Importance and application of WES in fetal genetic diagnostics: Identification of novel ASPM mutation in a fetus with microcephaly

Background: Prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES) approaches can provide genetic diagnosis with rapid turnaround time and high diagnostic rate when conventional tests are negative. Here we report a family with multiple pregnancy loss and with repeated occurrence of fetal microcephaly. Methods and results: Because of positive family history and recurrent structural abnormality during the pregnancies that may lead postnatal neurodevelopmental consequences, WES analysis was indicated. Umbilical cord blood sampling was carried out and WES was performed using Twist Human Core Exome Kit and Illumina sequencing technology. The presence of pathogenic variants was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. WES analysis revealed a known pathogenic c.8506_8507delCA (p.Gln2836Glufs*35, rs587783280) and a novel pathogenic c.3134_3135delTC (p.Leu1045Glnfs*17) ASPM mutations in the fetus in compound heterozygous state. The c.3134_3135delTC has never been reported in the literature. Conclusions: Our findings serve additional evidence that WES can be an efficient and relevant tool to diagnose certain genetic disorders with appropriate indication and to assess the recurrence risk of a disease. With the application of WES in combination with pre-implantation genetic tests, we can avoid the transmission of pathogenic mutations and we can achieve a decreased abortion rate in obstetric care.