CDK8-related disorder is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental condition associated primarily with heterozygous kinase-domain missense variants. Most reported variants arose de novo, but transmission from an affected mother is documented. Developmental and speech delay, variable intellectual disability, hypotonia and behavioral difficulties occur with craniofacial differences and variable cardiac, ocular, auditory and gastrointestinal anomalies. Tested variants reduce kinase output while retaining protein stability and module interactions; residual activity differs between alleles. A dominant-negative mechanism has been proposed but not established, and simple haploinsufficiency should not be assumed. Management addresses the individual clinical findings; experimental CDK8/19 inhibition is a developmental perturbation model, not an established therapy for this disorder.
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Conditions with similar clinical presentations that must be differentiated from CDK8-Related Disorder:
name: CDK8-Related Disorder
creation_date: '2026-07-31T00:00:00Z'
category: Mendelian
synonyms:
- Intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities
- IDDHBA
- CDK8-associated neurodevelopmental disorder
- CDK8-related syndromic developmental disorder
description: >-
CDK8-related disorder is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental condition associated primarily with heterozygous kinase-domain missense variants. Most reported variants arose de novo, but transmission from an affected mother is documented. Developmental and speech delay, variable intellectual disability, hypotonia and behavioral difficulties occur with craniofacial differences and variable cardiac, ocular, auditory and gastrointestinal anomalies. Tested variants reduce kinase output while retaining protein stability and module interactions; residual activity differs between alleles. A dominant-negative mechanism has been proposed but not established, and simple haploinsufficiency should not be assumed. Management addresses the individual clinical findings; experimental CDK8/19 inhibition is a developmental perturbation model, not an established therapy for this disorder.
disease_term:
preferred_term: Intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities
term:
id: MONDO:0032897
label: intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities
parents:
- Autosomal dominant intellectual disability
- Neurodevelopmental disorder
- CDK8-kinase module-associated disorder
classifications:
harrisons_chapter:
- classification_value: GENETICS_ENVIRONMENT_DISEASE
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: "De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "we report CDK8 mutations (located at 13q12.13) that cause a phenotypically related disorder."
explanation: Supports classification as a heritable genetic disorder caused by CDK8 variants.
- classification_value: NEUROLOGIC
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: "De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder."
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: "Affected individuals have overlapping phenotypes characterized by hypotonia, mild to moderate intellectual disability, behavioral disorders, and variable facial dysmorphism."
explanation: Supports classification as a neurodevelopmental / neurologic disorder.
prevalence:
- population: Founding 2019 international clinical cohort
measure_type: CASES_IN_LITERATURE
notes: Twelve unrelated individuals carried eight distinct missense substitutions; ten had confirmed de novo variants, while paternal samples were unavailable in two recurrent-allele cases. This selected cohort and subsequent reports do not establish population prevalence.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: we identified eight different heterozygous missense CDK8 substitutions, including 10 shown to have arisen de novo, in 12 unrelated subjects
explanation: Founding cohort size and confirmed inheritance.
- population: Additional 2020 clinical report
measure_type: CASES_IN_LITERATURE
notes: Two additional patients carried Gly28Ala or Asn156Ser, bringing the cases tabulated in that report to fourteen. This is a literature count, not population prevalence.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We presented the cases of two patients with CDK8-associated disorder
explanation: The 2020 report adds two individuals to the founding twelve.
- population: Mother and child reported online in 2023 and published in 2024
measure_type: CASES_IN_LITERATURE
notes: An affected mother and child shared a likely pathogenic Arg200Gln variant. They represent two related individuals, rather than two independent de novo occurrences.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The clinical presentation of the child and mother is within the described clinical spectrum for IDDHBA
explanation: The case report describes affected members of two generations.
pathophysiology:
- name: CDK8 Coding Missense Substitutions
description: Heterozygous coding single-nucleotide substitutions alter conserved residues in or near the ATP-binding pocket. Their physical sequence changes are distinct from the resulting catalytic and developmental effects.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: ESTABLISHED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: we identified eight different heterozygous missense CDK8 substitutions, including 10 shown to have arisen de novo, in 12 unrelated subjects
explanation: Physical variant class in affected individuals.
role: trigger
gene:
preferred_term: CDK8
term:
id: hgnc:1779
label: CDK8
genetic_context:
gene:
preferred_term: CDK8
term:
id: hgnc:1779
label: CDK8
variant_type: single nucleotide variant
variant_origin: GERMLINE
genomic_contexts:
- coding sequence
downstream:
- target: Altered Substrate-Binding Geometry
description: Ser62Leu and Arg178Gln change substrate-pocket dynamics in computational simulations.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Tested missense variants reduce catalytic readouts.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Altered Substrate-Binding Geometry
description: Molecular-dynamics models of Ser62Leu and Arg178Gln predict a less open substrate-binding region. Gross protein misfolding and loss of ATP binding were not observed in biochemical studies; restricted substrate access remains a mechanistic interpretation.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: PROVISIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: COMPUTATIONAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the substrate-binding site of the WT CDK8 protein can adopt more open conformations than its mutated counterparts
explanation: Structural-dynamics prediction.
downstream:
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Restricted substrate access could reduce phosphoryl transfer despite retained ATP binding.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- name: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Tested alleles reduce kinase output. Most founding variants approach the kinase-dead control in the STAT1 assay, whereas Phe97Leu and Ile223Met retain intermediate activity. Gly28Ala and Asn156Ser also reduce autophosphorylation. Protein stability and cyclin-C binding are retained, so this is not equivalent to complete loss of the gene product.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: ESTABLISHED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We observed that the cellular levels of pSTAT1 were reduced to a statistically significant extent, compared to WT, in all mutant-transfected cells
explanation: Variant activity in a double-knockout cell background.
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Both the CDK8-G28A and CDK8-N156S mutations resulted in lower kinase activities compared with CDK8-WT
explanation: Autophosphorylation assay of later variants.
role: central_effector
gene:
preferred_term: CDK8
term:
id: hgnc:1779
label: CDK8
modifier: LOSS_OF_FUNCTION
molecular_functions:
- preferred_term: cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity
term:
id: GO:0004693
label: cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity
modifier: DECREASED
downstream:
- target: Reduced STAT1 Ser727 Phosphorylation
description: Reduced phosphorylation of this experimentally tested substrate is a direct kinase readout.
causal_link_type: DIRECT
- target: Nonproductive Mediator Kinase Module Occupancy
description: Catalytically impaired proteins that retain module association might compete with active modules; dominance is not established.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Altered Developmental Transcription
description: Altered phosphorylation of transcription-associated substrates may change developmental expression programs.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- name: Reduced STAT1 Ser727 Phosphorylation
description: Variant CDK8 produces less STAT1 Ser727 phosphorylation in SW620 cells lacking both endogenous CDK8 and CDK19. This is a measured biochemical readout, not evidence that STAT1 deficiency or immune dysfunction is the clinical disease mechanism.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: ESTABLISHED
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We observed that the cellular levels of pSTAT1 were reduced to a statistically significant extent, compared to WT, in all mutant-transfected cells
explanation: Direct substrate readout.
- name: Nonproductive Mediator Kinase Module Occupancy
description: 'Retained cyclin-C/module association despite impaired catalysis could reduce availability of productive kinase modules. This proposed dominant-negative route remains unconfirmed: mixing reference and Ser62Leu constructs did not show a clearly nonlinear reduction in STAT1 phosphorylation.'
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: HYPOTHETICAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: we predict that up to 50% of CDK8 modules could be present in a kinase-inactive, non-productive state
explanation: Authors explicitly frame this as a prediction.
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the observed reduction in phosphorylation in mixed samples did not obviously deviate from a linear response
explanation: The mixing assay did not establish a dominant-negative interaction.
downstream:
- target: Altered Developmental Transcription
description: Competition between productive and nonproductive modules could impair transcriptional regulation if the active module is limiting.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- name: Altered Developmental Transcription
description: CDK8 regulates transcription through Mediator and phosphorylation of multiple regulators. The relevant altered expression programs in patient neural and cardiac cells have not been identified. Candidate developmental pathways should not be treated as measured patient defects.
biological_scale: MOLECULAR
mechanism_confidence: PROVISIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Thus, a disruption of the proper activity of CDK8 could modify any of these developmental signaling networks.
explanation: Proposed developmental-signaling interpretation.
biological_processes:
- preferred_term: regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II
term:
id: GO:0006357
label: regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II
modifier: DYSREGULATED
downstream:
- target: Impaired Neural Development
description: Abnormal developmental gene regulation is a candidate link to the neurodevelopmental syndrome.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Impaired Cardiac Morphogenesis
description: Developmental gene regulation may contribute to congenital cardiac anomalies.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Impaired Craniofacial Patterning
description: Altered developmental regulation may affect craniofacial formation.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- name: Impaired Neural Development
description: Developmental delay, intellectual disability and callosal abnormalities indicate altered neural development. The specific transcriptional, cell-type and circuit intermediates downstream of CDK8 variants remain unresolved.
