PUS7 Deficiency: Phenotypical Expansion of PUS7 ‐Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Authors: Alice Muda, Barbara Belmessieri, Patrizia Accorsi, Jessica Galli, Edoardo Errichiello, Lucio Giordano
Cited by: 1
References: 6

Abstract

Pathogenic variants in PUS7, encoding pseudouridine synthase 7, cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder marked by intellectual disability, microcephaly, short stature, and behavioral disturbances. Since the first report in 2018, only 16 patients have been described. We report a novel case with a homozygous pathogenic PUS7 variant and present an updated review of all cases published between 2018 and 2025. Across 17 cases, the most frequent features were moderate/severe intellectual disability, delayed/absent speech, aggressive behavior, microcephaly, mild facial dysmorphisms, motor delay, and short stature. These features are common but non-specific, with the exception of aggressiveness that manifests at a very early age. Less common but more peculiar findings included sensorineural hearing loss, autistic traits, self-injurious behavior, and motor stereotypies. The combination of core features with these more specific symptoms should prompt suspicion of a PUS7-related disorder. We recommend looking for PUS7 pathological variants when performing whole exome sequencing in children with this constellation of neurodevelopmental and behavioral signs.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Biochemical and Molecular Research Genomics and Rare Diseases Connective tissue disorders research

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
200
Issue
11
Pages
2547-2552
Publication date
1 June 2026
Language
EN