Exome sequencing identifies ZFPM2 as a cause of familial isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia and possibly cardiovascular malformations

Abstract

Using exome sequencing we identify a heterozygous nonsense mutation in ZFPM2 as a cause of familial isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia in 2 affected siblings. This mutation displays variable phenotypic expression being present in a third sibling with a mild diaphragmatic eventration and a cardiovascular malformation. The same variant is seen in 2 additional family members, both of whom are asymptomatic, thus highlighting that ZFPM2 haploinsufficiency is associated with reduced penetrance. Our finding adds further evidence for ZFPM2 having a role in diaphragm and cardiovascular development.