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Infantile striatonigral degeneration is caused by a homozygous variant of the nuclear-pore complex (NPC) gene NUP62, involved in nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking. By querying sequencing-datasets of patients with dystonia and/or Leigh(-like) syndromes, we identified 3 unrelated individuals with biallelic variants in NUP54. All variants clustered in the C-terminal protein region that interacts with NUP62. Associated phenotypes were similar to those of NUP62-related disease, including early-onset dystonia with dysphagia, choreoathetosis, and T2-hyperintense lesions in striatum. In silico and protein-biochemical studies gave further evidence for the argument that the variants were pathogenic. We expand the spectrum of NPC component-associated dystonic conditions with localized basal-ganglia abnormalities. ANN NEUROL 2022.

The m.14453G A mutation in MT-ND6 has been described in a few patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes or Leigh syndrome.However, the clinical spectrum and molecular characteristics are unclear.Here, we present four infantile-onset patients with m.14453G A-associated Leigh syndrome. All four patients had brainstem lesions with basal ganglia lesions, and two patients had cardiac manifestations. Decreased ND6 protein expression and immunoreactivity were observed in patient-derived samples. There was no clear correlation between heteroplasmy levels and onset age or between heteroplasmy levels and phenotype; however, infantile onset was associated with Leigh syndrome.

ObjectiveNeonatal-onset mitochondrial disease has not been fully characterised owing to its heterogeneity. We analysed neonatal-onset mitochondrial disease in Japan to clarify its clinical features, molecular diagnosis and prognosis.DesignRetrospective observational study from January 2004 to March 2020.SettingPopulation based.PatientsPatients (281) with neonatal-onset mitochondrial disease diagnosed by biochemical and genetic approaches.InterventionsNone.Main outcome measuresDisease types, initial symptoms, biochemical findings, molecular diagnosis and prognosis.ResultsOf the 281 patients, multisystem mitochondrial disease was found in 194, Leigh syndrome in 26, cardiomyopathy in 38 and hepatopathy in 23 patients. Of the 321 initial symptoms, 236 occurred within 2 days of birth. Using biochemical approaches, 182 patients were diagnosed by mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity rate and 89 by oxygen consumption rate. The remaining 10 patients were diagnosed using a genetic approach. Genetic analysis revealed 69 patients had nuclear DNA variants in 36 genes, 11 of 15 patients had mitochondrial DNA variants in five genes and four patients had single large deletion. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed the effects of Leigh syndrome (HR=0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.63, p=0.010) and molecular diagnosis (HR=1.87, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.96, p=0.008) on survival.ConclusionsNeonatal-onset mitochondrial disease has a heterogenous aetiology. The number of diagnoses can be increased, and clarity regarding prognosis can be achieved by comprehensive biochemical and molecular analyses using appropriate tissue samples.

BACKGROUND Cardiomyopathy is a risk factor for poor prognosis in pediatric patients with mitochondrial disease. However, other risk factors including genetic factors related to poor prognosis in mitochondrial disease has yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS Between January 2004 and September 2019, we enrolled 223 consecutive pediatric mitochondrial disease patients aged

Leigh syndrome (LS) is an early-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with mitochondrial deficiency. m.14597A>G (p.Ile26Thr) in the MT-ND6 gene was reported to cause Leberʼs hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) or dementia/dysarthria. In previous reports, less than 90% heteroplasmy was shown to result in adult-onset disease. Here, by whole mitochondrial sequencing, we identified m.14597A>G mutation of a patient with LS. PCR–RFLP analysis on fibroblasts from the patient revealed a high mutation load (> 90% heteroplasmy). We performed functional assays using cybrid cell models generated by fusing mtDNA-less rho0 HeLa cells with enucleated cells from patient fibroblasts carrying the m.14597A>G variant. Cybrid cell lines bearing the m.14597A>G variant exhibited severe effects on mitochondrial complex I activity. Additionally, impairment of cell proliferation, decreased ATP production and reduced oxygen consumption rate were observed in the cybrid cell lines bearing the m.14597A>G variant when the cells were metabolically stressed in medium containing galactose, indicating mitochondrial respiratory chain defects. These results suggest that a high mutation load of m.14597A>G leads to LS via a mitochondrial complex I defect, rather than LHON or dementia/dysarthria.

