GBA2 Mutations Cause a Marinesco-Sjogren-Like Syndrome: Genetic and Biochemical Studies

• Background With the advent new sequencing technologies, we now have the tools to understand the phenotypic diversity and the common occurrence of phenocopies. We used these techniques to investigate two Norwegian families with an autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with cataracts and mental retardation. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip analysis followed by Exome sequencing identified a 2 bp homozygous deletion in GBA2 in both families, c.1528_1529de1 [p.Met510Valfs*17]. Furthermore, we report the biochemical characterization of GBA2 in these patients. Our studies show that a reduced activity of GBA2 is sufficient to elevate the levels of glucosylceramide to similar levels as seen in Gaucher disease. Furthermore, leucocytes seem to be the proper enzyme source for in vitro analysis of GBA2 activity. We report GBA2 mutations causing a Marinesco-Sjogren-like syndrome in two Norwegian families. One of the families was originally diagnosed with Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome based on an autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with cataracts and mental retardation. Our findings highlight the phenotypic variability associated with GBA2 mutations, and suggest that patients with Marinesco-Sjogren-like syndromes should be tested for mutations in this gene.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

nonlysosomal glucosylceramidase

cerebellar-ataxia

gaucher-disease

myopathy

sil1

inhibitors

cataract

linkage

brains

mice

Science & Technology - Other Topics

rsyth gw

1993

clinica chimica acta

v216

p11

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)