21/01/2026
Title: Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals a De Novo SHANK3 Mutation in Familial Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors:
Sergio I. Nemirovsky¹‡, Marta Córdoba⁴‡, Jonathan J. Zaiat¹, Sabrina P. Completa¹, Patricia A. Vega⁴, Dolores González-Morón⁴, Nancy M. Medina⁴, Mónica Fabbro², Soledad Romero², Bianca Brun², Santiago Revale², Maria Florencia Ogara⁵, Adali Pecci⁶, Marcelo Marti¹,³, Martin Vazquez², Adrián Turjanski¹,³, Marcelo A. Kauffman⁴* (*Corresponding author)
This research article examines the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing in diagnosing complex, genetically diverse conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers studied three male siblings who exhibited severe intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and social impairments despite having healthy parents. Through advanced bioinformatic analysis, the team discovered a previously unknown SHANK3 gene mutation shared by all three brothers. Because the mutation was absent in the parents' blood but present in the children, the study suggests germline mosaicism as the underlying cause. This finding highlights the critical role of the SHANK3 protein in brain development and demonstrates how genomic technology can resolve long-standing diagnostic uncertainties for families. Ultimately, the study advocates for the clinical use of comprehensive DNA sequencing to identify specific genetic triggers in hereditary neurodevelopmental disorders
Title: Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals a De Novo SHANK3 Mutation in Familial Autism Spectrum DisorderAuthors:Sergio I. Nemirovsky¹‡, Marta Córdoba⁴‡, Jonatha...