BackgroundProgressive cavitating leukoencephalopathy (PCL) is thought to result from mutations in nuclear genes affecting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. To date, mutations in two subunits of complex I, NDUFS1 and NDUFV1, have been reported to be related to PCL.MethodsPatients underwent clinical examinations, brain MRI, skin biopsy and muscle biopsy. Whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing was performed on the index patients from two unrelated families with PCL. The effects of the mutations were examined through complementation of the NDUFV2 mutation by cDNA expression.ResultsThe common clinical features of the patients in this study were recurring episodes of acute or subacute developmental regression that appeared in the first years of life, followed by gradual remissions and prolonged periods of stability. MRI showed leukoencephalopathy with multiple cavities. Three novel NDUFV2 missense mutations were identified in these families. Complex I deficiency was confirmed in affected individuals’ fibroblasts and a muscle biopsy. Functional and structural analyses revealed that these mutations affect the structural stability and function of the NDUFV2 protein, indicating that defective NDUFV2 function is responsible for the phenotypes in these individuals.ConclusionsHere, we report the clinical presentations, neuroimaging and molecular and functional analyses of novel mutations in NDUFV2 in two sibling pairs of two Chinese families presenting with PCL. We hereby expand the knowledge on the clinical phenotypes associated with mutations in NDUFV2 and the genotypes causative for PCL.

Childhood-onset dystonia with optic atrophy and basal ganglia abnormalities is an extremely rare autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease caused by biallelic mutations in MECR. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous MECR mutation (c.910G > T, p.Asp304Tyr) in a Chinese patient with childhood-onset dystonia and basal ganglia abnormalities, without optic atrophy. With lipoic acid treatment, the disease progression was under control, and neither visual impairment nor optic atrophy was observed. To our knowledge, this is the first study about MECR-related mitochondrial disease in a Chinese patient and the first to report that supplementation with lipoic acid is a possible effective therapeutic strategy for this disease.

BackgroundEnoyl-CoA hydratase short-chain 1 (ECHS1) is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of branched chain amino acids and fatty acids. Mutations in theECHS1gene lead to mitochondrial short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase 1 deficiency, resulting in the accumulation of intermediates of valine. This is one of the most common causative genes in mitochondrial diseases. While genetic analysis studies have diagnosed numerous cases withECHS1variants, the increasing number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in genetic diagnosis is a major problem.MethodsHere, we constructed an assay system to verify VUS function forECHS1gene. A high-throughput assay usingECHS1knockout cells was performed to index these phenotypes by expressing cDNAs containing VUS. In parallel with the VUS validation system, a genetic analysis of samples from patients with mitochondrial disease was performed. The effect on gene expression in cases was verified by RNA-seq and proteome analysis.ResultsThe functional validation of VUS identified novel variants causing loss ofECHS1function. The VUS validation system also revealed the effect of the VUS in the compound heterozygous state and provided a new methodology for variant interpretation. Moreover, we performed multiomics analysis and identified a synonymous substitution p.P163= that results in splicing abnormality. The multiomics analysis complemented the diagnosis of some cases that could not be diagnosed by the VUS validation system.ConclusionsIn summary, this study uncovered newECHS1cases based on VUS validation and omics analysis; these analyses are applicable to the functional evaluation of other genes associated with mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondrial complex I deficiency is caused by pathogenic variants in mitochondrial and nuclear genes associated with complex I structure and assembly. We report the case of a patient with NDUFA8-related mitochondrial disease. The patient presented with developmental delay, microcephaly, and epilepsy. His fibroblasts showed apparent biochemical defects in mitochondrial complex I. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that the patient carried a homozygous variant in NDUFA8. His fibroblasts showed a reduction in the protein expression level of not only NDUFA8, but also the other complex I subunits, consistent with assembly defects. The enzyme activity of complex I and oxygen consumption rate were restored by reintroducing wild-typeNDUFA8 cDNA into patient fibroblasts. The functional properties of the variant in NDUFA8 were also investigated using NDUFA8 knockout cells expressing wild-type or mutated NDUFA8 cDNA. These experiments further supported the pathogenicity of the variant in complex I assembly. This is the first report describing that the loss of NDUFA8, which has not previously been associated with mitochondrial disease, causes severe defect in the assembly of mitochondrial complex I, leading to progressive neurological and developmental abnormalities.

