Genetic determinants of syndactyly: perspectives on pathogenesis and diagnosis

Syndactyly, devised from the Greek word ‘syn’ meaning ‘together,’ and ‘dactyly’ meaning ‘digits’, is a congenital malformation, where there is failure of separation (aberrant webbing) between adjacent digits during embryological limb formation [1, 2]. It is one of the most common hereditary deformities, occurring in 1 in 2000 live births, and has twice the occurrence in males than in females. There is seen to be half the proportion of cases to have bilateral syndactyly, whilst 57% of cases involve the third web space [3]. The underlying aetiology for syndactyly is mostly genetic but causes such as maternal smoking, lower nutritional and economic status have also been elucidated [3].

This phenotype is present as soft tissue and/or bony fusions, or further characterized as complete fusions if adjacent digits are fused until the fingertips, else, as incomplete. It can be present in isolation or as a feature of more than 300 recognized syndromes. Non-syndromic syndactyly is currently classified into 9 main types and subtypes, some subtypes possessing loci with genes to be identified [1, 4, 5]. Syndactyly may also be a feature in syndromes including Acrocephalosyndactyly, Fraser or even associated with other digit abnormalities (Ex: polydactyly). A conglomeration of pathways for syndactyly pathogenesis have been stipulated, involving a plethora of genes [6‐10].

The majority of them are diagnosed clinically, followed by radiographs when indicated to help determine if syndactyly is complete/complex [11]. Surgical release of joined digits is the current therapy, albeit recommended earlier release at 6 months to prevent angulatory rotational distortions of some digits. Prenatal diagnosis of syndactyly is difficult and hand syndactyly can be mistaken for clenched fists [12].

Through this article, we attempt to better understand the developmental process underlying this condition and the genes involved.

Human limb structure regulation is controlled by two signaling centers; the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA controlling overall patterning in the anterior–posterior axis) and the apical ectodermal ridge (AER for limb growth) [13]. Different interactions including WNTs, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), and Retinoic acid metabolites (RA) have been elucidated to have a role in the ICD in the nascent autopod. Initial autopod formation is stipulated as the interactions arising from the FGF and WNT signaling.

The canonical WNT signaling in particular has been studied extensively. This is also controlled by the balance of Sonic hedgehog in the ZPA regions. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), 4, and 7 are expressed in the interdigit and they are associated with apoptosis in the interdigits [14, 15]. The BMPs produce retinoic acid metabolites, which may further downregulate FGF signaling. It is known that FGF signaling is a potential survival pathway with anti-apoptotic signals. They are represented mainly by FGF4 and FGF8 in the AER promoting growth of the underlying mesenchyme [16]. Retinoic acid, may induce ICD directly distally, but is thought to be induced by the BMP-FGF axis indirectly to induce ICD proximally [2, 17]. Together, the signaling interactions of WNT-BMP-FGF and retinoic acid are vital for autopod digit separation. To date, there is no specified axis of syndactyly pathogenesis. However, the absence of ICD during the 7th to 8th weeks of gestation in the interdigital mesenchyme involving the WNT-BMP-FGF axis seems to be a highly conjectured pathway for the pathogenesis of soft tissue syndactyly [17‐19]. The first steps in cutaneous syndactyly are described as the overexpression of the WNT canonical pathway, or the suppression of BMPs in the interdigital mesenchyme. Lower levels of BMPs, which normally positively regulate interdigital apoptosis, now leads to an overexpression of FGF8 causing increased anti-apoptotic signals in the AER. This can indirectly inhibit retinoic acid and finally repress its function in the extracellular matrix (ECM), causing perturbed ICD inducing syndactyly phenotypes [7, 13, 17, 19].

