High‐Resolution Genomic Characterization of <scp>WAGR</scp> Spectrum Disorder: Insights From a Novel Cohort and Literature Synthesis, and Validation of Patient‐Reported Data
WAGR spectrum disorder (WAGRSD) is an ultra-rare congenital disorder caused by heterozygous deletion of chromosome 11p13. While classically associated with Wilms tumor, Aniridia, Genitourinary anomalies, and a Range of developmental delays, accurate delineation of the deletion is critical for prognosis because the phenotypic spectrum extends well beyond this tetrad. To improve diagnostic resolution, we developed and validated a high-density custom CGH-SNP array for precise breakpoint mapping of 11p13. We present a molecularly confirmed cohort of 23 new patients and integrate these with 91 published cases, forming the largest combined cohort to date (N = 114) with detailed genotype-phenotype information. Key findings include: (1) the custom array provided superior genomic resolution compared to standard clinical arrays; (2) seven patients (6.1%) were found to have a dual diagnosis of WAGRSD and Potocki-Shaffer syndrome (PSS)-a contiguous-gene syndrome characterized by multiple osteochondromas that requires distinct surveillance; (3) in 42 patients with fully defined deletions (n = 42, 38% of the cohort), no statistically significant association was observed between deletion of LMO2 (or other candidate genes) and Wilms tumor risk; and (4) phenotypic frequencies in this medically validated cohort closely aligned with prior caregiver-reported registry data, validating patient-driven registries as a reliable resource for rare disease research. Together, these findings underscore the necessity of high-resolution genomic testing to guide counseling, refine anticipatory management-including screening for PSS-related complications-and expand the phenotypic understanding of 11p13 deletion disorders.
Authors
- Shari McCullen Krantz
- Andrew M. George (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6661-3924)
- Evan R. Hathaway (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4399-0644)
- Kelly L. Trout (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2880-8509)
- Jennifer M. Kalish (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1500-9713)
- Suzanne P. MacFarland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5894-6403)
- Arupa Ganguly (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4527-3216)
- Caitlin Monahan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6921-5008)
- A. C. Viswanathan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8127-3419)
- Zoe S. Katz
- Bamelak T. Duki
- John Morris
Institutions
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (US)
- Global VetPathology (US)
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
- Published
- 2026-04-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.70159
- Primary Topic
- Renal and related cancers
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00