Leigh syndrome is a major phenotype of mitochondrial diseases in children. With new therapeutic options being proposed, assessing the mortality and clinical condition of Leigh syndrome patients is crucial for evaluating therapeutics. As data are scarce in Japan, we analysed the mortality rate and clinical condition of Japanese Leigh syndrome patients that we diagnosed since 2007. Data from 166 Japanese patients diagnosed with Leigh syndrome from 2007 to 2017 were reviewed. Patients' present status, method of ventilation and feeding, and degree of disability as of April 2018 was analysed. Overall, 124 (74.7%) were living, 40 (24.1%) were deceased, and 2 (1.2%) were lost to follow‐up. Median age of living patients was 8 years (1‐39 years). Median length of disease course was 91 months for living patients and 23.5 months for deceased patients. Nearly 90% of deaths occurred by age 6. Mortality rate of patients with onset before 6 months of age was significantly higher than that of onset after 6 months. All patients with neonatal onset were either deceased or bedridden. MT‐ATP6 deficiency caused by m.8993T>G mutation and MT‐ND5 deficiency induced a severe form of Leigh syndrome. Patients with NDUFAF6, ECHS1, and SURF1 deficiency had relatively mild symptoms and better survival. The impact of onset age on prognosis varied across the genetic diagnoses. The clinical condition of many patients was poor; however, few did not require mechanical ventilation or tube‐feeding and were not physically dependent. Early disease onset and genetic diagnosis may have prognostic value.

Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (16 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Eight cases diagnosed with wild type homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy. Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.

BackgroundHypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the ALPL gene, which encodes tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. The phenotype of HPP is widely diverse from the perinatal severe form to the adult mild form. The former represents the most severe form and was earlier associated with high mortality due to impaired development of the lungs and severe hypomineralization of the bones. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using asfotase alfa was approved in 2015 in Japan for treating patients with HPP and has improved their pulmonary function and life prognosis. There are several practical and ethical challenges related to using orphan drugs for a rare disorder in a publicly funded healthcare system. Sharing experiences about their application is essential towards formulating guidelines to assist clinicians with decisions about their initiation and withdrawal. We report the details of ERT experience in ten cases of childhood-onset HPP in nine families from January 2015 to November 2019 (median [interquartile range] age 11.0 years [7.6–12.5] years; 60% male). This is the largest study of a single-center cohort describing the clinical course of HPP patients treated with ERT in Asia. ResultsOne case of perinatal lethal form of HPP, two cases of perinatal benign form, six cases of childhood form, and one case of odontohypophophatasia were observed. The most common symptom at onset was bone abnormalities. All patients had low serum ALP levels as compared to the age-matched reference range before the commencement of ERT. All HPP patients responded to ERT without serious adverse effects. Genetic analysis showed that eight out of ten patients had compound heterozygosity; two patients had only one heterozygous variant. In this study, two patients had a heterozygous variant of ALPL and responded to ERT, although the variants did not have the dominant-negative effect. ConclusionsERT may be effective in patients with symptoms of HPP even with only one pathogenic variant of ALPL without dominant-negative effect. Early diagnosis based on symptoms such as bone abnormalities or low serum alkaline phosphatase levels might be essential for early treatment and can contribute to better prognosis.

Background Various antiepileptic drugs can potentially cause psychiatric side effects in patients with epilepsy, but the precise mechanism of these actions remains unknown. In recent years, the common polymorphism C677T in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has attracted attention for its role in the onset of psychiatric diseases. MTHFR and several vitamins (as cofactors) are crucial for remethylation of homocysteine via folate and homocysteine metabolism. We report a case of a Japanese patient who presented with reversible schizophrenia-like symptoms during antiepileptic drug therapy. Case presentation Our patient had frontal lobe epilepsy and had been treated with several antiepileptic drugs since the age of 13 years. He developed auditory hallucinations and multiple personalities at 17 years of age, several months after the initiation of phenytoin and phenobarbital, despite these antiepileptic drugs being used within the therapeutic ranges. Genetic analysis revealed that he was homozygous for the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR. Hyperhomocysteinemia, hypomethionemia, and multiple vitamin deficiencies, including folate, riboflavin, and pyridoxal, were identified at the age of 23 years. Vitamin supplementation and alteration of the antiepileptic drugs improved his psychotic symptoms. Multiple vitamin deficiencies with homozygous MTHFR C677T should be considered in patients presenting with schizophrenia-like symptoms during antiepileptic drug therapy. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antiepileptic drug-induced psychosis associated with homozygous C677T and multiple vitamin deficiencies. Our findings will contribute to the elucidation of the pathogenesis of the psychiatric side effects of antiepileptic drugs and lead to improved medical management for patients with epilepsy.

