Homozygous GDF2 nonsense mutations result in a loss of circulating BMP9 and BMP10 and are associated with either PAH or an HHT-like syndrome in children

Background: Disrupted endothelial BMP9/10 signaling may contribute to the pathophysiology of both hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet loss of circulating BMP9 has not been confirmed in individuals with ultra-rare homozygous GDF2 (BMP9 gene) nonsense mutations. We studied two pediatric patients homozygous for GDF2 (BMP9 gene) nonsense mutations: one with PAH (c.[76C>T];[76C>T] or p.[Gln26Ter];[Gln26Ter] and a new individual with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs; c.[835G>T];[835G>T] or p.[Glu279Ter];[Glu279Ter]); both with facial telangiectases. Methods: Plasma samples were assayed for BMP9 and BMP10 by ELISA. In parallel, serum BMP activity was assayed using an endothelial BRE-luciferase reporter cell line (HMEC1-BRE). Proteins were expressed for assessment of secretion and processing. Results: Plasma levels of both BMP9 and BMP10 were undetectable in the two homozygous index cases and this corresponded to low serum-derived endothelial BMP activity in the patients. Measured BMP9 and BMP10 levels were reduced in the asymptomatic heterozygous p.[Glu279Ter] parents, but serum activity was normal. Although expression studies suggested alternate translation can be initiated at Met57 in the p.[Gln26Ter] mutant, this does not result in secretion of functional BMP9. Conclusion: Collectively, these data show that homozygous GDF2 mutations, leading to a loss of circulating BMP9 and BMP10, can cause either pediatric PAH and/or HHT-like telangiectases and PAVMs. Although patients reported to date have manifestations that overlap with those of HHT, none meet the Curacao criteria for HHT and seem distinct from HHT in terms of the location and appearance of telangiectases, and a tendency for tiny, diffuse PAVMs.

Automated summary

This study showed that homozygous GDF2 mutations can lead to a loss of circulating BMP9 and BMP10, causing pediatric PAH and/or HHT-like telangiectases and PAVMs. Although patients exhibit symptoms overlapping with HHT, they are distinct in terms of telangiectases location and appearance, as well as a tendency for tiny, diffuse PAVMs.