TY - JOUR
T1 - Reversible infantile respiratory chain deficiency is a unique, genetically heterogenous mitochondrial disease
AU - Uusimaa, J.
AU - Jungbluth, H.
AU - Fratter, C.
AU - Crisponi, G.
AU - Feng, L.
AU - Zeviani, M.
AU - Hughes, I.
AU - Treacy, E. P.
AU - Birks, J.
AU - Brown, G. K.
AU - Sewry, C. A.
AU - McDermott, M.
AU - Muntoni, F.
AU - Poulton, J.
PY - 2011/10
Y1 - 2011/10
N2 - Objectives Homoplasmic maternally inherited, m.14674T>C or m. 14674T>G mt-tRNA Glu mutations have recently been identified in reversible infantile cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (or 'benign COX deficiency'). This study sought other genetic defects that may give rise to similar presentations. Patients Eight patients from seven families with clinicopathological features of infantile reversible cytochrome c oxidase deficiency were investigated. Methods The study reviewed the diagnostic features and performed molecular genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear encoded candidate genes. Results Patients presented with subacute onset of profound hypotonia, feeding difficulties and lactic acidosis within the first months of life. Although recovery was remarkable, a mild myopathy persisted into adulthood. Histopathological findings in muscle included increased lipid and/or glycogen content, ragged-red and COX negative fibres. Biochemical studies suggested more generalised abnormalities than pure COX deficiency. Clinical improvement was reflected by normalisation of lactic acidosis and histopathological abnormalities. The m.14674T>C mt-tRNA Glu mutation was identified in four families, but none had the m. 14674T>G mutation. Furthermore, in two families pathogenic mutations were also found in the nuclear TRMU gene which has not previously been associated with this phenotype. In one family, the genetic aetiology still remains unknown. Conclusions Benign COX deficiency is better described as 'reversible infantile respiratory chain deficiency'. It is genetically heterogeneous, and patients not carrying the m.14674T>C or T>G mt-tRNA Glu mutations may have mutations in the TRMU gene. Diagnosing this disorder at the molecular level is a significant advance for paediatric neurologists and intensive care paediatricians, enabling them to select children with an excellent prognosis for continuing respiratory support from those with severe mitochondrial presentation in infancy.
AB - Objectives Homoplasmic maternally inherited, m.14674T>C or m. 14674T>G mt-tRNA Glu mutations have recently been identified in reversible infantile cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (or 'benign COX deficiency'). This study sought other genetic defects that may give rise to similar presentations. Patients Eight patients from seven families with clinicopathological features of infantile reversible cytochrome c oxidase deficiency were investigated. Methods The study reviewed the diagnostic features and performed molecular genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear encoded candidate genes. Results Patients presented with subacute onset of profound hypotonia, feeding difficulties and lactic acidosis within the first months of life. Although recovery was remarkable, a mild myopathy persisted into adulthood. Histopathological findings in muscle included increased lipid and/or glycogen content, ragged-red and COX negative fibres. Biochemical studies suggested more generalised abnormalities than pure COX deficiency. Clinical improvement was reflected by normalisation of lactic acidosis and histopathological abnormalities. The m.14674T>C mt-tRNA Glu mutation was identified in four families, but none had the m. 14674T>G mutation. Furthermore, in two families pathogenic mutations were also found in the nuclear TRMU gene which has not previously been associated with this phenotype. In one family, the genetic aetiology still remains unknown. Conclusions Benign COX deficiency is better described as 'reversible infantile respiratory chain deficiency'. It is genetically heterogeneous, and patients not carrying the m.14674T>C or T>G mt-tRNA Glu mutations may have mutations in the TRMU gene. Diagnosing this disorder at the molecular level is a significant advance for paediatric neurologists and intensive care paediatricians, enabling them to select children with an excellent prognosis for continuing respiratory support from those with severe mitochondrial presentation in infancy.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=80955139473&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=80955139473&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/jmg.2011.089995
DO - 10.1136/jmg.2011.089995
M3 - Article
C2 - 21931168
AN - SCOPUS:80955139473
VL - 48
SP - 660
EP - 668
JO - Journal of Medical Genetics
JF - Journal of Medical Genetics
SN - 0022-2593
IS - 10
ER -