Fus gene mutations in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Muscle Nerve. 2010 Aug;42(2):170-6. doi: 10.1002/mus.21665.

Abstract

Mutations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene have recently been found to cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). We screened FUS in a cohort of 200 ALS patients [32 FALS and 168 sporadic ALS (SALS)]. In one FALS proband, we identified a mutation (p.R521C) that was also present in her affected daughter. Their clinical phenotype was remarkably similar and atypical of classic ALS, with symmetric proximal pelvic and pectoral weakness. Distal weakness and upper motor neuron features only developed late. Neuropathological examination demonstrated FUS-immunoreactive neuronal and glial inclusions in the spinal cord and many extramotor regions, but no TDP-43 pathology. We also identified a novel mutation (p.G187S) in one SALS patient. Overall, FUS mutations accounted for 3% of our non-SOD1, non-TARDBP FALS cases and 0.6% of SALS. This study demonstrates that the phenotype with FUS mutations extends beyond classical ALS cases. Our findings suggest there are specific clinicogenetic correlations and provide the first detailed neuropathological description.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS / metabolism
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism*
  • Spinal Cord / pathology

Substances

  • RNA-Binding Protein FUS