De novo KIF1A mutations cause intellectual deficit, cerebellar atrophy, lower limb spasticity and visual disturbance

J Hum Genet. 2015 Dec;60(12):739-42. doi: 10.1038/jhg.2015.108. Epub 2015 Sep 10.

Abstract

Recently, de novo KIF1A mutations were identified in patients with intellectual disability, spasticity and cerebellar atrophy and/or optic nerve atrophy. In this study, we analyzed a total of 62 families, including 68 patients with genetically unsolved childhood cerebellar atrophy, by whole-exome sequencing (WES). We identified five de novo missense KIF1A mutations, including only one previously reported mutation (p.Arg316Trp). All the mutations are located in the motor domain of KIF1A. In all patients, initial symptom onset was during the infantile period, and included developmental delay in three patients and gait disturbance in two. Thereafter, they showed gait disturbances, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, cerebellar symptoms and cerebellar atrophy on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Four patients showed lower limb spasticity, upper limb clumsiness and visual disturbances. Nerve conduction study revealed peripheral neuropathy in three patients. This study further delineates clinical features of de novo KIF1A mutations. Genetic testing of KIF1A should be considered in children with developmental delay, cerebellar atrophy and pyramidal features.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Cerebellar Diseases / genetics*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / pathology
  • Cerebellar Diseases / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics*
  • Intellectual Disability / pathology
  • Intellectual Disability / physiopathology
  • Kinesins / genetics*
  • Lower Extremity / pathology
  • Lower Extremity / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Muscle Spasticity / genetics*
  • Muscle Spasticity / pathology
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Vision Disorders / genetics*
  • Vision Disorders / pathology
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology

Substances

  • KIF1A protein, human
  • Kinesins