biological_scale: TISSUE
mechanism_confidence: PROVISIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Mild to moderate developmental delay was universal, and older children had ID
explanation: Clinical evidence for developmental impairment, not a direct neuronal transcription assay.
downstream:
- target: Global Developmental Delay
description: Altered brain development can impair acquisition of developmental skills.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Intellectual disability
description: Disturbed neural development is a candidate substrate of cognitive impairment.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Delayed Speech and Language Development
description: Abnormal circuit development may affect language acquisition.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Hypotonia
description: Central developmental dysfunction may contribute to reduced muscle tone.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Autism
description: Altered neural development may contribute to autistic features.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
description: Developmental circuit dysfunction may contribute to attention and activity regulation.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Corpus callosum agenesis
description: Disrupted commissural development provides a candidate route to callosal agenesis.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Thin Corpus Callosum
description: Altered commissural development may contribute to callosal thinning.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Seizures
description: Altered circuit development may contribute to seizure susceptibility; the precise epileptogenic pathway is unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- name: Impaired Cardiac Morphogenesis
description: 'Developmental kinase perturbation can disrupt heart formation: dual CDK8/19 inhibition produces cardiac anomalies in zebrafish, while affected humans have variable congenital lesions. The pharmacological model does not isolate CDK8 from CDK19 or reproduce each human defect.'
biological_scale: TISSUE
mechanism_confidence: PROVISIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the inhibition of Cdk8 kinase activity by Senexin A induced structural anomalies in the heart and craniofacial cartilage of the zebrafish
explanation: Experimental developmental perturbation by a dual-kinase inhibitor.
downstream:
- target: Congenital heart disease
description: Abnormal cardiac development can produce the varied structural lesions observed clinically.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Ventricular Septal Defect
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Atrial Septal Defect
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Bicuspid Aortic Valve
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Tetralogy of Fallot
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Coarctation of Aorta
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Double Orifice Mitral Valve
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Double Outlet Right Ventricle
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Congenital Mitral Stenosis
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this specific structural lesion; its variant-specific developmental pathway remains unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this structural lesion; the exact variant-specific pathway is unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
description: Altered cardiac morphogenesis can produce this structural lesion; the exact variant-specific pathway is unknown.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- target: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
description: A specific congenital outflow lesion within the variable cardiac phenotype.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
- name: Impaired Craniofacial Patterning
description: CDK8/19 inhibition perturbs zebrafish cranial cartilage formation, providing experimental support for a developmental craniofacial role. Variant-specific human craniofacial intermediates are not established.
biological_scale: TISSUE
mechanism_confidence: PROVISIONAL
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the inhibition of Cdk8 kinase activity by Senexin A induced structural anomalies in the heart and craniofacial cartilage of the zebrafish
explanation: Craniofacial development in the inhibitor model.
downstream:
- target: Facial dysmorphism
description: Altered craniofacial development may account for variable facial differences.
causal_link_type: INDIRECT_UNKNOWN_INTERMEDIATES
phenotypes:
# frequency: bands omitted where the source gives only undifferentiated
# narrative support (per docs/frequency-evidence-guidelines.md); retained only
# where a count or all-patients statement in the cited snippet backs a band.
- name: Global Developmental Delay
category: Neurologic
description: Developmental delay is the central presenting feature, with broad variation in severity and age of assessment.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Global developmental delay
term:
id: HP:0001263
label: Global developmental delay
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Mild to moderate developmental delay was universal, and older children had ID
explanation: The cohort narrative identifies developmental delay in every founding subject; cognitive assessment was age-dependent.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OBLIGATE
notes: 12/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Mild to moderate developmental delay was universal, and older children had ID
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Intellectual disability
category: Neurologic
description: Intellectual disability ranges from mild to moderate-severe in the founding series; severe disability was described in the later Gly28Ala child. Children too young for cognitive assessment should not be counted as unaffected.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Intellectual disability
term:
id: HP:0001249
label: Intellectual disability
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: older children had ID which ranged from mild (two cases) to moderate–severe (two cases); most were in the moderate range (five cases)
explanation: 'The narrative gives nine assessable older subjects: two mild, five moderate and two moderate-severe cases.'
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OBLIGATE
notes: 9/9 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: older children had ID which ranged from mild (two cases) to moderate–severe (two cases); most were in the moderate range (five cases)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Hypotonia
category: Neurologic
description: The original narrative reports hypotonia in 11/12 individuals, often evident in infancy. Its table combines hypotonia, motor delay and walking difficulty and marks one individual unavailable; the narrative denominator is retained explicitly.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypotonia
term:
id: HP:0001252
label: Hypotonia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hypotonia (noted in 11/12 subjects) was frequently evident
explanation: The explicit narrative count is 11/12; the combined motor/hypotonia table row is less specific.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
notes: 11/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hypotonia (noted in 11/12 subjects) was frequently evident
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Delayed Speech and Language Development
category: Neurologic
description: Speech and language milestones can be substantially delayed. The founding Ser62Leu girl spoke her first word at four years and sentences at six.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Delayed speech and language development
term:
id: HP:0000750
label: Delayed speech and language development
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: said her first word at 4 yr, and spoke in sentences at 6 yr
explanation: Reported milestone ages directly document delayed first words and sentence formation in one child.
- name: Gait Disturbance
category: Neurologic
description: Walking may be delayed or unsteady. Orthoses and other mobility support are used in some cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Gait disturbance
term:
id: HP:0001288
label: Gait disturbance
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: On examination he was well-proportioned with an unsteady broad-based gait.
explanation: The examination describes an abnormal broad-based gait rather than inferring gait impairment from hypotonia.
- name: Autism
category: Behavioral
description: Five of ten older individuals in the founding cohort had a formal autism diagnosis. Other behavioral observations without a formal diagnosis are not added to this numerator.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Autism
term:
id: HP:0000717
label: Autism
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: seven of ten of the older individuals had formal diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
explanation: Table 1 separates five formal autism diagnoses among ten older subjects; the quoted combined count also includes ADHD.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: 5/10 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: seven of ten of the older individuals had formal diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: 'ADHD: 4/10, autism spectrum disorder: 5/10'
explanation: Secondary tabulation of the founding cohort, checked against the original case-level Table 1; the two diagnoses overlap.
- name: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
category: Behavioral
description: Four of ten older individuals had formal ADHD in the founding series; diagnoses overlap with autism. Attention-related traits in other cases do not imply formal ADHD.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
term:
id: HP:0007018
label: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: seven of ten of the older individuals had formal diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
explanation: Table 1 separates four formal ADHD diagnoses among ten older subjects; the quoted combined count also includes autism.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: 4/10 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: seven of ten of the older individuals had formal diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: 'ADHD: 4/10, autism spectrum disorder: 5/10'
explanation: Secondary tabulation of the founding cohort, checked against the original case-level Table 1; the two diagnoses overlap.
- name: Sleep Disturbance
category: Behavioral
description: Sleep-onset or severe sleep disturbance was reported in individual cases and contributed to management needs.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Sleep disturbance
term:
id: HP:0002360
label: Sleep disturbance
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She has ADHD, with a sweet personality, but is sometimes aggressive, and has a severe sleep disorder.
explanation: Sleep-onset or severe sleep disturbance was reported in individual cases and contributed to management needs.
- name: Anxiety
category: Behavioral
description: Anxiety and tantrums were described in some supplementary case reports; no population frequency is established.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Anxiety
term:
id: HP:0000739
label: Anxiety
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Behavioral problems include ADHD, tantrums and anxiety.
explanation: Anxiety and tantrums were described in some supplementary case reports; no population frequency is established.
- name: Seizures
category: Neurologic
description: Two individuals had epilepsy in the founding series. Some paroxysmal events in one patient were nonepileptic on EEG; all spells should not be counted as seizures.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Two individuals had seizures, but brain imaging was either normal or was not available.
explanation: The narrative gives two affected individuals; the supplementary case history distinguishes epileptic from nonepileptic events.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: 2/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Two individuals had seizures, but brain imaging was either normal or was not available.
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Corpus callosum agenesis
category: Neurologic
description: Agenesis was recorded in three founding subjects; the fourth callosal abnormality was thinning rather than agenesis. A later Gly28Ala child also had agenesis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Agenesis of corpus callosum
term:
id: HP:0001274
label: Agenesis of corpus callosum
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed agenesis or thinning of the corpus callosum in four subjects
explanation: Table 1 separates three agenesis cases from one thinning case in the combined four-person callosal-abnormality count.
- name: Thin Corpus Callosum
category: Neurologic
description: The Arg29Gly founding case had a thin corpus callosum with regional white-matter volume loss; this differs from complete agenesis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Thin corpus callosum
term:
id: HP:0033725
label: Thin corpus callosum
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a thin corpus callosum with bilateral posterior supratentorial and perihippocampal white matte r volume loss
explanation: The supplementary MRI report explicitly describes thinning, supporting a separate phenotype from agenesis.
- name: Ventriculomegaly
category: Neurologic
description: Mild ventriculomegaly accompanied callosal agenesis in the Ser62Leu girl with hypoplastic left heart.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ventriculomegaly
term:
id: HP:0002119
label: Ventriculomegaly
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: confirmed agenesis of the corpus callosum and mild ventriculomegaly.
explanation: Mild ventriculomegaly accompanied callosal agenesis in the Ser62Leu girl with hypoplastic left heart.
