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The m.3291T > C mt-tRNALeu(UUR) mutation is definitely pathogenic and causes multisystem mitochondrial disease

Lookup NU author(s): Dr John Yarham, Dr Charlotte Alston, Emeritus Professor Doug Turnbull, Professor Bobby McFarlandORCiD, Professor Robert Taylor

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Abstract

Mitochondrial tRNA point mutations are important causes of human disease, and have been associated with a diverse range of clinical phenotypes. Definitively proving the pathogenicity of any given mt-tRNA mutation requires combined molecular, genetic and functional studies. Subsequent evaluation of the mutation using a pathogenicity scoring system is often very helpful in concluding whether or not the mutation is causing disease. Despite several independent reports linking the m.3291T>C mutation to disease in humans, albeit in association with several different phenotypes, its pathogenicity remains controversial. A lack of conclusive functional evidence and an over-emphasis on the poor evolutionary conservation of the affected nucleotide have contributed to this controversy. Here we describe an adult patient who presented with deafness and lipomas and evidence of mitochondrial abnormalities in his muscle biopsy, who harbours the m.3291T>C mutation, providing conclusive evidence of pathogenicity through analysis of mutation segregation with cytochrome c oxidase (COX) deficiency in single muscle fibres, underlining the importance of performing functional studies when assessing pathogenicity. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Yarham JW, Blakely EL, Alston CL, Roberts ME, Ealing J, Pal P, Turnbull DM, McFarland R, Taylor RW

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Year: 2013

Volume: 325

Issue: 1-2

Pages: 165-169

Print publication date: 15/02/2013

Date deposited: 30/07/2013

ISSN (print): 0022-510X

ISSN (electronic): 1878-5883

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2012.12.003

DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.12.003


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
UK NHS
HEFCE/DoH Clinical Senior Lecturer Award
Medical Research Council (UK) Centenary Early Career Award
906919Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research
G0800674MRC Centre for Translational Research in Neuromuscular Disease Mitochondrial Disease Patient Cohort (UK)

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