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Filamin-A-interacting protein 1 (FILIP1) is a structural protein that is involved in neuronal and muscle function and integrity and interacts with FLNa and FLNc. Pathogenic variants in filamin-encoding genes have been linked to neurological disorders (FLNA) and muscle diseases characterized by myofibrillar perturbations (FLNC), but human diseases associated with FILIP1 variants have not yet been described. Here, we report on five patients from four unrelated consanguineous families with homozygous FILIP1 variants (two nonsense and two missense). Functional studies indicated altered stability of the FILIP1 protein carrying the p.[Pro1133Leu] variant. Patients exhibit a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms including brain malformations, neurodevelopmental delay, muscle weakness and pathology, and dysmorphic features. Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy on the muscle biopsy derived from the patient harbouring the homozygous p.[Pro1133Leu] missense variant revealed core-like zones of myofibrillar disintegration, autophagic vacuoles and accumulation of FLNc. Proteomic studies on the fibroblasts derived from the same patient showed dysregulation of a variety of proteins including FLNc and alpha-B-crystallin, a finding (confirmed by immunofluorescence) which is in line with the manifestation of symptoms associated with the syndromic phenotype of FILIP1opathy. The combined findings of this study show that the loss of functional FILIP1 leads to a recessive disorder characterized by neurological and muscular manifestations as well as dysmorphic features accompanied by perturbed proteostasis and myopathology.

2.AbstractBackgroundParkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder mainly distinguished by sporadic aetiology, although a genetic component is also well established. Variants in theLRRK2gene are associated with both familiar and sporadic disease. We have previously shown that PAK6 and 14-3-3γ protein interact with and regulate the activity of LRRK2.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to quantify PAK6 and 14-3-3γ in plasma as a reliable biomarker strategy for the diagnosis of both sporadic and LRRK2-linked Parkinson’s disease.MethodsAfter an initial quantification of PAK6 and 14-3-3γ expression by means of Western blot in post-mortem human brains, we verified the presence of the two proteins in plasma by using quantitative ELISA tests. We analysed samples obtained from 39 healthy subjects, 40 patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease, 50 LRRK2-G2019S non-manifesting carriers and 31 patients with LRRK2-G2019S Parkinson’s disease.ResultsThe amount of PAK6 and 14-3-3γ is significantly different in patients with Parkinson’s disease compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, the amount of PAK6 also varies with the presence of the G2019S mutation in the LRRK2 gene. Although the generalized linear models show a low association between the presence of PD and PAK6, the kinase can be added in a broader panel of biomarkers for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.ConclusionsChanges of PAK6 and 14-3-3γ amount in plasma represent a shared readout for patients affected by sporadic and LRRK2-linked Parkinson’s disease. Overall, they can contribute to the establishment of an extended panel of biomarkers for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Recessive mutations in the LAMA2 gene lead to congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A and limb girdle muscular dystrophy R23 with complete or partial laminin α2 chain deficiency. Complete laminin α2 chain deficiency presents with early onset of severe hypotonia and generalized weakness, whereas partial deficiency shows a milder and more variable course with limb girdle weakness. Here, we report a child with mildly delayed motor development, elevated serum creatine kinase levels (>1000 U/l) and brain white matter hypointensity, indicative of laminin α2 chain deficiency. In addition to a stop gain variant in exon 39, the patient was found to carry an intronic insertion of 72 bp in intron 38 of the LAMA2 gene in trans. RNA analysis revealed that this insertion results in abnormally spliced as well as wild type transcript, which explains the partial laminin α2 chain deficiency observed in the muscle biopsy.

Dysferlinopathy is an autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy, caused by bi-allelic variants in the gene encoding dysferlin (DYSF). Onset typically occurs in the second to third decade and is characterised by slowly progressive skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy of the proximal and/or distal muscles of the four limbs. There are rare cases of symptomatic DYSF variant carriers. Here, we report a large family with a dominantly inherited hyperCKaemia and late-onset muscular dystrophy.Genetic analysis identified a co-segregating novel DYSF variant [NM_003494.4:c.6207del p.(Tyr2070Metfs*4)]. No secondary variants in DYSF or other dystrophy-related genes were identified on whole genome sequencing and analysis of the proband's DNA. Skeletal muscle involvement was milder and later onset than typical dysferlinopathy presentations; these clinical signs manifested in four individuals, all between the fourth and sixth decades of life. All individuals heterozygous for the c.6207del variant had hyperCKaemia. Histological analysis of skeletal muscle biopsies across three generations showed clear dystrophic signs, including inflammatory infiltrates, regenerating myofibres, increased variability in myofibre size and internal nuclei. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging revealed fatty replacement of muscle in two individuals. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis of muscle biopsy demonstrated consistent reduction of dysferlin staining. Allele-specific quantitative PCR analysis of DYSF mRNA from patient muscle found that the variant, localised to the extreme C-terminus of dysferlin, does not activate post-transcriptional mRNA decay.We propose that this inheritance pattern may be underappreciated and that other late-onset muscular dystrophy cases with mono-allelic DYSF variants, particularly C-terminal premature truncation variants, may represent dominant forms of disease.

