Phenotype and genotype variation in primary carnitine deficiency

Primary carnitine deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of fatty acid oxidation resulting from defective carnitine transport. This disease is caused by mutations in the carnitine transporter gene SLC22A5. The objective of this study was to extend mutational analysis to four additional families with this disorder and determine whether recurrent mutations could be found.

The SLC22A5 gene encoding the OCTN2 carnitine transporter was sequenced, and the missense mutations identified were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

DNA sequencing revealed four novel mutations (Y4X; dup 254-264, 133X; R19P; R399Q). Alleles introducing premature STOP codons reduced the levels of OCTN2 mRNA. Carnitine transport in CHO cells expressing the R19P and R399Q mutations was reduced to < 5% of normal. The 133X mutation was found in two unrelated European families. Two patients within the same family, both homozygous for the same mutation (R399Q) had completely different clinical presentation.

Heterogeneous mutations in the SLC22A5 gene cause primary carnitine deficiency. Different presentations are observed even in children with identical mutations.