- name: Delayed CNS Myelination
category: Neurologic
description: Incomplete myelination was noted in the Phe97Leu case without progression of earlier MRI changes; it is not proof of a progressive degenerative process.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Delayed CNS myelination
term:
id: HP:0002188
label: Delayed CNS myelination
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: A repeat MRI scan showed no progression of the previously observed changes but no ted incomplete myelination.
explanation: The follow-up MRI describes incomplete myelination without progression of the previously observed abnormalities.
- name: Dystonia
category: Neurologic
description: Dystonia accompanied tremor in the Phe97Leu case. The contribution of low CSF homovanillic acid remains unresolved.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Dystonia
term:
id: HP:0001332
label: Dystonia
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: An additional diagnosis of a movement disorder consisting of tremor and dystonia was made by 4 yr.
explanation: Dystonia accompanied tremor in the Phe97Leu case. The contribution of low CSF homovanillic acid remains unresolved.
- name: Tremor
category: Neurologic
description: Tremor was documented with dystonia in the Phe97Leu case.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tremor
term:
id: HP:0001337
label: Tremor
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: An additional diagnosis of a movement disorder consisting of tremor and dystonia was made by 4 yr.
explanation: Tremor was documented with dystonia in the Phe97Leu case.
- name: Decreased CSF Homovanillic Acid
category: Laboratory
description: A low CSF homovanillic acid level was reported in one child with movement abnormalities. Its significance was explicitly uncertain; it is not a validated CDK8 biomarker or a confirmed dopamine-synthesis disorder.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Decreased CSF homovanillic acid concentration
term:
id: HP:0003785
label: Decreased CSF homovanillic acid concentration
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic acid level, the significance of which is unclear
explanation: The report explicitly qualifies this isolated CSF measurement as of uncertain significance.
- name: Sensorineural Hearing Impairment
category: Auditory
description: Moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss occurred in three founding individuals. Laterality and severity varied; the supplementary Phe97Leu report describes bilateral loss despite a less detailed table entry.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Sensorineural hearing impairment
term:
id: HP:0000407
label: Sensorineural hearing impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Three individuals had moderate-severe sensorineural hearing loss
explanation: The cohort narrative gives three moderate-severe sensorineural cases; supplemental details refine laterality.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: 3/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Three individuals had moderate-severe sensorineural hearing loss
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Myopia
category: Ophthalmologic
description: Reported in the original clinical cohort; eye findings can overlap in the same individual.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Myopia
term:
id: HP:0000545
label: Myopia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: The cohort narrative explicitly counts six cases; overlapping ocular findings are not independent individuals.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: 6/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Ptosis
category: Ophthalmologic
description: Reported in the original clinical cohort; eye findings can overlap in the same individual.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ptosis
term:
id: HP:0000508
label: Ptosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: The cohort narrative explicitly counts two cases, avoiding the inconsistent later secondary tabulation.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: 2/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Strabismus
category: Ophthalmologic
description: Reported in the original clinical cohort; eye findings can overlap in the same individual.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Strabismus
term:
id: HP:0000486
label: Strabismus
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: The cohort narrative explicitly counts four cases; this does not establish a population frequency.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: 4/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Visual Impairment
category: Ophthalmologic
description: Reported in the original clinical cohort; eye findings can overlap in the same individual.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Visual impairment
term:
id: HP:0000505
label: Visual impairment
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: these were associated with marked visual impairment in two children
explanation: The narrative identifies marked visual impairment in two children without specifying a cerebral cause.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: OCCASIONAL
notes: 2/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: these were associated with marked visual impairment in two children
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Nystagmus
category: Ophthalmologic
description: Nystagmus was reported in the Arg29Gly case alongside high myopia and optic-disc cupping.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Nystagmus
term:
id: HP:0000639
label: Nystagmus
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: ophthalmology for nystagmus, high myopia, and optic nerve cupping of both eyes
explanation: Nystagmus was reported in the Arg29Gly case alongside high myopia and optic-disc cupping.
- name: Congenital heart disease
category: Cardiovascular
description: Six of twelve founding individuals had heterogeneous structural cardiac defects. Specific lesions are represented separately; this percentage is not a population risk estimate.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Abnormal heart morphology
term:
id: HP:0001627
label: Abnormal heart morphology
coarse_binding_basis: VARIABLE_SPECTRUM
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) were present in six of the twelve subjects
explanation: Six of twelve individuals had a cardiac defect; heterogeneous lesions justify the organ-level summary alongside specific phenotypes.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: FREQUENT
notes: 6/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) were present in six of the twelve subjects
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Ventricular Septal Defect
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Ventricular septal defect
term:
id: HP:0001629
label: Ventricular septal defect
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He had been f ollowed by the cardiology team secondary to a VSD, which has not required any surgical repair.
explanation: The case history names a VSD and records surveillance without surgical repair.
- name: Atrial Septal Defect
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Atrial septal defect
term:
id: HP:0001631
label: Atrial septal defect
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: an atrial sep tal defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD), bicuspid aortic valve, and a hypoplastic aortic arch
explanation: The supplementary cardiac-anatomy description explicitly names an atrial septal defect.
- name: Bicuspid Aortic Valve
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Bicuspid aortic valve
term:
id: HP:0001647
label: Bicuspid aortic valve
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: an atrial sep tal defect, ventricular septal defect (VSD), bicuspid aortic valve, and a hypoplastic aortic arch
explanation: The supplementary cardiac-anatomy description explicitly names a bicuspid valve.
- name: Tetralogy of Fallot
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Tetralogy of Fallot
term:
id: HP:0001636
label: Tetralogy of Fallot
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: echocardiography showed tetralogy of Fallot
explanation: Echocardiography directly established the cardiac diagnosis in the supplementary case.
- name: Coarctation of Aorta
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Coarctation of aorta
term:
id: HP:0001680
label: Coarctation of aorta
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She underwent aortic coarctation repair aged 5 mo with a good result.
explanation: The documented repair establishes the presence of coarctation in this individual.
- name: Double Orifice Mitral Valve
category: Cardiovascular
description: A specific congenital lesion reported in the founding cohort; cardiac anatomy differs between individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Double orifice mitral valve
term:
id: HP:0011568
label: Double orifice mitral valve
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a perimembranous ventricular septal defect with a double orifice mitral valve
explanation: The supplementary anatomy description specifies a double-orifice mitral valve.
- name: Double Outlet Right Ventricle
category: Cardiovascular
description: Diagnosed at birth in the later Gly28Ala child, who underwent a Glenn procedure.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Double outlet right ventricle
term:
id: HP:0001719
label: Double outlet right ventricle
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: diagnosed at birth with a double outlet right ventricle, mitral valve stenosis, and dysmorphic craniofacial features
explanation: The birth diagnosis directly specifies double-outlet right ventricle in the Gly28Ala case.
- name: Congenital Mitral Stenosis
category: Cardiovascular
description: Diagnosed at birth in the later Gly28Ala child, who underwent a Glenn procedure.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Congenital mitral stenosis
term:
id: HP:0011570
label: Congenital mitral stenosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: diagnosed at birth with a double outlet right ventricle, mitral valve stenosis, and dysmorphic craniofacial features
explanation: The same birth diagnosis separately specifies mitral valve stenosis.
- name: Feeding Difficulties in Infancy
category: Gastrointestinal
description: Early feeding difficulties can require tube feeding. Severity varies, and some children later achieve complete oral feeding.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Feeding difficulties in infancy
term:
id: HP:0008872
label: Feeding difficulties in infancy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: two additional infants required feeding via gastrostomy tube
explanation: Gastrostomy dependence documents clinically significant feeding difficulty in the reported infants.
- name: Dysphagia
category: Gastrointestinal
description: Swallowing impairment prompted gastrostomy in a Ser62Leu child, who later ate fully by mouth.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Dysphagia
term:
id: HP:0002015
label: Dysphagia
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She had dysphagia requiring a gastrostomy tube aged 7 mo, but now eats completely by mouth.
explanation: The narrative explicitly names dysphagia and distinguishes early tube dependence from later oral feeding.
- name: Failure to Thrive
category: Growth
description: Poor weight gain occurred in some children with feeding problems or congenital anomalies.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Failure to thrive
term:
id: HP:0001508
label: Failure to thrive
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The patient had difficulty feeding and failed to thrive.
explanation: Poor weight gain occurred in some children with feeding problems or congenital anomalies.
- name: Gastroesophageal Reflux
category: Gastrointestinal
description: Reflux can be severe and clinically consequential. Fundoplication and gastrostomy were required in the Gly28Ala child. The Asn156Ser narrative also reports reflux, despite its absence in that paper's summary table.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Gastroesophageal reflux
term:
id: HP:0002020
label: Gastroesophageal reflux
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease was treated by fundoplication and a gastrostomy.
explanation: Reflux can be severe and clinically consequential. Fundoplication and gastrostomy were required in the Gly28Ala child. The Asn156Ser narrative also reports reflux, despite its absence in that paper's summary table.