Purpose Plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) is a promising secondary screening biomarker for Fabry disease. Here, we examined its applicability as a primary screening biomarker for classic and late-onset Fabry disease in males and females. Methods Between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2015, we screened 2,360 patients (1,324 males) referred from 169 Japanese specialty clinics (cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and pediatrics), based on clinical symptoms suggestive of Fabry disease. We used the plasma lyso-Gb3 concentration, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) activity, and analysis of the α-Gal A gene (GLA) for primary and secondary screens, respectively. Results Of 8 males with elevated lyso-Gb3 levels (≥2.0 ng ml–1) and low α-Gal A activity (≤4.0 nmol h–1 ml–1), 7 presented a GLA mutation (2 classic and 5 late-onset). Of 15 females with elevated lyso-Gb3, 7 displayed low α-Gal A activity (5 with GLA mutations; 4 classic and 1 late-onset) and 8 exhibited normal α-Gal A activity (1 with a classic GLA mutation and 3 with genetic variants of uncertain significance). Conclusion Plasma lyso-Gb3 is a potential primary screening biomarker for classic and late-onset Fabry disease probands.

Mitochondrial diseases are inherited metabolic diseases based on disorders of energy production. The expansion of exome analyses has led to the discovery of many pathogenic nuclear genes associated with these diseases, and research into the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases has progressed. In cases of Leigh syndrome, it is desirable to perform both biochemical and genetic analyses, and pathogenic gene mutations have been identified in over half of the cases analyzed this way. Tandem mass screening and organic acid analyses of urine can sometimes provide important information that leads to the identification of pathogenic genes. Our comprehensive gene analyses have led to the discovery of several novel genes for mitochondrial diseases. Indeed, we reported that GTPBP3 and QRSL1 are involved in mitochondrial DNA maturation. In 2017, as a result of international collaboration, we also identified that mutations in ATAD3 and C1QBP cause mitochondrial disease. Given the varied pathogeneses, treatments for mitochondrial diseases should be specifically tailored to the mutated gene. Clinical trials of sodium pyruvate, 5-aminolevulinic acid with sodium ferrous citrate, and taurine as a treatment for mitochondrial disease have begun in Japan. Given that some mitochondrial diseases may respond well to certain treatments if the pathogenic gene can be identified, an early genetic diagnosis is crucial. Additionally, in Japan, prenatal diagnoses for mitochondrial diseases caused by nuclear genes have been achieved for genes shown to be pathogenic. Treatment and management approaches, including prenatal diagnoses, specifically tailored to the various phenotypes and pathologies of mitochondrial diseases are expected to become increasingly available.

Objective The cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 7 (COA7) gene encodes a protein localized to mitochondria that is involved in the assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV. Here, we report the clinical, genetic and biochemical analysis of a female patient with suspected mitochondrial disorder and novel variants in COA7, that presented with a considerably different phenotype and age of onset than the five COA7 patients reported to date. Methods We performed trio-exome sequencing in the affected patient and both parents. To verify the pathogenicity of the detected variants in COA7, mitochondrial enzyme activities and oxygen consumption rate were investigated in fibroblasts of the patient and her parents. Results A Chinese girl was referred at 9 months of age with a history of developmental delay and regression since 3 months of age. In the following months, she lost previously acquired skills and developed progressive spasticity of the lower extremities. Trio-exome sequencing revealed compound heterzygous variants in COA7 (c.511G > A/p.Ala171Thr and c.566A > G/p.Asn189Ser). Functional validation experiments revealed isolated complex IV deficiency and a significantly reduced mitochondrial respiration rate in patient-derived fibroblasts. Interpretation Hitherto, characteristic features of COA7 patients were described as slowly progressing neuropathy and spinocerebellar ataxia, starting at the toddler age and progressing into adulthood. In contrast, our patient was reported to show developmental delay from 3 months of age, which was found to be due to a rapidly progressive encephalopathy and brain atrophy seen at 9 months of age. Unexpectedly, the genetic investigation revealed a COA7-associated mitochondrial disease, which was confirmed functionally. Thus, this report broadens the genetic and clinical spectrum of this heterogeneous mitochondriopathy and highlights the value of the presented unbiased approach.

Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (16 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Eight cases diagnosed with wild type homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy. Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.

Background: Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (18 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Results: Eight cases diagnosed with wild homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy.Conclusions: Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.

Purpose Hepcidin levels have previously been reported to be correlated with liver damage. However, the association between hepcidin levels and liver fibrosis in children with fatty liver disease remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to investigate the pathophysiology of fibrosis in children with fatty liver disease and its association with hepcidin levels. Methods This retrospective case series included 12 boys aged 6-17 years who were diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at the Tokyo Medical University Hospital. Sixteen liver biopsy samples from 12 subjects were analyzed. Serum hepcidin levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunostaining for hepcidin was performed, and the samples were stratified by staining intensity. Results Serum hepcidin levels were higher in pediatric NAFLD/NASH patients than in controls. Conversely, a significant inverse correlation was observed between hepcidin immunostaining and Brunt grade scores and between hepcidin scores and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, hyaluronic acid, and leukocyte levels. We observed inverse correlations with a high correlation coefficient of >0.4 between hepcidin immunostaining and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bile acid, and platelet count. Conclusion There was a significant inverse correlation between hepcidin immunoreactivity and fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD patients; however, serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher, suggesting that these patients experienced a reduction in the hepcidin-producing ability of the liver in response to iron levels, leading to subsequent fibrosis. Therefore, hepcidin levels can be used as markers to identify the progression of fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV) is a rare inborn metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of amylopectin-like glycogen in the liver or other organs. The hepatic subtype may appear normal at birth but rapidly develops to liver cirrhosis in infancy. Liver pathological findings help diagnose the hepatic form of the disease, supported by analyses of enzyme activity and GBE1 gene variants. Pathology usually shows periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive hepatocytes resistant to diastase. We report two cases of hepatic GSD IV with pathology showing PAS positive hepatocytes that were mostly digested by diastase, which differ from past cases. Gene analysis was critical for the diagnosis. Both cases were found to have the same variants c.288delA (p.Gly97GlufsTer46) and c.1825G > A (p.Glu609Lys). These findings suggest that c.1825G > A variant might be a common variant in the non-progressive hepatic form of GSD IV., Highlights • GSD IV is caused by homozygous/compound heterozygous mutations in GBE1. • Pathological features of GSDIV are PAS positive hepatocytes digested by PAS-D. • Some non-progressive hepatic GSD IV cases had hepatocytes mostly digested by PAS-D. • Gene analysis was used for diagnosis and prognosis prediction. • Both cases had c.1825G > A GBE1, indicating a role in non-progressive hepatic GSD IV.

Progressive cavitating leukoencephalopathy (PCL) is thought to result from mutations in nuclear genes affecting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. To date, mutations in two subunits of complex I,Patients underwent clinical examinations, brain MRI, skin biopsy and muscle biopsy. Whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing was performed on the index patients from two unrelated families with PCL. The effects of the mutations were examined through complementation of theThe common clinical features of the patients in this study were recurring episodes of acute or subacute developmental regression that appeared in the first years of life, followed by gradual remissions and prolonged periods of stability. MRI showed leukoencephalopathy with multiple cavities. Three novelHere, we report the clinical presentations, neuroimaging and molecular and functional analyses of novel mutations in

