A novel otoferlin splice-site mutation in siblings with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

We characterize a novel otoferlin mutation discovered in a sibling pair diagnosed with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and investigate auditory nerve function through their cochlear implants. Genetic sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation at the otoferlin splice donor site of exon 28 (IVS28 + 1G>T) in both siblings. Functional investigation showed that the intronic sequence between exons 28 and 29 was retained in the mutated minigenes that were expressed in 293T cells. Auditory nerve compound action potential recovery functions in the siblings demonstrated different rates of neural recovery, with sibling AN1 showing rapid recovery (1.14 ms) and AN2 showing average recovery (0.78 ms) compared to subjects with sensorineural hearing loss (average: adults 0.71 ms, children 0.85 ms). Differences in neural recovery were consistent with speech perception differences between the siblings. Genotype information may indicate site of lesion in hearing loss; however, additional, as yet, unknown factors may impact clinical outcomes and must be considered.