J Genet Med.
2024 Jun;21(1):14-21. 10.5734/JGM.2024.21.1.14.
Infantile nystagmus syndrome: Promise and pitfalls of genetic testing
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurology, Research Institute for Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
- KMID: 2557480
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5734/JGM.2024.21.1.14
Abstract
- Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) refers to congenital forms of nystagmus that are present at birth or during infancy. This syndrome may be caused by afferent visual system disorders or abnormal development of the ocular motor system. INS is a genetically heterogeneous disorder for which there are more than 100 causative genes. Since applying clinical tests for the differential diagnosis of INS can be challenging in early infancy and children, genetic testings such as next-generation sequencing are becoming more important for achieving accurate diagnoses. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of INS may also lead to the development of gene-based therapies for INS. These advantages of genetic testing have the potential to change the diagnostic paradigm of patients with INS. However, the diagnostic pathway based on genetic testing still has several limitations in terms of the therapeutic effect and methodology. This review summarizes genetic and clinical features of INS, and discusses the promise and pitfalls of genetic testing in INS.