Background Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is part of a group of mitochondrial diseases characterized by a reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number. Most MTDPS is caused by mutations in genes that disrupt deoxyribonucleotide metabolism. Methods We performed the whole‐exome sequencing of a hepato‐encephalopathy patient with MTDPS and functional analyses to determine the clinical significance of the identified variant. Results Here, whole‐exome sequencing of a patient presenting with hepato‐encephalopathy and MTDPS identified a novel homozygous frameshift variant, c.13_29del (p.Trp6Profs*71) in MICOS13. MICOS13 (also known as QIL1, MIC13, or C19orf70) is a component of the MICOS complex, which plays crucial roles in the maintenance of cristae junctions at the mitochondrial inner membrane. We found loss of MICOS13 protein and fewer cristae structures in the mitochondria of fibroblasts derived from the patient. Stable expression of a wild‐type MICOS13 cDNA in the patients fibroblasts using a lentivirus system rescued mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the novel c.13_29del (p.Trp6Profs*71) MICOS13 variant causes hepato‐encephalopathy with MTDPS. We propose that MICOS13 is classified as the cause of MTDPS., We performed the whole‐exome sequencing of the hepato‐encephalopathy patient with MTDPS. The functional analyses revealed the clinical significance of the identified variant.

Background Hepatocerebral mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is a disease caused by defects in mitochondrial DNA maintenance and leads to liver failure and neurological complications during infancy. Liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial due to poor outcomes associated with extrahepatic symptoms. The purposes of this study were to clarify the current clinical and molecular features of hepatocerebral MTDPS and to evaluate the outcomes of LT in MTDPS patients in Japan. Results We retrospectively assessed the clinical and genetic findings, as well as the clinical courses, of 23 hepatocerebral MTDPS patients from a pool of 999 patients who were diagnosed with mitochondrial diseases between 2007 and 2019. Causative genes were identified in 18 of 23 patients: MPV17 (n = 13), DGUOK (n = 3), POLG (n = 1), and MICOS13 (n = 1). Eight MPV17-deficient patients harbored c.451dupC and all three DGUOK-deficient patients harbored c.143-307_170del335. The most common initial manifestation was failure to thrive (n = 13, 56.5%). The most frequent liver symptom was cholestasis (n = 21, 91.3%). LT was performed on 12 patients, including nine MPV17-deficient and two DGUOK-deficient patients. Among the 12 transplanted patients, five, including one with mild intellectual disability, survived; while seven who had remarkable neurological symptoms before LT died. Five of the MPV17-deficient survivors had either c.149G > A or c.293C > T. Conclusions MPV17 was the most common genetic cause of hepatocerebral MTDPS. The outcome of LT for MTDPS was not favorable, as previously reported, however, patients harboring MPV17 mutations associated with mild phenotypes such as c.149G > A or c.293C > T, and exhibiting no marked neurologic manifestations before LT, had a better prognosis after LT.

The detoxification of ammonia to urea requires a functional hepatic urea cycle, which consists of six enzymes and two mitochondrial membrane transporters. The initial step of the urea cycle is catalyzed by carbamyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1). CPS1 deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. N-Carbamylglutamate (NCG), a deacylase-resistant analogue of N-acetylglutamate, can activate CPS1. We describe the therapeutic course of a patient suffering from neonatal onset CPS1D with compound heterozygosity for the c.2359C > T (p.Arg787*) and c.3559G > T (p.Val1187Phe) variants in CPS1, treated with NCG. She presented with hyperammonemia, which reached 944 μmol/L at the age of 2 days. The ammonia concentration decreased after treatment with continuous hemodiafiltration, NCG, sodium benzoate, sodium phenylbutyrate, L-arginine, vitamin cocktail (vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin), l -carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and parenteral nutrition. Her ammonia and glutamine levels remained low; thus, protein intake was increased to 1.2 g/kg/day. Furthermore, the amount of sodium benzoate and sodium phenylbutyrate were reduced. She remained metabolically stable and experienced no metabolic crisis following treatment with oral NCG, sodium benzoate, sodium phenylbutyrate, citrulline, vitamin cocktail, l -carnitine, and coenzyme Q10 until she underwent liver transplantation at 207 days of age. She had no neurological complications at the age of 15 months. Ammonia and glutamine levels of the patient were successfully maintained at a low level via NCG treatment with increased protein intake, which led to normal neurological development. Thus, undiagnosed urea cycle disorders should be treated rapidly with acute therapy including NCG, which should be maintained until a genetic diagnosis is reached. It is essential to prevent metabolic crises in patients with CPS1D until liver transplantation to improve their prognoses.

