Homozygous TRPV4 loss-of-function mutation causes a severe form of distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathy (dHMN)

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to identify the genetic cause of disease in a congenital form of congenital spinal muscular atrophy and arthrogryposis (CSMAA).\n\nMethodsA 2-year-old boy was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, severe skeletal abnormalities, torticollis, vocal cord paralysis and diminished lower limb movement. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and family members. In silico modeling of protein structure and heterologous protein expression and cytotoxicity assays were performed to validate pathogenicity of the identified variant.\n\nResultsWhole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation in the TRPV4 gene (c.281C>T; p.S94L). The identification of a recessive mutation in TRPV4 extends the spectrum of mutations in recessive forms of the TRPV4-associated disease. p.S94L and other previously identified TRPV4 variants in different protein domains were compared in structural modeling and functional studies. In silico structural modeling suggests that the p.S94L mutation is in the disordered N-terminal region proximal to important regulatory binding sites for phosphoinositides and for PACSIN3, which could lead to alterations in trafficking and/or channel sensitivity. Functional studies by western blot and immunohistochemical analysis show that p.S94L reduces TRPV4 protein stability because of increased cytotoxicity and therefore involves a gain-of-function mechanism.\n\nConclusionThis study identifies a novel homozygous mutation in TRPV4 as a cause of the recessive form of congenital spinal muscular atrophy and arthrogryposis.