- name: Vomiting
category: Gastrointestinal
description: Episodic or cyclic vomiting contributes to management in some individuals; it may overlap with reflux but is not synonymous with it.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Vomiting
term:
id: HP:0002013
label: Vomiting
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: gastro-esophageal reflux or episodic vomiting were significant management issues in four individuals
explanation: Episodic or cyclic vomiting contributes to management in some individuals; it may overlap with reflux but is not synonymous with it.
- name: Anteriorly Placed Anus
category: Gastrointestinal
description: An individual gastrointestinal finding; rectal mucosal prolapse is distinguished from a congenital anorectal malformation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Anteriorly placed anus
term:
id: HP:0001545
label: Anteriorly placed anus
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: anterior anus, recto-perianal fistula ... undescended testes ... rectal mucosal prolapse
explanation: The case-level anatomical description explicitly identifies anterior placement of the anus.
- name: Rectoperineal Fistula
category: Gastrointestinal
description: An individual gastrointestinal finding; rectal mucosal prolapse is distinguished from a congenital anorectal malformation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Rectoperineal fistula
term:
id: HP:0004792
label: Rectoperineal fistula
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: anterior anus, recto-perianal fistula ... undescended testes ... rectal mucosal prolapse
explanation: The supplementary case description names a recto-perianal fistula, supporting the specific perineal fistula binding.
- name: Rectal Prolapse
category: Gastrointestinal
description: An individual gastrointestinal finding; rectal mucosal prolapse is distinguished from a congenital anorectal malformation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Rectal prolapse
term:
id: HP:0002035
label: Rectal prolapse
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: recurrent loose stool and intermittent rectal mucosal prolapse
explanation: The case narrative describes intermittent rectal mucosal prolapse rather than a congenital anorectal malformation.
- name: Pyloric Stenosis
category: Gastrointestinal
description: An individual gastrointestinal finding; rectal mucosal prolapse is distinguished from a congenital anorectal malformation.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pyloric stenosis
term:
id: HP:0002021
label: Pyloric stenosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Present congenital gastrointestinal problems were ano-rectal abnormalities (n = 2) and pyloric stenosis (n = 1)
explanation: The founding cohort narrative counts one case of pyloric stenosis.
- name: Cryptorchidism
category: Genitourinary
description: An undescended testis was described in the Gly28Ala child and the Ser62Leu boy with tetralogy of Fallot.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Cryptorchidism
term:
id: HP:0000028
label: Cryptorchidism
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He also had an undescended left testis and left multicystic dysplastic kidney.
explanation: An undescended testis was described in the Gly28Ala child and the Ser62Leu boy with tetralogy of Fallot.
- name: Multicystic Kidney Dysplasia
category: Renal
description: Left multicystic dysplastic kidney was reported in the Gly28Ala child; this is a case observation, not an obligatory renal phenotype.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Multicystic kidney dysplasia
term:
id: HP:0000003
label: Multicystic kidney dysplasia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He also had an undescended left testis and left multicystic dysplastic kidney.
explanation: Left multicystic dysplastic kidney was reported in the Gly28Ala child; this is a case observation, not an obligatory renal phenotype.
- name: Short Stature
category: Growth
description: Short stature was present in one founding individual and both later Japanese cases; available measurements vary with age.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Short stature
term:
id: HP:0004322
label: Short stature
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: one individual, who had mild short stature (−2.53 SD)
explanation: Short stature was present in one founding individual and both later Japanese cases; available measurements vary with age.
- name: Macrocephaly
category: Growth
description: Mild macrocephaly was reported in a Ser62Leu infant with callosal agenesis.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Macrocephaly
term:
id: HP:0000256
label: Macrocephaly
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: one subject, who had mild macrocephaly (+2.21 standard deviations [SD])
explanation: Mild macrocephaly was reported in a Ser62Leu infant with callosal agenesis.
- name: Acquired Microcephaly
category: Growth
description: The Arg178Gln supplementary case describes declining head-circumference percentiles to the second percentile at five years. This individual finding is more detailed than the cohort narrative's generally normal head-size statement.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Secondary microcephaly
term:
id: HP:0005484
label: Secondary microcephaly
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: he had global developmental delay and acquired microcephaly
explanation: The supplementary case explicitly reports acquired microcephaly; serial head measurements support the secondary-microcephaly binding.
- name: Metopic Synostosis
category: Craniofacial
description: Metopic synostosis occurred in the index Gly30Ser case. The authors explicitly considered whether its association with CDK8 was causal or coincidental.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Metopic synostosis
term:
id: HP:0011330
label: Metopic synostosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Apart from the metopic synostosis present in the index individual, no other individuals had craniosynostosis.
explanation: The source confines metopic synostosis to the index subject; it does not establish a recurrent syndrome feature.
- name: Hip Contracture
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Progressive contractures and scoliosis were reported in the child with maternally inherited Arg200Gln but not the affected mother, demonstrating variable expression.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hip contracture
term:
id: HP:0003273
label: Hip contracture
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: undocumented progressive contractures of the hips and knees as well as scoliosis were also observed in the child
explanation: The inherited-variant report explicitly identifies progressive hip contractures in the child, without this finding in the mother.
- name: Knee Contracture
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Progressive contractures and scoliosis were reported in the child with maternally inherited Arg200Gln but not the affected mother, demonstrating variable expression.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Knee contracture
term:
id: HP:0034671
label: Knee contracture
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: undocumented progressive contractures of the hips and knees as well as scoliosis were also observed in the child
explanation: The inherited-variant report explicitly identifies progressive knee contractures in the child, without this finding in the mother.
- name: Scoliosis
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Progressive contractures and scoliosis were reported in the child with maternally inherited Arg200Gln but not the affected mother, demonstrating variable expression.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Scoliosis
term:
id: HP:0002650
label: Scoliosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: undocumented progressive contractures of the hips and knees as well as scoliosis were also observed in the child
explanation: The inherited-variant report names scoliosis in the child and notes that this presentation was absent in the mother.
- name: Pes Planus
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Flat or planovalgus feet occur in several individuals, with orthopedic procedures or orthoses used in some.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pes planus
term:
id: HP:0001763
label: Pes planus
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: as well as intermittent esotropia and pes planovalgus
explanation: Flat or planovalgus feet occur in several individuals, with orthopedic procedures or orthoses used in some.
- name: Joint Hypermobility
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Joint laxity was documented in some supplementary cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Joint hypermobility
term:
id: HP:0001382
label: Joint hypermobility
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Hypotonia was improving; he had significant generalized joint laxity.
explanation: Joint laxity was documented in some supplementary cases.
- name: Laryngomalacia
category: Respiratory
description: Laryngomalacia was diagnosed in the Arg29Gly case with feeding and respiratory difficulties.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Laryngomalacia
term:
id: HP:0001601
label: Laryngomalacia
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He was found to have laryngomalacia and a sleep stud y demonstrated severe obstructive sleep apnea
explanation: Laryngomalacia was diagnosed in the Arg29Gly case with feeding and respiratory difficulties.
- name: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
category: Respiratory
description: Severe obstructive sleep apnea in the Arg29Gly case required supplemental oxygen temporarily; oxygen was no longer needed at later follow-up.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Obstructive sleep apnea
term:
id: HP:0002870
label: Obstructive sleep apnea
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: severe obstructive sleep apnea requiring supplemental oxygen
explanation: Severe obstructive sleep apnea in the Arg29Gly case required supplemental oxygen temporarily; oxygen was no longer needed at later follow-up.
- name: Anemia
category: Hematologic
description: Anemia of uncertain cause improved with iron supplementation in one Ser62Leu child. Iron deficiency itself was not established by the report.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Anemia
term:
id: HP:0001903
label: Anemia
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: he had an anemia of unknown origin, which improved with iron supplements
explanation: The report establishes anemia and an observed iron response while leaving the underlying cause uncertain.
- name: Facial dysmorphism
category: Craniofacial
description: Facial differences were reported in 11 of 12 cohort subjects but were not a consistent diagnostic gestalt. Components vary and occasional supplementary descriptions differ from the table.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Abnormal facial shape
term:
id: HP:0001999
label: Abnormal facial shape
coarse_binding_basis: VARIABLE_SPECTRUM
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Facial dysmorphism was identified in 11 subjects; this was not characteristic
explanation: The narrative gives 11/12 affected subjects and explicitly rejects a characteristic facial gestalt.
phenotype_contexts:
- population: Founding 12-person 2019 cohort; assessed denominator is specified for each finding
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
notes: 11/12 in this selected clinical series, not population prevalence or penetrance.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Facial dysmorphism was identified in 11 subjects; this was not characteristic
explanation: Original cohort evidence; counts derive from its clinical narrative or Table 1.
- name: Epicanthus
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Epicanthus
term:
id: HP:0000286
label: Epicanthus
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella, a long philtrum, wide or open-mouth posture, prognathism, and low set and prominent ears
explanation: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
- name: Long Philtrum
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Long philtrum
term:
id: HP:0000343
label: Long philtrum
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella, a long philtrum, wide or open-mouth posture, prognathism, and low set and prominent ears
explanation: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
- name: Wide Mouth
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Wide mouth
term:
id: HP:0000154
label: Wide mouth
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella, a long philtrum, wide or open-mouth posture, prognathism, and low set and prominent ears
explanation: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
- name: Mandibular Prognathia
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Mandibular prognathia
term:
id: HP:0000303
label: Mandibular prognathia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella, a long philtrum, wide or open-mouth posture, prognathism, and low set and prominent ears
explanation: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
- name: Low-Set Ears
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Low-set ears
term:
id: HP:0000369
label: Low-set ears
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella, a long philtrum, wide or open-mouth posture, prognathism, and low set and prominent ears
explanation: One of the variable facial findings highlighted in at least two founding subjects; no precise component-specific frequency is assigned.
- name: Hypertelorism
category: Craniofacial
description: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypertelorism
term:
id: HP:0000316
label: Hypertelorism
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, low-set ears, prominent antihelix, short philtrum, flat nasal bridge, high arched palate, down-turned corners of the mouth, micrognathia
explanation: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
- name: High Palate
category: Craniofacial
description: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: High palate
term:
id: HP:0000218
label: High palate
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, low-set ears, prominent antihelix, short philtrum, flat nasal bridge, high arched palate, down-turned corners of the mouth, micrognathia
explanation: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
- name: Micrognathia
category: Craniofacial
description: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Micrognathia
term:
id: HP:0000347
label: Micrognathia
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, low-set ears, prominent antihelix, short philtrum, flat nasal bridge, high arched palate, down-turned corners of the mouth, micrognathia
explanation: Reported among the facial findings in the later Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser cases.
- name: Bifid Uvula
category: Craniofacial
description: A bifid uvula was documented in the Asn156Ser girl.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Bifid uvula
term:
id: HP:0000193
label: Bifid uvula
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: protruding ears, bifid uvula, and micrognathia
explanation: A bifid uvula was documented in the Asn156Ser girl.
- name: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
category: Cardiovascular
description: Specific congenital cardiac anatomy documented in the founding supplementary cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypoplastic left ventricle
term:
id: HP:0004383
label: Hypoplastic left ventricle
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The prenatal ultrasound revealed a hypoplastic left heart and agenesis of the corpus callosum.
explanation: Specific congenital cardiac anatomy documented in the founding supplementary cases.
- name: Hypoplastic Aortic Arch
category: Cardiovascular
description: Specific congenital cardiac anatomy documented in the founding supplementary cases.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Hypoplastic aortic arch
term:
id: HP:0012304
label: Hypoplastic aortic arch
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: bicuspid aortic valve, and a hypoplastic aortic arch
explanation: Specific congenital cardiac anatomy documented in the founding supplementary cases.
- name: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
category: Cardiovascular
description: Subaortic stenosis accompanied coarctation and mitral stenosis in the Ser62Leu infant.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Subvalvular aortic stenosis
term:
id: HP:0001682
label: Subvalvular aortic stenosis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: coarctation of the aorta, subaortic stenosis, mitral stenosis
explanation: Subaortic stenosis accompanied coarctation and mitral stenosis in the Ser62Leu infant.
- name: Highly Arched Eyebrow
category: Craniofacial
description: One of the variable facial components observed in at least two founding individuals.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Highly arched eyebrow
term:
id: HP:0002553
label: Highly arched eyebrow
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: arched eyebrows, epicanthic folds, prominent eyes, a prominent nasal tip or long columella
explanation: One of the variable facial components observed in at least two founding individuals.
- name: Overlapping Toe
category: Musculoskeletal
description: Overlapping toes on the left foot were described in the Gly28Ala child.
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Overlapping toe
term:
id: HP:0001845
label: Overlapping toe
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: overlapping toes were noted on the left foot
explanation: Overlapping toes on the left foot were described in the Gly28Ala child.
genetic:
- name: CDK8
association: Heterozygous kinase-domain missense variants cause a variable developmental disorder. De novo occurrence predominates in the founding series, but maternal transmission of Arg200Gln to an affected child establishes that inheritance is possible.
gene_term:
preferred_term: CDK8
term:
id: hgnc:1779
label: CDK8
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal Dominant
inheritance_term:
preferred_term: Autosomal dominant inheritance
term:
id: HP:0000006
label: Autosomal dominant inheritance
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: we identified eight different heterozygous missense CDK8 substitutions, including 10 shown to have arisen de novo, in 12 unrelated subjects
explanation: Ten confirmed de novo heterozygous variants support autosomal dominant inheritance; paternal samples were unavailable in the other two cases.
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a likely pathogenic heterozygous CDK8 variant c.599G>A, p.(Arg200Gln) inherited from the biological mother
explanation: Documented maternal transmission.
description: Autosomal dominant inheritance includes both de novo and inherited variants. In the founding cohort, ten of twelve variants were confirmed de novo; two fathers were unavailable. A later mother-child pair shared a likely pathogenic Arg200Gln variant. Penetrance and recurrence rates have not been quantified.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: we identified eight different heterozygous missense CDK8 substitutions, including 10 shown to have arisen de novo, in 12 unrelated subjects
explanation: Case-level genetic evidence.
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The clinical presentation of the child and mother is within the described clinical spectrum for IDDHBA
explanation: Both generations were clinically affected.
relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
variant_origin: GERMLINE
gene_disease_validity:
- validity_classification: DEFINITIVE
classified_by: G2P
external_id: G2P02783
notes: G2P assertion SGC-124667.1 in GenCC, evaluated September 18, 2019. The attribution is to G2P rather than an independent ClinGen assertion.
evidence:
- reference: url:https://thegencc.org/submissions/SGC-124667.1
reference_title: CDK8 | intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities | Autosomal dominant by G2P submission information facts
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
directness: DIRECT
snippet: 'Classification: ... Definitive ... Gene: ... CDK8 ... Disease: ... intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities'
explanation: External G2P classification.
notes: The initial molecularly studied alleles are missense substitutions concentrated around the kinase active site. These data do not establish pathogenicity of all CDK8 truncating alleles or multigene deletions. Some founding subjects had additional uncertain variants; their individual findings should not automatically be attributed exclusively to CDK8.
variants:
- name: c.185C>T (p.Ser62Leu)
description: Recurrent alpha-C-helix allele in five founding subjects; de novo status was confirmed in three, while paternal samples were unavailable in two. STAT1 phosphorylation was markedly reduced.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a recurrent mutation, c.185C>T (p.Ser62Leu), was present in five individuals
explanation: Recurrence in the original cohort.
- name: p.Val27Leu, p.Arg29Gly and p.Gly30Ser
description: Founding glycine-rich-loop substitutions c.79G>C, c.85C>G and c.88G>A. Kinase output was reduced without evidence of gross misfolding.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: COMPUTATIONAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: are clustered in the Gly-rich loop (amino acids 27–35), a highly conserved protein-kinase motif
explanation: Variant positions.
- name: c.291T>G (p.Phe97Leu) and c.669A>G (p.Ile223Met)
description: These founding alleles retained approximately 63% and 51% of reference STAT1 phosphorylation in the cell assay, respectively. Relative assay activity does not establish a clinical severity ranking.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: an intermediate level of phosphorylation (∼63% and ∼51% in comparison to the WT, respectively), was observed
explanation: Residual activity in two alleles.
- name: c.533G>A (p.Arg178Gln) and c.578T>G (p.Val193Gly)
description: Activation-segment alleles from the founding series, with reduced kinase output. Arg178Gln was also investigated by molecular-dynamics simulation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: COMPUTATIONAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Two substitutions, c.533G>A (p.Arg178Gln) and c.578T>G (p.Val193Gly), affect amino acids located in the activation segment
explanation: Structural localization.
- name: c.83G>C (p.Gly28Ala) and c.467A>G (p.Asn156Ser)
description: De novo alleles in two additional patients with lower autophosphorylation activity. Asn156Ser reduced the assay readout more strongly than Gly28Ala; developmental severity in two differently aged patients cannot validate an activity-severity correlation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Both the CDK8-G28A and CDK8-N156S mutations resulted in lower kinase activities compared with CDK8-WT
explanation: Functional analysis of the later alleles.
- name: c.599G>A (p.Arg200Gln)
description: Likely pathogenic variant transmitted from an affected mother to her child. Progressive hip and knee contractures and scoliosis were reported in the child but not the mother.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a likely pathogenic heterozygous CDK8 variant c.599G>A, p.(Arg200Gln) inherited from the biological mother
explanation: Inherited allele and reported classification.
clinical_significance: LIKELY_PATHOGENIC
treatments:
- name: Cardiac Surgery
description: Cardiac procedures depend on the structural lesion. The hypoplastic-left-heart child underwent staged Norwood, Glenn and Fontan operations, and a different infant had a good result after coarctation repair. These case reports do not compare surgical strategies.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Cardiac Surgery
term:
id: NCIT:C157806
label: Cardiac Surgery
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: underwent cardiac surgery at 4 days of age via a Norwood procedure.
explanation: First stage of the documented palliation.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a Fontan procedure aged 4 yr.
explanation: Later stage in the same child.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She underwent aortic coarctation repair aged 5 mo with a good result.
explanation: Reported outcome in another child.
therapeutic_modality: SURGERY
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Hypoplastic left ventricle
term:
id: HP:0004383
label: Hypoplastic left ventricle
- preferred_term: Coarctation of aorta
term:
id: HP:0001680
label: Coarctation of aorta
- name: Tube Feeding and Gastrostomy
description: Nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding supports children with inefficient feeding, dysphagia or poor growth. The Ser62Leu girl later achieved complete oral feeding; gastrostomy dependence is not universal or necessarily permanent.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Gastrostomy Tube Procedure
term:
id: NCIT:C157864
label: Gastrostomy Tube Procedure
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: A nasogastric tube was also placed for supplemental nutrition.
explanation: Early nutritional support in the Arg29Gly child.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She had dysphagia requiring a gastrostomy tube aged 7 mo, but now eats completely by mouth.
explanation: Gastrostomy followed by later oral feeding in the Ser62Leu child.
therapeutic_modality: SURGERY
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Dysphagia
term:
id: HP:0002015
label: Dysphagia
- preferred_term: Feeding difficulties in infancy
term:
id: HP:0008872
label: Feeding difficulties in infancy
- name: Fundoplication for Severe Reflux
description: Fundoplication and gastrostomy were performed in the Gly28Ala child with severe reflux. The report documents treatment without a quantified reflux outcome.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Fundoplication
term:
id: NCIT:C91834
label: Fundoplication
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease was treated by fundoplication and a gastrostomy.
explanation: Individual surgical treatment.
therapeutic_modality: SURGERY
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Gastroesophageal reflux
term:
id: HP:0002020
label: Gastroesophageal reflux
- name: Developmental Therapies
description: Physical, speech and occupational therapies and special education are documented in affected children. These reports describe service use without controlled estimates of developmental benefit.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Supportive Care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: receives physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
explanation: Documented developmental support in the Ile223Met child.
therapeutic_modality: BEHAVIORAL
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Global developmental delay
term:
id: HP:0001263
label: Global developmental delay
- preferred_term: Delayed speech and language development
term:
id: HP:0000750
label: Delayed speech and language development
- name: Orthoses and Orthopedic Care
description: Ankle-foot orthoses helped ambulation in the Ile223Met child. Another boy underwent bilateral lateral column lengthening and serial casting for pes planus. Progressive contractures in the later inherited case warrant individual orthopedic assessment, but a CDK8-specific protocol has not been studied.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Supportive Care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He wears ankle -foot orthoses, which help with ambulation.
explanation: Reported orthotic benefit.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: serial plaster casting for pes planus and can walk for approximately 2 miles.
explanation: Orthopedic care and functional status in another individual.
therapeutic_modality: OTHER
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Gait disturbance
term:
id: HP:0001288
label: Gait disturbance
- preferred_term: Pes planus
term:
id: HP:0001763
label: Pes planus
- name: Antiseizure Pharmacotherapy
description: Valproic acid improved complex partial seizures and migraines in one Ser62Leu boy. Lamotrigine was started in a Phe97Leu girl who later continued to have epileptic and nonepileptic events; complete seizure control was not demonstrated. These observations do not establish an allele-specific drug choice.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Anticonvulsant Therapy
term:
id: NCIT:C64172
label: Anticonvulsant Therapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: valproic acid
term:
id: CHEBI:39867
label: valproic acid
- preferred_term: lamotrigine
term:
id: CHEBI:6367
label: lamotrigine
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: complex partial seizures and migraines, both improved with valproic acid.
explanation: Positive response in one patient.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: A diagnosis of a seizure disorder was made by one year of age and Lamotrigine treatment started.
explanation: Documented use; subsequent ongoing events limit efficacy inference.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Seizure
term:
id: HP:0001250
label: Seizure
- name: Melatonin for Sleep-Onset Difficulty
description: Melatonin was used for difficulty falling asleep in the Gly30Ser boy. The report does not state the treatment response.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: melatonin
term:
id: CHEBI:16796
label: melatonin
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: He had trouble going to sleep for which melatonin was used.
explanation: Documented use without a stated efficacy outcome.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Sleep disturbance
term:
id: HP:0002360
label: Sleep disturbance
- name: Methylphenidate (Unsuccessful Individual Trial)
description: Ritalin worsened ADHD in the Gly30Ser child and was discontinued. This is a negative individual response, not evidence of efficacy or a universal contraindication for all affected patients.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: methylphenidate
term:
id: CHEBI:6887
label: methylphenidate
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: REFUTE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the ADHD worsened in response to Ritalin and was thus stopped.
explanation: Negative individual treatment outcome.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
term:
id: HP:0007018
label: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- name: Pyridostigmine (Temporary Individual Response)
description: A trial for suspected congenital myasthenic syndrome in the Val27Leu girl produced mild, temporary improvement. Neuromuscular-junction disease was not established, and other candidate variants complicate attribution. This is not a validated disease-directed CDK8 treatment.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: Pyridostigmine
term:
id: CHEBI:8665
label: Pyridostigmine
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: A pyridostigmine treatment trial resulted in a mild, temporary improvement.
explanation: Limited temporary response in one individual.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
- name: Flunarizine for Cyclic Vomiting
description: The Val193Gly girl continued treatment at age twelve for cyclic vomiting that had persisted since age three. The supplement spells the drug flunarazine; no quantified response is reported.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: flunarizine
term:
id: CHEBI:135652
label: flunarizine
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: This problem has persisted, and aged 12 yr she continues to be treated with flunarazine.
explanation: Ongoing treatment with persistent symptoms; benefit cannot be determined.
therapeutic_modality: SMALL_MOLECULE
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Vomiting
term:
id: HP:0002013
label: Vomiting
- name: Iron Supplementation
description: Anemia of uncertain origin improved with iron supplements in one Ser62Leu child. The observation does not establish iron deficiency as the cause of anemia or indicate supplementation for all patients.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
therapeutic_agent:
- preferred_term: Iron supplementation, formulation unspecified
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: he had an anemia of unknown origin, which improved with iron supplements.
explanation: Case-specific improvement; iron formulation and cause of anemia were not established.
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Anemia
term:
id: HP:0001903
label: Anemia
- name: Supplemental Oxygen
description: The Arg29Gly child required oxygen for severe obstructive sleep apnea early in life and later no longer needed it. The report does not identify a disease-specific respiratory treatment protocol.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Oxygen Therapy
term:
id: NCIT:C94624
label: Oxygen Therapy
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: severe obstructive sleep apnea requiring supplemental oxygen
explanation: Individual respiratory support.
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Obstructive sleep apnea
term:
id: HP:0002870
label: Obstructive sleep apnea
- name: Visual Correction
description: Glasses were used for myopia in affected children. Refractive correction addresses the documented ocular finding rather than the underlying developmental disorder.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Supportive Care
term:
id: NCIT:C15747
label: Supportive Care
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: She wears glasses for myopia and has normal hearin g.
explanation: Documented refractive correction.
therapeutic_modality: OTHER
target_phenotypes:
- preferred_term: Myopia
term:
id: HP:0000545
label: Myopia
- name: Genetic Counseling
description: Counseling incorporates variant-specific evidence and parental testing. Most confirmed pathogenic missense variants are de novo, but affected-parent transmission is documented. A negative parental blood result cannot eliminate germline mosaicism, and these case series do not quantify penetrance or recurrence risk.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Genetic Counseling
term:
id: NCIT:C15240
label: Genetic Counseling
evidence:
- reference: PMID:38193604
reference_title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a likely pathogenic heterozygous CDK8 variant c.599G>A, p.(Arg200Gln) inherited from the biological mother
explanation: Documented maternal transmission of an allele classified as likely pathogenic.
diagnosis:
- name: Molecular Diagnosis and Parental Testing
description: Trio exome or genome sequencing identified heterozygous kinase-domain missense variants. Interpretation integrates phenotype, inheritance, population frequency and allele-specific functional evidence. The published signature does not justify classifying every rare CDK8 variant or truncating allele as pathogenic.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: Whole Exome Sequencing
term:
id: NCIT:C101295
label: Whole Exome Sequencing
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Using whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing, and by international collaboration, we identified eight different heterozygous missense CDK8 substitutions
explanation: Molecular ascertainment in the original cohort.
- name: Cardiac Assessment
description: Echocardiography characterizes variable congenital lesions and informs lesion-specific management; not every patient has heart disease.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: Echocardiography
term:
id: NCIT:C16525
label: Echocardiography Test
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: echocardiography showed tetralogy of Fallot.
explanation: Diagnostic cardiac imaging in a reported case.
- name: Brain MRI
description: Imaging may show callosal agenesis or thinning, ventriculomegaly or white-matter abnormalities. A normal scan does not exclude CDK8-related disorder.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
term:
id: NCIT:C16809
label: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed agenesis or thinning of the corpus callosum in four subjects
explanation: Variable structural imaging findings.
- name: EEG for Paroxysmal Events
description: EEG helps distinguish epileptic from nonepileptic spells. The Phe97Leu girl had both types over time, so observation of jerking alone does not establish seizures.
diagnosis_term:
preferred_term: Electroencephalography
term:
id: NCIT:C38054
label: Electroencephalography
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: These events were captured during an electro encephalogram (EEG) recording and were not felt to be epileptic.
explanation: Nonepileptic early events preceded later diagnosed epilepsy.
- name: Hearing and Ophthalmologic Assessment
description: Hearing and eye evaluation identify sensorineural hearing loss, refractive errors, strabismus and other visual difficulties that may affect communication and development.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Three individuals had moderate-severe sensorineural hearing loss
explanation: Cohort hearing findings.
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: including myopia (n = 6), eyelid ptosis (n = 2), and/or strabismus (n = 4)
explanation: Cohort ocular findings.
differential_diagnoses:
- name: Noonan Syndrome
description: Tetralogy of Fallot, neonatal lymphedema, cryptorchidism and neck/ear findings initially suggested Noonan syndrome in the Ser62Leu boy. The resemblance is case-specific.
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: An initial diagnosis of Noonan Syndrome was proposed.
explanation: Documented differential before CDK8 diagnosis.
- name: Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome
description: Ptosis, facial weakness and hypotonia prompted this differential in the Val27Leu girl. A transient pyridostigmine response did not establish a neuromuscular-junction defect, and additional candidate variants limit attribution of every feature to CDK8.
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Pediatric neurological examination also showed facial weakness and a congenital myasthenic syndrome was suspected.
explanation: Clinical suspicion rather than a confirmed coexisting diagnosis.
- name: Prader-Willi or Angelman Syndrome
description: Methylation studies for both conditions were unrevealing in the hypotonic Arg29Gly child with feeding and developmental difficulties. These are reported differential investigations, not diagnostic criteria for CDK8 disease.
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: methylation studies for Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes.
explanation: Negative workup is stated in the surrounding sentence; this excerpt identifies the tested conditions.
experimental_models:
- name: SW620 CDK8/CDK19 Double-Knockout Complementation
experimental_model_type: CELL_LINE
organism:
preferred_term: Homo sapiens
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
cell_source: CRISPR-edited SW620 colorectal carcinoma cells lacking CDK8 and CDK19; transient reference or variant human CDK8 expression
publication: PMID:30905399
description: STAT1 Ser727 phosphorylation was reduced by all eight founding variants. Phe97Leu and Ile223Met retained approximately 63% and 51% of reference output, while most variants approached the engineered Asp173Ala kinase-dead control. Asp173Ala is an assay control, not a patient allele.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Measures variant-dependent substrate phosphorylation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We observed that the cellular levels of pSTAT1 were reduced to a statistically significant extent, compared to WT, in all mutant-transfected cells
explanation: Variant activity in a double-knockout cell background.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: A cancer cell line with both endogenous paralogs deleted is not a heterozygous patient neural cell. The substrate assay does not identify the disease-relevant transcriptional program.
fidelity: MODERATE
- target: Reduced STAT1 Ser727 Phosphorylation
description: Measures variant-dependent substrate phosphorylation.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We observed that the cellular levels of pSTAT1 were reduced to a statistically significant extent, compared to WT, in all mutant-transfected cells
explanation: Variant activity in a double-knockout cell background.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: A cancer cell line with both endogenous paralogs deleted is not a heterozygous patient neural cell. The substrate assay does not identify the disease-relevant transcriptional program.
fidelity: MODERATE
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: We observed that the cellular levels of pSTAT1 were reduced to a statistically significant extent, compared to WT, in all mutant-transfected cells
explanation: Variant activity in a double-knockout cell background.
- name: HEK293T Kinase-Module Assembly and Thermal Stability
experimental_model_type: CELL_LINE
organism:
preferred_term: Homo sapiens
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
cell_source: Transiently transfected HEK293T cells; immunoprecipitated tagged CDK8 modules
publication: PMID:30905399
description: Variant proteins retained cyclin-C association and showed no gross loss of thermal stability. Most or all retained ATP-responsive stabilization; the supplemental co-immunoprecipitation also recovered MED12 and MED13. These findings constrain a simple protein-destabilization explanation without proving dominant-negative competition.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Nonproductive Mediator Kinase Module Occupancy
description: Assesses whether catalytically impaired proteins can remain in stable kinase modules.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: none of the substitutions cause gross mis-folding of the protein, and most or all are still able to bind ATP
explanation: Thermal stability and ATP-response experiments.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: Retained association is compatible with the proposed occupancy model but does not demonstrate competition with the normal allele in patient cells.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: none of the substitutions cause gross mis-folding of the protein, and most or all are still able to bind ATP
explanation: Thermal stability and ATP-response experiments.
- name: Reference/Ser62Leu Mixing Assay
experimental_model_type: CELL_LINE
organism:
preferred_term: Homo sapiens
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
cell_source: Mixed reference and Ser62Leu CDK8 constructs in the STAT1-phosphorylation assay
publication: PMID:30905399
description: Equal reference and Ser62Leu constructs did not produce an obviously nonlinear fall in STAT1 phosphorylation. The authors reported this result without showing the data and stated that further experiments were needed.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Nonproductive Mediator Kinase Module Occupancy
description: Directly probes the proposed dominant-negative interpretation without establishing it.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the observed reduction in phosphorylation in mixed samples did not obviously deviate from a linear response
explanation: The mixing assay did not establish a dominant-negative interaction.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: One variant, one substrate, transient expression and data not shown; lack of nonlinear inhibition does not exclude a different context-dependent mechanism.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the observed reduction in phosphorylation in mixed samples did not obviously deviate from a linear response
explanation: The mixing assay did not establish a dominant-negative interaction.
- name: HEK293 Gly28Ala/Asn156Ser Autophosphorylation
experimental_model_type: CELL_LINE
organism:
preferred_term: Homo sapiens
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
cell_source: HEK293 cells expressing tagged human CDK8 with cyclin C; immunoprecipitate ADP-GLO assay
publication: PMID:33067521
description: Gly28Ala and Asn156Ser reduced autophosphorylation activity, with the stronger reduction for Asn156Ser. This biochemical ordering does not establish a human severity ordering.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Measures catalytic output of the two later patient variants.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Both the CDK8-G28A and CDK8-N156S mutations resulted in lower kinase activities compared with CDK8-WT
explanation: Autophosphorylation assay of later variants.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: Overexpressed immunoprecipitates and autophosphorylation differ from developmental substrate selection in patient cells.
fidelity: MODERATE
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Both the CDK8-G28A and CDK8-N156S mutations resulted in lower kinase activities compared with CDK8-WT
explanation: Autophosphorylation assay of later variants.
animal_models:
- name: Zebrafish Human CDK8 mRNA Overexpression
species: Danio rerio
genotype: One-cell injection of reference, Gly28Ala or Asn156Ser human CDK8 mRNA
publication: PMID:33067521
description: At one day postfertilization, reference CDK8 overexpression caused the largest fraction of embryos with shortened body axis, small anterior structures and abnormal tails. Both variants had less defect-inducing activity, especially Asn156Ser. This comparison supports reduced activity, not greater variant toxicity.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Variant mRNAs perturb development less than reference CDK8 under overexpression.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The relative fraction of embryos with defects was largest when mRNA encoding the human wild-type CDK8 protein was injected
explanation: Reference overexpression perturbed development more than either tested variant.
relationship: PERTURBS
model_scale: ORGANISM
limitations: Overexpression toxicity is an indirect activity readout. This is not an endogenous heterozygous knock-in or a genomic knockdown, and human intellectual disability is not measured.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: The relative fraction of embryos with defects was largest when mRNA encoding the human wild-type CDK8 protein was injected
explanation: Reference overexpression perturbed development more than either tested variant.
- name: Zebrafish Dual CDK8/CDK19 Inhibition
species: Danio rerio
genotype: Unmodified embryos exposed to 2 micromolar Senexin A
publication: PMID:33067521
description: Senexin A exposure produced craniofacial cartilage and cardiac abnormalities with disturbed circulation in all 46 reported exposed embryos. The compound inhibits both paralogs. Exposure models developmental loss of kinase activity and is not a therapeutic rescue.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Impaired Cardiac Morphogenesis
description: Dual kinase inhibition disrupts this developmental process.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the inhibition of Cdk8 kinase activity by Senexin A induced structural anomalies in the heart and craniofacial cartilage of the zebrafish
explanation: Experimental developmental perturbation by a dual-kinase inhibitor.
relationship: PERTURBS
model_scale: TISSUE
limitations: Chemical inhibition does not isolate CDK8 from CDK19 and does not reproduce a specific patient allele. The methods contain an internally inconsistent exposure-start time, so no start time is assigned here.
fidelity: LOW
- target: Impaired Craniofacial Patterning
description: Dual kinase inhibition disrupts this developmental process.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the inhibition of Cdk8 kinase activity by Senexin A induced structural anomalies in the heart and craniofacial cartilage of the zebrafish
explanation: Experimental developmental perturbation by a dual-kinase inhibitor.
relationship: PERTURBS
model_scale: TISSUE
limitations: Chemical inhibition does not isolate CDK8 from CDK19 and does not reproduce a specific patient allele. The methods contain an internally inconsistent exposure-start time, so no start time is assigned here.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the inhibition of Cdk8 kinase activity by Senexin A induced structural anomalies in the heart and craniofacial cartilage of the zebrafish
explanation: Experimental developmental perturbation by a dual-kinase inhibitor.
