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.

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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
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article
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article

High‐Resolution Genomic Characterization of WAGR Spectrum Disorder: Insights From a Novel Cohort and Literature Synthesis, and Validation of Patient‐Reported Data

Shari McCullen Krantz, Andrew M. George, Evan R. Hathaway, Kelly L. Trout et al.
American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
Renal and related cancers
article

High‐Resolution Genomic Characterization of WAGR Spectrum Disorder: Insights From a Novel Cohort and Literature Synthesis, and Validation of Patient‐Reported Data

Shari McCullen Krantz, Andrew M. George, Evan R. Hathaway, Kelly L. Trout, Jennifer M. Kalish, Suzanne P. MacFarland, Arupa Ganguly, Caitlin Monahan, A. C. Viswanathan, Zoe S. Katz, Bamelak T. Duki, John Morris
article en

Abstract

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.

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (US), Global VetPathology (US), University of Pennsylvania (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Renal and related cancers
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