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of infancy and early childhood. It is clinically diagnosed by typical manifestations and characteristic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Unravelling mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) dysfunction behind LS is essential for deeper understanding of the disease, which may lead to the development of new therapies and cure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical validity of various diagnostic tools in confirming MRC disorder in LS and Leigh-like syndrome (LL). The results of enzyme assays, molecular analysis, and cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) measurements were examined. Of 106 patients, 41 were biochemically and genetically verified, and 34 had reduced MRC activity but no causative mutations. Seven patients with normal MRC complex activities had mutations in the MT-ATP6 gene. Five further patients with normal activity in MRC were identified with causative mutations. Conversely, 12 out of 60 enzyme assays performed for genetically verified patients returned normal results. No biochemical or genetic background was confirmed for 19 patients. OCR was reduced in ten out of 19 patients with negative enzyme assay results. Inconsistent enzyme assay results between fibroblast and skeletal muscle biopsy samples were observed in 33% of 37 simultaneously analyzed cases. These data suggest that highest diagnostic rate is reached using a combined enzymatic and genetic approach, analyzing more than one type of biological materials where suitable. Microscale oxygraphy detected MRC impairment in 50% cases with no defect in MRC complex activities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10545-017-0042-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Microdeletions in the 9q22.3 chromosomal region can cause macrosomia with characteristic features, including prenatal-onset overgrowth, metopic craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, developmental delay, and intellectual disability, in addition to manifestations of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Haploinsufficiency of PTCH1 may be responsible for accelerated overgrowth, but the mechanism of macrosomia remains to be elucidated. We report a familial case with a 9q22.3 microdeletion, manifesting with prenatal-onset overgrowth in a mother and post-natal overgrowth in her daughter. Although both were clinically diagnosed with NBCCS, they had characteristic features of 9q22.3 microdeletion, especially the daughter. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization analysis revealed a 4.0 Mb deletion of chromosome 9q22.3 in both individuals. Among the 11 reported patients of overgrowth and/or macrosomia, a 550 Kb region encompassing PTCH1, C9orf3, FANCC, and 5 miRNAs is the most commonly deleted region. The let-7 family miRNAs, which are involved in diverse cellular processes including growth and tumor processes, were identified in the deleted regions in 10 of 11 patients. Characteristic features of 9q22.3 microdeletion might be associated with decreased expression of let-7.

Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes II, III, and IV and cytochrome c contain haem, which is generated by the insertion of Fe2+ into protoporphyrin IX. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) combined with sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) was reported to enhance haem production, leading to respiratory complex and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) upregulation. Here, we investigated the effects of different concentrations of ALA and SFC alone or in combination (ALA/SFC) on fibroblasts from 8 individuals with mitochondrial diseases and healthy controls. In normal fibroblasts, expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex subunits and corresponding genes were upregulated only by ALA/SFC. Additionally, the increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and ATP levels in normal fibroblasts were more obvious after treatment with ALA/SFC than after treatment with ALA or SFC. OXPHOS complex proteins were enhanced by ALA/SFC, whereas OCR and ATP levels were increased in 6 of the 8 patient-derived fibroblasts. Further, HO-1 protein and mRNA levels were enhanced by ALA/SFC in all fibroblasts. The relative mtDNA copy number was increased by ALA/SFC. Thus, our findings indicate that ALA/SFC is effective in elevating OXPHOS, HO-1 protein, and mtDNA copy number, resulting in an increase in OCR and ATP levels, which represents a promising therapeutic option for mitochondrial diseases.

Bloom syndrome, caused by biallelic mutations in BLM, is characterized by prenatal-onset growth deficiency, short stature, an erythematous photosensitive malar rash, and increased cancer predisposition. Diagnostically, a hallmark feature is the presence of increased sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) on cytogenetic testing. Here, we describe biallelic mutations in TOP3A in ten individuals with prenatal-onset growth restriction and microcephaly. TOP3A encodes topoisomerase III alpha (TopIIIα), which binds to BLM as part of the BTRR complex, and promotes dissolution of double Holliday junctions arising during homologous recombination. We also identify a homozygous truncating variant in RMI1, which encodes another component of the BTRR complex, in two individuals with microcephalic dwarfism. The TOP3A mutations substantially reduce cellular levels of TopIIIα, and consequently subjects’ cells demonstrate elevated rates of SCE. Unresolved DNA recombination and/or replication intermediates persist into mitosis, leading to chromosome segregation defects and genome instability that most likely explain the growth restriction seen in these subjects and in Bloom syndrome. Clinical features of mitochondrial dysfunction are evident in several individuals with biallelic TOP3A mutations, consistent with the recently reported additional function of TopIIIα in mitochondrial DNA decatenation. In summary, our findings establish TOP3A mutations as an additional cause of prenatal-onset short stature with increased cytogenetic SCEs and implicate the decatenation activity of the BTRR complex in their pathogenesis.