Gain-of-function mutations on STIM1 and ORAI1 genes are responsible for an increased store-operated calcium entry, and underlie the characteristic symptoms of three overlapping ultra-rare genetic disorders (i.e tubular aggregate myopathy, Stormorken syndrome, York platelet syndrome) that can be grouped as tubular aggregate myopathies. These mutations lead to a wide spectrum of defects, which usually include muscle weakness and cramps. Negative modulators of store-operated Ca

Background and purpose In a subset of patients with inherited peripheral neuropathies the first symptom is atrophy and weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the hands, without involvement of lower limbs until later in the disease course. The exact pathomechanisms of this phenotype are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical, neurophysiological and genetic features of a group of patients with a clinical diagnosis of upper limb predominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Methods The clinical, electrophysiology and genetic data of 11 patients with upper limb predominant peripheral neuropathy selected from a single-centre cohort of 461 patients diagnosed with inherited neuropathy were analysed and the clinical, electrophysiological and genetic characteristics of these patients reported. Results An overlapping phenotype of neuropathy and myopathy was detected in two patients. Four patients carry autosomal dominant mutations in GARS and a single patient had a homozygous mutation in SH3TC2. However, the underlying genetic diagnosis could not be confirmed in six patients by gene panel sequencing. Conclusions Upper limb-onset inherited neuropathies are genetically heterogeneous and, in some cases, there is an overlapping myopathy. Autosomal dominant GARS mutations are the most common genetic cause; however, mutations in other CMT genes may also result in this phenotype in individual patients. The majority of these patients cannot be genetically diagnosed by gene panel testing of known CMT and myopathy genes, suggesting further genetic heterogeneity and highlighting the importance of further genetic investigations in these patients and families.

The assessment of dysferlin expression is useful to indicate or confirm the diagnosis of dysferlinopathies, a class of muscular diseases caused by mutations in the DYSF gene. Immunoblot analysis of skeletal muscle or monocytes is a specific and reliable diagnostic indicator of the disease, but the technique is specialized and laborious. We have developed a novel, robust immunoassay for detection of dysferlin in neutrophils requiring as little as one drop of blood. Our assay overcomes the issues of storage and handling of samples suggesting great promise as an inexpensive and rapid first screening for DYSF mutations. This relatively simple non-quantitative assay has the potential to benefit centers with limited resources, contributing to current diagnostic investigations into dysferlinopathies.

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome is a rare human disorder caused by biallelic mutations in SIL1 characterized by cataracts in infancy, myopathy and ataxia, symptoms which are also associated with a novel disorder caused by mutations in INPP5K. While these phenotypic similarities may suggest commonalties at a molecular level, an overlapping pathomechanism has not been established yet. In this study, we present six new INPP5K patients and expand the current mutational and phenotypical spectrum of the disease showing the clinical overlap between Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome and the INPP5K phenotype. We applied unbiased proteomic profiling on cells derived from Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome and INPP5K patients and identified alterations in d-3-PHGDH as a common molecular feature. d-3-PHGDH modulates the production of l-serine and mutations in this enzyme were previously associated with a neurological phenotype, which clinically overlaps with Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome and INPP5K disease. As l-serine administration represents a promising therapeutic strategy for d-3-PHGDH patients, we tested the effect of l-serine in generated sil1, phgdh and inpp5k a+b zebrafish models, which showed an improvement in their neuronal phenotype. Thus, our study defines a core phenotypical feature underpinning a key common molecular mechanism in three rare diseases and reveals a common and novel therapeutic target for these patients.

