A novel TBK1 loss-of-function variant associated with ALS and parkinsonism phenotypes

Loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene are implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. In this study, we present the first familial cases of ALS and parkinsonism associated with a novel TBK1 variant. We describe two siblings: one diagnosed with classical ALS and the other with a unique syndrome overlapping ALS and parkinsonism. Comprehensive clinical and imaging evaluations supported these diagnoses. Genetic analysis through whole-genome sequencing revealed a previously unknown heterozygous splice site variant in TBK1. Functional assessments demonstrated that this splice site variant leads to abnormal splicing and subsequent degradation of the mutated TBK1 allele by nonsense-mediated decay, confirming its pathogenic impact. Our findings suggest a broader involvement of TBK1 in neurodegenerative diseases and underscore the need for further research into TBK1's role, advocating for screening for TBK1 variants in similar familial cases.