Non canonical WNT-PCP pathway While FGF8 modulates only rapid disorganized movement of cells, WNT5A (3p14.3) expressed in the AER induces polarized orientation of cells via the WNT-PCP pathway and this was observed in cell culture and is known to be required for ICD [20, 21]. Most focus for the underlying pathology of complex syndactyly, is the WNT-BMP-FGF8 pathway. It is reported that ICD occurs at E12.5-E13.5 in mouse cell lines [22]. In a study by Zhu et al., WNTless; a key regulator of WNT trafficking was tested. The WNTless mutants (WI^Shh-Cre) show webbing of cartilage before E12.5, suggesting that abrogated ICD does not account for cartilage webbing in WNTless mutant mice. This deficiency of WNT5a could outride the Shh regulation (occurs half a day later), and could be a better suited cause for digit malformations in the WNTless mutant mice [22]. HOXD13 mutants displayed downregulated WNT5a signaling, which could mean WNT5a gradient in chondrocyte cell polarity could be an imperative aetiology [10, 22]. Hence a combined effect of both FGF and non-canonical WNT-PCP pathways is postulated for normal cell orienting, especially for synostosis syndactyly commonly seen in Malik–Percin type or complex syndactyly [20, 23].

Notch Signaling There is control of ICD by modulating the level of FGF8 expressing cells in the AER. This was exemplified in murine models deficient in the Notch ligands, Serrate or Jagged2, where syndactyly was observed as a result of expanded FGF8 domain and substantial decrease of BMPs in the interdigital tissue [6, 13].

A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) Metalloproteases Proteolytic activity of the proteases ADAMTS5 (21q21.3), ADAMTS9 (3p14.1) and ADAMTS20 (12q12) have been postulated to be vital for completion of ICD. As ADAMTS 5/20 does not act upstream, this leaves the BMP/FGF axis unaffected. Thus, the ADAMTS Metalloproteases with cleaved Versican, prove as a promising alternative independent pathway to the BMP/FGF axis, and act concurrently to produce ICD in the developing limb bud [2, 8]. Finally, Hedgehog signaling critically influences the distribution of other signaling pathways. Interactions in Notch signaling and the ADAMTS pathway also seem to contribute to soft tissue syndactyly in humans but are less prioritized [8, 24]. This might be since the deletion of Notch1 is lethal before limb bud stages, its role in development remains elusive. Additionally, only animal models have been used to observe syndactyly pathogenesis in Notch and ADAMTS. Collectively, the perturbation of ICD may account for simple (cutaneous) syndactyly. However, it is questionable that complex (bony) syndactyly phenotypes arise solely from perturbed ICD, prompting further investigation [2].

The importance of analyzing genes in pathogenesis will help in understanding the genes involved in autopod formation, as well promote analyzing other gene–gene and protein–protein interactions which may contribute to syndactyly. To date, the canonical WNT pathway only justifies pathogenesis of cutaneous syndactyly in the developing limb bud, and does not account fully for synostosis syndactyly; such as the Malik Percin type. Since interdigital webbing occurs at day E12.5 before ICD in mice models, the WNT-PCP non-canonical pathway seems to be a promising mechanism for aberrant mesenchymal cell migration in synostosis syndactyly phenotypes [10, 22].

The complexity of syndactyly classification is augmented since it can exist in 300 or more syndromic forms [1, 3]. Selected syndromic phenotypes having postulated mechanisms for pathogenesis, are described below and listed in Table 1.

Together, 9 types of non-syndromic syndactyly (I-IX), according to their phenotypical diversity have been classified (Table 2), with the respective gene/loci [1]. Some of these identified genes include HOXD13, FBLN1, GJA1, LMBR1, LRP4, GREM1 (BMP antagonist), FGF16 and recently discovered BHLHA9 [1, 62‐65].

However, some controversies regarding non-syndromic syndactyly classification have been identified. A report by Qattan et al. identified a case with cutaneous syndactyly occurring in digits two/five or three/five without polydactyly. This finding of isolated syndactyly without polydactyly is similar to type III syndactyly, caused by variants in the GJA1 gene and has been observed in digits four/five or three/five. However, although similar to type III, the authors observed a variant to be present in the ch7q36.3 (LMBR1 region) which is syntenic to the Hammertoe locus in mice of the similar phenotype [45]. This may highlight a case of genetic heterogeneity, and supports the notion that this type may be polygenic.

