A novel germline mutation at exon 10 of MEN1 gene: a clinical survey and positive genotype-phenotype analysis of a MEN1 Italian family, including monozygotic twins

• DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0044-2
• Publication Date: 2018-08-06T07:22:17Z
• Authors: Andrea Palermo; Ettore Capoluongo; Rossella Del Toro; Silvia Manfrini; Paolo Pozzilli; Daria Maggi; Giuseppe Defeudis; Francesco Pantano; Roberto Coppola; Francesco Maria D...; Marco Raffaelli; Paola Concolino; Alberto Falchetti
• Keywords: MEN1

Clinical phenotype variability in MEN1 syndrome exists and evidence for an established genotype-phenotype is lacking. However, a higher aggressiveness of MEN1-associated gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) (neuro)endocrine tumours (NETs) tumours has been reported when MEN1 gene truncating mutations are detected. We found a novel germline truncating mutation of MEN1 gene at exon 10 in a subject with an aggressive clinical behavior of GEP-NETs. Successively, other two mutant-affected familial members have been identified.The aim of this observational study was to investigate genotype-phenotype correlation in these three members, with attention to GPE-NETs behavior over the years.The genetic and clinical data obtained and the follow-up screening program (2012-2016) were according to the International Guidelines in a multidisciplinary academic reference center. The familial history collected strongly suggested MEN1 GEP-NETs in at least other four members from different generations.Three MEN1 patients (aged 30-69 years at MEN1 diagnosis) were clinically screened for MEN1 GEP-NETs, both functioning and nonfunctioning.Biochemical, imaging, and nuclear medicine tests and fine-needle agobiopsy were performed, depending on found/emerging clinical symptoms/biochemical abnormalities, and made when necessary.Our clinical survey found strong genotype-phenotype correlation with aggressive MEN1 GEP-NETs (G1, G2-NETs, and multiple ZES/gastrinomas) over the years. The familial history strongly suggested ZES/gastrinoma in progenitors from previous generations.This novel MEN1 truncating mutation correlates with an aggressive evolution and behavior of MEN1 GEP-NETs in studied affected subjects, confirming the need for MEN1 individuals to be evaluated by a skilled multidisciplinary team, as also stated by International Guidelines.