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Updated: Sep 14, 2025

In Vivo Functional Study of Disease-associated Rare Human Variants Using Drosophila
Published on: August 20, 2019
A novel missense variant of HS6ST2 gene in Paganini-Miozzo syndrome with a rare neurodevelopmental and Endocrine
Meiling Zhang1, Xiao Chang1, Xiaoyun Du2,3
1Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Paganini-Miozzo syndrome (MRXSPM) is a globally rare disease caused by hemizygous mutations in the HS6ST2 gene on chromosome Xq26. This study presents the first case of MRXSPM in China, meanwhile the fourth case worldwide. The proband was admitted to the hospital due to developmental delay. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel variant, c.764C>A (p.Pro255Glu) missense mutation in the HS6ST2 gene. Brain CT showed mild lateral ventricular enlargement, and electroencephalogram showed diffuse spikes and waves. Biochemical tests indicated significantly elevated transaminases, blood lactate values, and lactate/pyruvate values. Bioinformatics predictions suggest that this mutation may affect the thermal stability of the HS6ST2 protein. The amino acid where the mutation c.764C>A p.P255Q occurs is conserved across multiple species, specifically being proline in 13 species. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that this mutant can impact the expression of HS6ST2 protein at post-transcriptional level. Comparison with previously reported cases revealed that different mutations might lead to different alternations in the function of HS6ST2 protein, resulting in distinct clinical phenotypes.
Insights
This study reports the first Chinese case of Paganini-Miozzo syndrome (MRXSPM), a rare genetic disorder. A novel mutation in the HS6ST2 gene was identified, impacting protein function and leading to developmental delay and other symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Rare Diseases
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Paganini-Miozzo syndrome (MRXSPM) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the HS6ST2 gene.
- Globally, MRXSPM is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases worldwide.
- Understanding the genetic basis and clinical spectrum of MRXSPM is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of Paganini-Miozzo syndrome in China.
- To identify and characterize a novel HS6ST2 gene mutation associated with MRXSPM.
- To investigate the functional impact of the identified mutation on HS6ST2 protein.
Main Methods:
- Whole exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify genetic variants in the proband.
- Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the effect of the mutation on protein stability.
- In vitro cell experiments were conducted to assess the impact on HS6ST2 protein expression.
Main Results:
- A novel missense mutation, c.764C>A (p.Pro255Glu), in the HS6ST2 gene was identified in the Chinese proband.
- The mutation is predicted to affect HS6ST2 protein thermal stability and was observed to impact post-transcriptional expression.
- Clinical findings included developmental delay, mild lateral ventricular enlargement, and abnormal electroencephalogram and biochemical tests.
Conclusions:
- This study expands the geographic and genotypic spectrum of Paganini-Miozzo syndrome.
- The novel HS6ST2 mutation provides further insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying MRXSPM.
- Distinct HS6ST2 mutations may correlate with varying clinical phenotypes, highlighting the importance of precise genetic diagnosis.
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