In another two reports regarding type IX syndactyly which is characterized by osseous synostosis of the third and fourth metacarpals, whereby slightly different phenotypes have been associated. Weinrich et al. highlighted a case of MSSD involving the second and third proximal phalanges which is different from Malik’s original classification and attributed it to being a novel non-syndromic type [66]. However, this notion was dismissed and re-classified by Malik as being a type of non-syndromic type IX associated with the BHLHA9 gene [63]. The second report, presented a case of MSSD with a triangular proximal phalanx of the second and third metacarpal similar to Weinrich’s case report, in addition with ulnar hemimelia (shortening), a novel finding [67]. Genetic testing was not performed in both MSSD cases, and conclusions on classification were based on hand radiography. If it maps to the same gene, this could be a form of phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the BHLHA9 gene. Hence it remains imperative to genetic testing to be able to further evaluate these inconsistencies.

Emerging evidence into genes in syndactyly may provide an alternative gene screening panel as a diagnostic; especially prenatally when radiographic diagnosis is almost impossible. The GJA1, HOXD13 and FGF16 genes involved in non-syndromic syndactyly, involve the fourth webspace and can offer diagnostic choice in the pretext of prenatal screening; to prevent angulatory deformities later [3]. The LMBR1, LRP4 and HOX13 genes are seen to be deregulated in both syndromic and non-syndromic forms (Fig. 1). Additionally, HOXD13 may be able to modulate both cutaneous and osseous syndactyly pathways. Hence, inclusion of these genes in gene panels will expand diagnosis criteria. During diagnosis, if no conclusion is reached on gene testing, it can be important to screen flanking regions, and intronic regions. Not to forget the presence of syndactyly itself, in syndromes, can sometimes be a conclusive factor to categorize the syndrome (Ex: syndactyly of the second/third toes in SLOS) [46].

Non syndromic syndactyly is thought to be well characterized, however there has been controversy over the associated MSSD phenotype, where both case reports did not include genetic testing for the BHLHA9, so the possibility of phenotypic heterogeneity cannot be excluded [63, 67]. Genetic Heterogeneity; although Cenani Lenz phenotype has been attributed to the gene LRP4, there have been reports with the same phenotype in APC gene [18]. Additionally, syndactyly Type III in Qattan’s study may prove another locus in addition to GLI3 [45]. Furthermore, since BMPs are secreted factors, gene expression patterns will not fully correlate with functional perspectives. Hence, protein distribution also needs to be considered. Moreover, understanding gene–gene interactions, non-coding variants and epigenetics further prompts better characterization of syndactyly phenotypes.

For syndactyly of the first and fourth webspaces, earlier release at approximately 6 months of age is advised [88]. Hence genes associated with non-syndromic Castilla type and Lerch type can be prioritized for further study, in addition to other known genes in syndromic syndactyly involving these webspaces. The complexity of syndactyly is furthered as one gene may involve more than one pathway. The LRP4 gene variants are known to be involved in overexpression of WNT, but also variants showing abrogated Notch signaling [28]. On the other hand, majority of syndromic syndactyly phenotypes remain unclassified in terms of likely involvement in pathways [73, 89‐92].

Therapeutic targets from Mendelian traits and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are more likely to be successful in clinical studies for multifactorial diseases [93]. Thus, efforts to analyze genes in this regard seem promising.

Autopod development is a tightly regulated process involving a plethora of genes. A classical belief is that loss of interdigital cell death by the WNT canonical pathway causes syndactyly. However, many genes with unclassified pathways still exist, with most other pathways being investigated in only animal studies. We propose that a conglomeration of genes in the canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling, Notch signaling, ADAMTS metalloprotease pathways and non-coding regions may work in concert to establish normal development of the limb bud. Candidate gene studies on HOXD13, LMBR1, FGF16, BHLHA9, to understand their contribution to both cutaneous and synostosis syndactyly phenotypes, could enhance screening. The genes GJA1, HOXD13 and FGF16 along with other genes involving either the first and fourth webspaces may also be prioritized as prenatal genetic testing here is urgently necessary. Collectively, the translation of these findings to human research, especially pathway mapping, could further resolve the genetic underpinnings associated with syndactyly. Furthermore, it will aid in the management of syndactyly and facilitate biomarker discovery.