ClinVar database of global familial hypercholesterolemia‐associated DNA variants

• Published in: Human mutation Vol. 39; no. 11; pp. 1631 - 1640
• Main Authors: Iacocca, Michael A., Chora, Joana R., Carrié, Alain, Freiberger, Tomáš, Leigh, Sarah E., Defesche, Joep C., Kurtz, C. Lisa, DiStefano, Marina T., Santos, Raul D., Humphries, Steve E., Mata, Pedro, Jannes, Cinthia E., Hooper, Amanda J., Wilemon, Katherine A., Benlian, Pascale, O'Connor, Robert, Garcia, John, Wand, Hannah, Tichy, Lukáš, Sijbrands, Eric J., Hegele, Robert A., Bourbon, Mafalda, Knowles, Joshua W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Hindawi Limited 01.11.2018; Wiley
• Subjects: Classification; Clinical Genome Resource; ClinVar; Databases, Genetic; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; DNA - genetics; familial hypercholesterolemia; Genetic Variation - genetics; Genome, Human - genetics; Genomes; Genomics; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II - genetics; Life Sciences; Patients; variant interpretation; ClinVar; familial hypercholesterolemia; variant interpretation; Clinical Genome Resource
• ISSN: 1059-7794; 1098-1004
• DOI: 10.1002/humu.23634

Accurate and consistent variant classification is imperative for incorporation of rapidly developing sequencing technologies into genomic medicine for improved patient care. An essential requirement for achieving standardized and reliable variant interpretation is data sharing, facilitated by a centralized open‐source database. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an exemplar of the utility of such a resource: it has a high incidence, a favorable prognosis with early intervention and treatment, and cascade screening can be offered to families if a causative variant is identified. ClinVar, an NCBI‐funded resource, has become the primary repository for clinically relevant variants in Mendelian disease, including FH. Here, we present the concerted efforts made by the Clinical Genome Resource, through the FH Variant Curation Expert Panel and global FH community, to increase submission of FH‐associated variants into ClinVar. Variant‐level data was categorized by submitter, variant characteristics, classification method, and available supporting data. To further reform interpretation of FH‐associated variants, areas for improvement in variant submissions were identified; these include a need for more detailed submissions and submission of supporting variant‐level data, both retrospectively and prospectively. Collaborating to provide thorough, reliable evidence‐based variant interpretation will ultimately improve the care of FH patients. Here, we present the recent efforts made by the Clinical Genome Resource consortium, along with various global familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) researchers, to update the number and characterization of FH‐associated variants now present on the ClinVar database. Specifically, we break down the number of FH variants hosted on ClinVar by gene, location, type, and classification; in addition to providing variant‐level characterizations. We then discuss the implications learned from these variant‐level and aggregate results.