Familial MPN sequencing
We analyzed a total of 98 subjects with familial Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) to determine the presence of recurring germline mutations. The analysis was conducted using a gene panel associated with hereditary cancer predisposition, with the goal of identifying any genetic mutations that might explain the hereditary predisposition to developing these diseases. Familial MPNs are a rare form of myeloproliferative disorder that manifests in multiple members of the same family, suggesting an underlying genetic component that contributes to the risk of developing the disease. The presence of germline mutations could help explain, at least in part, this familial predisposition, but research in this area is still ongoing.The genetic analysis was performed using advanced Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, which allowed us to examine a broad panel of genes known to be involved in predisposition to hematologic malignancies and other types of cancers. The gene panel chosen for this study included both genes already associated with MPN and genes linked to other types of solid tumors, in order to broaden the possibility of discovering rare or novel mutations that may be involved in the pathogenesis of familial MPNs. Sequencing was carried out on DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patients, ensuring an accurate and representative analysis of the germline genetic material.During the analysis, we examined a range of genetic variants, focusing on those that showed recurrence among family members. This allowed us to identify mutations that might be involved in an inherited predisposition mechanism and thus have important implications for early diagnosis and clinical management of patients with familial MPNs.Furthermore, the analysis of germline mutations provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying familial MPNs, which could be crucial for the development of more targeted and personalized therapeutic strategies. Although the data are still preliminary, the results are promising and may represent an important step toward a deeper understanding of the genetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of familial MPNs. The discovery of recurring germline mutations could also have implications for genetic counseling and long-term surveillance of at-risk family members. In conclusion, our study significantly contributes to the understanding of the genetic basis of familial MPNs and suggests that the analysis of germline mutations could be valuable not only for diagnosis but also for the management and prognosis of these patients.