Genotype–Phenotype Spectrum of Overgrowth Syndromes in Polish and Lithuanian Cohorts

Background/Objectives: Overgrowth syndromes (OGSs) are a heterogeneous group of rare conditions marked by excessive growth and variable neurodevelopmental and systemic features. They are broadly classified into generalized overgrowth (GOG) and segmental overgrowth (SOG), which differ in clinical presentation and genetic mechanisms. However, many cases remain genetically unresolved, especially in underrepresented populations. Methods: We analyzed a binational cohort of patients from Poland and Lithuania with suspected OGSs, using detailed clinical evaluation and exome sequencing (ES) from blood-derived DNA. Variants were interpreted using current clinical guidelines, and phenotypes were compared between the GOG and SOG groups. Results: Patients with GOG more often showed developmental delay, intellectual disability, neurological issues, and joint laxity, while vascular malformations were more common in patients with SOG. Dysmorphic features appeared earlier in the SOG group, but became more pronounced over time in the GOG group. Genetic analysis led to the identification of definitive diagnoses in 25% of individuals. Pathogenic variants were identified in the genes involved in chromatin regulation and epigenetic control (DNMT3A, EED, KMT5B, CHD3, and NSD1), along with novel variants expanding the known spectrum. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of OGSs in underrepresented Central and North-Eastern European populations, supporting the development of region-specific diagnostic and surveillance strategies.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Genes
Published
2026-10-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17111356
Primary Topic
Genomics and Rare Diseases
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Genotype–Phenotype Spectrum of Overgrowth Syndromes in Polish and Lithuanian Cohorts

Kamilė Šiaurytė, Algirdas Utkus, Aušra Matulevičienė, Błażej Marciniak et al.
Genes
Genomics and Rare Diseases
article

Genotype–Phenotype Spectrum of Overgrowth Syndromes in Polish and Lithuanian Cohorts

Kamilė Šiaurytė, Algirdas Utkus, Aušra Matulevičienė, Błażej Marciniak, Beata Stasiewicz‐Jarocka, Natalia Wawrusiewicz‐Kurylonek, Monika Mozere, Beata Aleksiūnienė, Joanna Michalska-Madej, Barbara Panasiuk, Karolis Baronas, Renata Posmyk, Alireza Tafazoli
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Overgrowth syndromes (OGSs) are a heterogeneous group of rare conditions marked by excessive growth and variable neurodevelopmental and systemic features. They are broadly classified into generalized overgrowth (GOG) and segmental overgrowth (SOG), which differ in clinical presentation and genetic mechanisms. However, many cases remain genetically unresolved, especially in underrepresented populations. Methods: We analyzed a binational cohort of patients from Poland and Lithuania with suspected OGSs, using detailed clinical evaluation and exome sequencing (ES) from blood-derived DNA. Variants were interpreted using current clinical guidelines, and phenotypes were compared between the GOG and SOG groups. Results: Patients with GOG more often showed developmental delay, intellectual disability, neurological issues, and joint laxity, while vascular malformations were more common in patients with SOG. Dysmorphic features appeared earlier in the SOG group, but became more pronounced over time in the GOG group. Genetic analysis led to the identification of definitive diagnoses in 25% of individuals. Pathogenic variants were identified in the genes involved in chromatin regulation and epigenetic control (DNMT3A, EED, KMT5B, CHD3, and NSD1), along with novel variants expanding the known spectrum. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of OGSs in underrepresented Central and North-Eastern European populations, supporting the development of region-specific diagnostic and surveillance strategies.

GenesVol. 17(11)
Medical University of Białystok (PL), Vilnius University (LT), University of Łódź (PL)
Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Lietuvos Mokslo Taryba
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 14%
Genomics and Rare Diseases
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon