Genetic diagnosis of neuroacanthocytosis disorders using exome sequencing

Ruth H. Walker, Vincent P. Schulz, Irina R. Tikhonova, Milind C. Mahajan, Shrikant Mane, Maritza Arroyo Muniz, Patrick G. Gallagher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuroacanthocytoses are neurodegenerative disorders marked by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. There are several associated genetic loci, and many defects, including gene deletions and insertions, and missense, nonsense, and splicing mutations, have been found spread over hundreds of kilobases of genomic DNA. In some cases, specific diagnosis is unclear, particularly in the early stages of disease or when there is an atypical presentation. Determination of the precise genetic defect allows assignment of the diagnosis and permits carrier detection and genetic counseling. The objective of this report was to utilize exome sequencing for genetic diagnosis in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. Genomic DNA from 2 patients with clinical features of chorea-acanthocytosis was subjected to targeted exon capture. Captured DNA was subjected to ultrahigh throughput next-generation sequencing. Sequencing data were assembled, filtered against known human variant genetic databases, and results were analyzed. Both patients were compound heterozygotes for mutations in the VPS13A gene, the gene associated with chorea-acanthocytosis. Patient 1 had a 4-bp deletion that removes the 5' donor splice site of exon 58 and a nucleotide substitution that disrupts the 5' donor splice site of exon 70. Patient 2 had a dinucleotide deletion in exon 16 and a dinucleotide insertion in exon 33. No mutations were identified in the XK, PANK2, or JPH3 gene loci. Exome sequencing is a valuable diagnostic tool in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. These studies may provide a better understanding of the function of the associated proteins and provide insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-543
Number of pages5
JournalMovement Disorders
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Chorea
  • Chorea-acanthocytosis
  • Exome sequencing
  • Neuroacanthocytosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic diagnosis of neuroacanthocytosis disorders using exome sequencing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this