Three novel MTM1 pathogenic variants identified in Japanese patients with X-linked myotubular myopathy

Atsuko Nishikawa1, Aritoshi Iida2, Shinichiro Hayashi1

  • 1Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM), a severe congenital muscle disease, is caused by MTM1 gene mutations. Novel variants in male infants reveal distinct pathological features, offering insights into disease variations.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuromuscular Disorders
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a severe congenital muscle disease affecting male infants.
  • Characterized by profound muscle weakness, hypotonia, and challenges with feeding and breathing.
  • Caused by mutations in the myotubularin gene (MTM1).

Observation:

  • Three male infants with distinct muscle pathological features were studied.
  • Comprehensive genome analysis was performed using a targeted gene panel system.
  • Clinical history and muscle pathology were evaluated.

Findings:

  • Three novel hemizygous MTM1 variants (c.527A>G, c.595C>G, c.688T>C) were identified.
  • These variants were classified as Class 4 (likely pathogenic) according to ACMG guidelines.
  • Patients exhibited distinct muscle pathological features despite MTM1 variants.

Implications:

  • The identified MTM1 variants provide new genetic insights into XLMTM.
  • Distinct pathological features associated with MTM1 variants suggest microheterogeneity in disease presentation.
  • Findings contribute to understanding the spectrum of XLMTM phenotypes.

Related Concept Videos

Histone Variants at the Centromere02:30

Histone Variants at the Centromere

Histone variants are the histone proteins with structural and sequence variations. These variants may be regarded as “mutant” forms that replace their canonical histone counterparts in the nucleosomes. Specific post-translational modifications on the histone variants enable further chromatin complexity and regulate tissue-specific gene expression. The most common histone variants are from histone H2A, H2B, and linker histone H1 families. However, several variants of histone H3...
5.0K
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
9.2K
X-linked Traits01:19

X-linked Traits

In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
58.6K
Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
108.6K
Enzyme-linked Receptors01:00

Enzyme-linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
86.4K
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores02:26

Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores

Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
29.6K