Pathogenic mechanisms and clinical insights into B3GALNT2-related alpha-dystroglycanopathies

BackgroundB3GALNT2 mutations cause α-dystroglycanopathy (α-DGP), a rare condition characterized by muscular dystrophy, brain malformations, and developmental delay. However, its pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To date, limited cases have been reported, and the pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood.MethodsClinical and genetic data from 3 newly diagnosed Chinese patients and 28 patients previously diagnosed with B3GALNT2-related α-DGP were analyzed. Using patient-derived fibroblasts, α-dystroglycan (α-DG) glycosylation and laminin-binding capacity were assessed by immunoblotting, laminin overlay and immunofluorescence. B3GALNT2 mRNA and protein levels were quantified by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Enzymatic activity was measured using purified recombinant B3GALNT2 proteins. Differentially expressed genes were identified via an mRNA microarray.ResultsAll three patients carried compound heterozygous variants involving one truncating and one missense mutation. Two novel mutations (c.657_658insTT and c.1384T > C) were identified. Functional studies confirmed that the missense mutations (Y436C and C462R) impaired enzymatic activity to 40-50% of wild-type levels, while splice variants caused frameshifts and likely complete loss of protein. Despite partial residual activity, all patients showed severely reduced α-DG glycosylation and loss of laminin binding, consistent with a functional threshold effect. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of CHST10 in two patients.ConclusionsThis study expands the mutational spectrum of B3GALNT2-related α-DGP and provides mechanistic insight into the pathogenicity of novel variants. Our findings support a functional threshold model for B3GALNT2 activity in α-DG glycosylation and suggest CHST10 as a potential transcriptional responder to glycosylation defects. These results deepen the understanding of B3GALNT2-related dystroglycanopathies and may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.