Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy caused by a novel mutation in LITAF

Hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy (HMSN) Type 1/CMT 1 is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system. The underlying genetic cause is heterogeneous, and mutations in LITAF (Lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha factor) represent a rare cause of CMT Type 1. In this report, a novel missense mutation is presented in the LITAF gene (c.430G>A p.V144M) in a German CMT family exhibiting typical electrophysiological features of a demyelinating neuropathy with conduction blocks and variable age at onset. Molecular genetic characterization of demyelinating HMSN should therefore include screening of the LITAF gene if typical signs of a non-homogenous demyelinating neuropathy combined with dominant familial occurrence are evident.