ClinGen recuration of hearing loss-associated genes demonstrates significant changes in gene-disease validity over time

Abstract

Purpose: The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) Hearing Loss Gene Curation Expert Panel was assembled in 2016 and has since curated 174 gene-disease relationships (GDRs) using ClinGen’s semiquantitative framework. ClinGen mandates the timely recuration of all GDRs classified as Disputed, Limited, Moderate, and Strong every 2 to 3 years. Methods: Thirty-five GDRs met the criteria for recuration within 2 years of original curation. Previous evidence was reevaluated using the latest curation guidelines, and a comprehensive literature review was performed to obtain new evidence. Recurations were approved by the Gene Curation Expert Panel and published on the ClinGen website (www.clinicalgenome.org). Results: Eight of 35 GDRs (22%) changed their classification. Two Moderate and 5 Strong GDRs were upgraded to Definitive because of new case evidence. One Strong was subsumed under another Definitive GDR after evaluation of the lumping/splitting of disease entities. Twenty-seven of 35 patients remained unchanged, with little to no new evidence reported. Conclusion: Genes classified as Moderate and Strong were likely to build evidence and change their classification over time, whereas Limited were unlikely to gain evidence. These findings highlight the critical role of recuration in ensuring that genetic tests and research studies incorporate the most recent evidence into their efforts.