Hongzheng Dai

Domain specific phenotypic expansion associated with variants in MACF1

The paper identifies domain-specific phenotypic effects of MACF1 variants outside the GAR domain, revealing broader neurodevelopmental and craniofacial anomalies.

Ensilication preserves high-molecular weight native DNA for clinical long-read sequencing

This paper demonstrates that ensilication preserves DNA integrity at ambient temperature, enabling diagnostic-quality long-read sequencing without cold-chain infrastructure.

Joint, multifaceted genomic analysis enables diagnosis of diverse, ultra-rare monogenic presentations

The paper presents a joint genomic analysis of UDN patients using whole genome sequencing and new statistical methods to prioritize disease genes, revealing new disease associations and releasing a software tool for cohort analysis.

Clinical validation of RNA sequencing for Mendelian disorder diagnostics

This study validates a clinical RNA-seq test for diagnosing Mendelian disorders using 150 samples, achieving over 99% sensitivity and specificity.

RNA methyltransferase SPOUT1/CENP-32 links mitotic spindle organization with the neurodevelopmental disorder SpADMiSS

The paper identifies SPOUT1/CENP-32 as a causative gene for SpADMiSS, linking its dysfunction to mitotic spindle defects and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Diagnostic Utility of Genome-wide DNA Methylation Analysis in Genetically Unsolved Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies and Refinement of a CHD2 Episignature

This study evaluates genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in genetically unsolved DEEs, identifying 10 causative or candidate genetic causes and refining a CHD2 episignature.

Novel mutation leading to splice donor loss in a conserved site of DMD causes cryptorchidism

The paper identifies a novel DMD mutation causing cryptorchidism through whole-genome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 mouse modeling.

Novel syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by de novo deletion of CHASERR, a long noncoding RNA

The paper identifies a novel neurodevelopmental disorder caused by de novo deletion of the lncRNA CHASERR, showing its role in regulating CHD2 expression and causing developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.

Sequencing individual genomes with recurrent genomic disorder deletions: an approach to characterize genes for autosomal recessive rare disease traits

The paper demonstrates that recurrent genomic deletions mediated by nonallelic homologous recombination drive recessive disease burden and identifies new disease-contributing variants through exome reanalysis.

Variants in PRKAR1B cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with autism spectrum disorder, apraxia, and insensitivity to pain

The paper identifies de novo PRKAR1B variants in six individuals with neurodevelopmental disorder, autism, apraxia, and reduced pain sensitivity.

De novo EIF2AK1 and EIF2AK2 variants are associated with developmental delay, leukoencephalopathy, and neurologic decompensation

The paper identifies de novo variants in EIF2AK1 and EIF2AK2 associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and leukoencephalopathy, showing similar pathogenic mechanisms to CACH/VWM.