- name: Cdk8 Gene-Trap Mouse
species: Mus musculus
genotype: Heterozygous or homozygous gene-trap inactivation of Cdk8
publication: PMID:17620419
description: Heterozygotes had no reported overt phenotype, while homozygous embryos failed before implantation at approximately embryonic days 2.5–3.0 with fragmented blastomeres and absent compaction. Complete gene loss differs substantially from the viable human missense disorder.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
description: Complete Cdk8 loss reveals an early developmental requirement but does not reproduce the clinical missense syndrome.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Cdk8-/- preimplantation embryos had fragmented blastomeres and did not proceed to compaction.
explanation: Early embryonic phenotype of complete mouse gene loss.
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: No phenotypes were noted in heterozygote Cdk8+/- mice
explanation: No reported overt phenotype in the heterozygous gene-trap animals.
relationship: PERTURBS
model_scale: ORGANISM
limitations: Gene trapping removes gene function rather than retaining an altered kinase module. The abstract does not establish comprehensive neurobehavioral testing of heterozygotes; normal appearance is not proof of complete haplosufficiency.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Cdk8-/- preimplantation embryos had fragmented blastomeres and did not proceed to compaction.
explanation: Early embryonic phenotype of complete mouse gene loss.
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: No phenotypes were noted in heterozygote Cdk8+/- mice
explanation: No reported overt phenotype in the heterozygous gene-trap animals.
computational_models:
- name: CDK8–Cyclin C Molecular Dynamics
model_type: STRUCTURAL_PREDICTION
publication: PMID:30905399
description: Reference, Ser62Leu and Arg178Gln CDK8–cyclin C structures with ATP were compared by molecular dynamics. The modeling used CDK8 structure 4F7S and an aligned CDK9 ATP template, with unresolved regions modeled in MOE and replicate simulations in GROMACS. The variants were predicted to restrict substrate-pocket opening without grossly changing the overall fold.
modeled_mechanisms:
- target: Altered Substrate-Binding Geometry
description: Predicts reduced access to the catalytic pocket.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: COMPUTATIONAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the substrate-binding site of the WT CDK8 protein can adopt more open conformations than its mutated counterparts
explanation: Structural-dynamics prediction.
relationship: MEASURES
model_scale: MOLECULAR
limitations: Predicted conformations do not directly measure substrate binding, phosphorylation kinetics or patient-cell transcription.
fidelity: LOW
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: COMPUTATIONAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the substrate-binding site of the WT CDK8 protein can adopt more open conformations than its mutated counterparts
explanation: Structural-dynamics prediction.
discussions:
- discussion_id: dominant_negative_mechanism
kind: KNOWLEDGE_GAP
status: OPEN
prompt: How do catalytically impaired CDK8 proteins cause dominant disease while retaining module association?
attaches_to:
- pathophysiology#Nonproductive Mediator Kinase Module Occupancy
- pathophysiology#Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
rationale: Missense clustering, retained stability and reduced catalysis motivate a model in which nonproductive modules compete with active ones. The reference/Ser62Leu mixing experiment did not clearly depart from linearity. CDK19 interference, developmental substrate specificity and simple dosage reduction remain distinguishable possibilities rather than demonstrated equivalences.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: NO_EVIDENCE
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: the observed reduction in phosphorylation in mixed samples did not obviously deviate from a linear response
explanation: The mixing assay did not establish a dominant-negative interaction.
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: none of the substitutions cause gross mis-folding of the protein, and most or all are still able to bind ATP
explanation: Thermal stability and ATP-response experiments.
- discussion_id: null_missense_mismatch
kind: HUMAN_MODEL_MISMATCH
status: OPEN
prompt: Why do viable heterozygous human missense alleles differ from mouse Cdk8 gene-trap loss?
attaches_to:
- genetic#CDK8
rationale: Homozygous mouse loss arrests preimplantation development, and heterozygotes lacked a reported overt phenotype. Neither outcome models the human missense syndrome directly. The heterozygote observation supports caution about simple haploinsufficiency but does not provide a complete neurobehavioral assessment or establish benignity of every human loss-of-function variant.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Cdk8-/- preimplantation embryos had fragmented blastomeres and did not proceed to compaction.
explanation: Early embryonic phenotype of complete mouse gene loss.
- reference: PMID:17620419
reference_title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: MODEL_ORGANISM
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: No phenotypes were noted in heterozygote Cdk8+/- mice
explanation: No reported overt phenotype in the heterozygous gene-trap animals.
- discussion_id: activity_severity_relationship
kind: KNOWLEDGE_GAP
status: OPEN
prompt: Does allele-specific kinase activity predict developmental severity or organ involvement?
attaches_to:
- pathophysiology#Reduced CDK8 Kinase Activity
rationale: Residual STAT1 phosphorylation differs among the founding alleles, and Asn156Ser reduced autophosphorylation more than Gly28Ala despite the latter child having more severe clinical findings. Small numbers, age differences, distinct assays and additional variation preclude a validated activity–severity relationship.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: an intermediate level of phosphorylation (∼63% and ∼51% in comparison to the WT, respectively), was observed
explanation: Residual activity in two alleles.
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: IN_VITRO
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Both the CDK8-G28A and CDK8-N156S mutations resulted in lower kinase activities compared with CDK8-WT
explanation: Autophosphorylation assay of later variants.
- discussion_id: individual_feature_attribution
kind: INTERPRETATION
status: OPEN
prompt: Which uncommon findings are reproducible CDK8-associated features rather than individual or multilocus observations?
attaches_to:
- genetic#CDK8
- phenotypes#Metopic Synostosis
- phenotypes#Decreased CSF Homovanillic Acid
rationale: The Val27Leu case also carried a CACNA1A variant of uncertain significance and mosaic HDAC9 truncation, while the Gly30Ser case carried additional uncertain variation including COL3A1. The authors did not establish these as modifiers. Metopic synostosis and low CSF homovanillic acid remain isolated findings with uncertain mechanistic attribution; neither proves a uniform craniosynostosis or dopamine-synthesis mechanism.
evidence:
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: An additional de novo missense variant was identified in the CACNA1A gene
explanation: Potential multilocus complexity without demonstrated modifier action.
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
reference_title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
quote_role: PRIMARY_RESULT
directness: DIRECT
snippet: a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic acid level, the significance of which is unclear
explanation: Explicitly uncertain biochemical finding.
- discussion_id: patient_developmental_programs
kind: KNOWLEDGE_GAP
status: OPEN
prompt: Which neural and cardiac transcriptional programs connect reduced CDK8 activity to human developmental phenotypes?
attaches_to:
- pathophysiology#Altered Developmental Transcription
rationale: STAT1 phosphorylation is a measured cell-assay readout, while candidate WNT, TGFβ/BMP, SHH and NOTCH changes were not demonstrated in these patients. Fish chemical inhibition affects both CDK8 and CDK19. Patient-derived cell studies are needed before assigning a specific developmental signaling defect or generalizing paralog-specific mitochondrial results to CDK8 disease.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:30905399
reference_title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Thus, a disruption of the proper activity of CDK8 could modify any of these developmental signaling networks.
explanation: Proposed developmental-signaling interpretation.
- reference: PMID:33067521
reference_title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
quote_role: BACKGROUND
directness: DIRECT
snippet: Senexin A inhibits both CDK19 and CDK8
explanation: The pharmacological model cannot isolate CDK8.
notes: Clinical frequencies refer to selected cohorts and their assessed denominators, not population prevalence or penetrance. Original 2019 case-level data are retained where the 2020 secondary table recounted them inconsistently; later cases are described separately. No established clinical subtypes or validated allele-specific prognostic categories follow from these small series. The publisher-hosted mmc1 PDF is the complete supplemental material for PMID:30905399 and supplies detailed clinical courses and treatments; its generated reference title remains the PDF URL. Progressive contractures and scoliosis in the maternally inherited Arg200Gln case broaden the observed range without establishing uniform progression. Treatment observations are individual reports, not controlled efficacy studies. No disorder-specific GeneReviews chapter or congenital-disease intervention trial was identified; cancer trials of kinase inhibitors do not establish treatment of this developmental condition.
references:
- reference: PMID:17620419
title: Cdk8 is essential for preimplantation mouse development.
- reference: PMID:30905399
title: De Novo Missense Substitutions in the Gene Encoding CDK8, a Regulator of the Mediator Complex, Cause a Syndromic Developmental Disorder.
- reference: PMID:33067521
title: 'Pathogenesis of CDK8-associated disorder: two patients with novel CDK8 variants and in vitro and in vivo functional analyses of the variants.'
- reference: PMID:38193604
title: 'Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.'
- reference: url:https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
title: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0002929719300515-mmc1.pdf
- reference: url:https://thegencc.org/submissions/SGC-124667.1
title: CDK8 | intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities | Autosomal dominant by G2P submission information facts