia, including sparse hair, dysmorphic facial features, absent nipples, 2-3 toe syndactyly, mild atopic dermatitis and small cupped ears with overfolded helices. We also review the published cases of SENS with molecularly confirmed KCTD1 variants.

Methods and results: Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a novel, de novo in-frame insertion in the broad-complex, tramtrack and bric-a-brac (BTB) domain of the KCTD1 gene. By comparing to the previously reported patients, we found that our patient's clinical features and molecular variant are consistent with a diagnosis of SENS.

Conclusions: This is only the 13th KCTD1 variant described and the first report of an in-frame insertion causing clinical features, expanding the mutational spectrum of KCTD1 and SENS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple
  • Child
  • Co-Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Ear, External / abnormalities
  • Ear, External / metabolism
  • Ectodermal Dysplasia* / diagnosis
  • Ectodermal Dysplasia* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hypospadias
  • Male
  • Muscle Hypotonia
  • Nipples* / abnormalities
  • Potassium Channels* / genetics
  • Scalp / abnormalities
  • Scalp / metabolism

Substances

  • Co-Repressor Proteins
  • KCTD1 protein, human
  • Potassium Channels

Supplementary concepts

  • Scalp ear nipple syndrome