Medium-chain acyl-Coenzyme A dehydrogenase (MCAD) is involved in the initial step of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO). Loss of function results in MCAD deficiency, a disorder that usually presents in childhood with hypoketotic hypoglycemia, vomiting and lethargy. While the disruption of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism is the primary metabolic defect, secondary defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) may also contribute to disease pathogenesis. Therefore, we examined OXPHOS activity and stability in MCAD-deficient patient fibroblasts that have no detectable MCAD protein. We found a deficit in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, with reduced steady-state levels of OXPHOS complexes I, III and IV, as well as the OXPHOS supercomplex. To examine the mechanisms involved, we generated an MCAD knockout (KO) using human 143B osteosarcoma cells. These cells also exhibited defects in OXPHOS complex function and steady-state levels, as well as disrupted biogenesis of newly-translated OXPHOS subunits. Overall, our findings suggest that the loss of MCAD is associated with a reduction in steady-state OXPHOS complex levels, resulting in secondary defects in OXPHOS function which may contribute to the pathology of MCAD deficiency.

Plasma globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) is a promising secondary screening biomarker for Fabry disease. Here, we examined its applicability as a primary screening biomarker for classic and late-onset Fabry disease in males and females.Between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2015, we screened 2,359 patients (1,324 males) referred from 168 Japanese specialty clinics (cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and pediatrics), based on clinical symptoms suggestive of Fabry disease. We used the plasma lyso-Gb3 concentration, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) activity, and analysis of the α-Gal A gene (GLA) for primary and secondary screens, respectively.Of 8 males with elevated lyso-Gb3 levels (≥2.0 ng mlPlasma lyso-Gb3 is a potential primary screening biomarker for classic and late-onset Fabry disease probands.

Mitochondrial disorders have the highest incidence among congenital metabolic disorders characterized by biochemical respiratory chain complex deficiencies. It occurs at a rate of 1 in 5,000 births, and has phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Mutations in about 1,500 nuclear encoded mitochondrial proteins may cause mitochondrial dysfunction of energy production and mitochondrial disorders. More than 250 genes that cause mitochondrial disorders have been reported to date. However exact genetic diagnosis for patients still remained largely unknown. To reveal this heterogeneity, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses for 142 patients with childhood-onset mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies. The approach includes whole mtDNA and exome analyses using high-throughput sequencing, and chromosomal aberration analyses using high-density oligonucleotide arrays. We identified 37 novel mutations in known mitochondrial disease genes and 3 mitochondria-related genes (MRPS23, QRSL1, and PNPLA4) as novel causative genes. We also identified 2 genes known to cause monogenic diseases (MECP2 and TNNI3) and 3 chromosomal aberrations (6q24.3-q25.1, 17p12, and 22q11.21) as causes in this cohort. Our approaches enhance the ability to identify pathogenic gene mutations in patients with biochemically defined mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies in clinical settings. They also underscore clinical and genetic heterogeneity and will improve patient care of this complex disorder., Author Summary Mitochondria play a crucial role in ATP biosynthesis and comprise proteins encoded in both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Although more than 250 mitochondrial disease-causing genes have been reported, the exact genetic causes in patients remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to provide further insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of mitochondrial disorders. We investigated the genes encoded in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes using comprehensive genomic analysis in 142 patients with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies. We identified 3 novel disease-causing mitochondria-related genes (MRPS23, QRSL1, and PNPLA4) as well as other disease-causing genes and novel pathogenic mutations in known mitochondrial disease-causing genes. All pathogenic mutations in this study are validated by genetic and/or functional evidence. Our findings, including the achievement of firm genetic diagnoses for 49 of 142 patients (34.5%), were higher than the general diagnosis rate of approximately 25% and demonstrated the value of comprehensive genomic analysis. Accordingly, we have shed light on the genetic heterogeneity underlying mitochondrial disorders.