See Arribat (doi.10.1093/brain/awaa464) for a scientific commentary on this article. In a series of 17 individuals with neuropathy and rare biallelic variants in VWA1, Pagnamenta et al. identify a single frameshift present in the majority of patients. Haplotype analysis suggests that this founder mutation, which is likely to have evaded detection due to its high GC content, may have arisen >7000 years ago., The extracellular matrix comprises a network of macromolecules such as collagens, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. VWA1 (von Willebrand factor A domain containing 1) encodes a component of the extracellular matrix that interacts with perlecan/collagen VI, appears to be involved in stabilizing extracellular matrix structures, and demonstrates high expression levels in tibial nerve. Vwa1-deficient mice manifest with abnormal peripheral nerve structure/function; however, VWA1 variants have not previously been associated with human disease. By interrogating the genome sequences of 74 180 individuals from the 100K Genomes Project in combination with international gene-matching efforts and targeted sequencing, we identified 17 individuals from 15 families with an autosomal-recessive, non-length dependent, hereditary motor neuropathy and rare biallelic variants in VWA1. A single disease-associated allele p.(G25Rfs*74), a 10-bp repeat expansion, was observed in 14/15 families and was homozygous in 10/15. Given an allele frequency in European populations approaching 1/1000, the seven unrelated homozygote individuals ascertained from the 100K Genomes Project represents a substantial enrichment above expected. Haplotype analysis identified a shared 220 kb region suggesting that this founder mutation arose >7000 years ago. A wide age-range of patients (6–83 years) helped delineate the clinical phenotype over time. The commonest disease presentation in the cohort was an early-onset (mean 2.0 ± 1.4 years) non-length-dependent axonal hereditary motor neuropathy, confirmed on electrophysiology, which will have to be differentiated from other predominantly or pure motor neuropathies and neuronopathies. Because of slow disease progression, ambulation was largely preserved. Neurophysiology, muscle histopathology, and muscle MRI findings typically revealed clear neurogenic changes with single isolated cases displaying additional myopathic process. We speculate that a few findings of myopathic changes might be secondary to chronic denervation rather than indicating an additional myopathic disease process. Duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting using patient fibroblasts revealed that the founder allele results in partial nonsense mediated decay and an absence of detectable protein. CRISPR and morpholino vwa1 modelling in zebrafish demonstrated reductions in motor neuron axonal growth, synaptic formation in the skeletal muscles and locomotive behaviour. In summary, we estimate that biallelic variants in VWA1 may be responsible for up to 1% of unexplained hereditary motor neuropathy cases in Europeans. The detailed clinical characterization provided here will facilitate targeted testing on suitable patient cohorts. This novel disease gene may have previously evaded detection because of high GC content, consequential low coverage and computational difficulties associated with robustly detecting repeat-expansions. Reviewing previously unsolved exomes using lower QC filters may generate further diagnoses.

International audience; Purpose High throughput sequencing analysis has facilitated the rapid analysis of the entire titin (TTN) coding sequence. This has resulted in the identification of a growing number of recessive titinopathy patients. The aim of this study was to (1) characterize the causative genetic variants and clinical features of the largest cohort of recessive titinopathy patients reported to date and (2) to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations in this cohort. Methods We analyzed clinical and genetic data in a cohort of patients with biallelic pathogenic or likely pathogenicTTNvariants. The cohort included both previously reported cases (100 patients from 81 unrelated families) and unreported cases (23 patients from 20 unrelated families). Results Overall, 132 causative variants were identified in cohort members. More than half of the cases had hypotonia at birth or muscle weakness and a delayed motor development within the first 12 months of life (congenital myopathy) with causative variants located along the entire gene. The remaining patients had a distal or proximal phenotype and a childhood or later (noncongenital) onset. All noncongenital cases had at least one pathogenic variant in one of the final threeTTNexons (362-364). Conclusion Our findings suggest a novel association between the location of nonsense variants and the clinical severity of the disease.

BackgroundDefects in glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (α-DG) cause autosomal-recessive disorders with wide clinical and genetic heterogeneity, with phenotypes ranging from congenital muscular dystrophies to milder limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Patients show variable reduction of immunoreactivity to antibodies specific for glycoepitopes of α-DG on a muscle biopsy. Recessive mutations in 18 genes, including guanosine diphosphate mannose pyrophosphorylase B (GMPPB), have been reported to date. With no specific clinical and pathological handles, diagnosis requires parallel or sequential analysis of all known genes.MethodsWe describe clinical, genetic and biochemical findings of 21 patients withGMPPB-associated dystroglycanopathy.ResultsWe report eight novel mutations and further expand current knowledge on clinical and muscle MRI features of this condition. In addition, we report a consistent shift in the mobility of beta-dystroglycan (β-DG) on Western blot analysis of all patients analysed by this mean. This was only observed in patients with GMPPB in our large dystroglycanopathy cohort. We further demonstrate that this mobility shift in patients with GMPPB was due to abnormalN-linked glycosylation of β-DG.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that a change in β-DG electrophoretic mobility in patients with dystroglycanopathy is a distinctive marker of the molecular defect inGMPPB.

Recessive mutations in MEGF10 (multiple epidermal growth factor 10) have been reported in a severe early onset disorder named Early Myopathy, Areflexia, Respiratory Distress and Dysphagia, and a milder form with cores in the muscle biopsy; and a possible genotype-phenotype correlation determining the clinical presentation has been suggested. We undertook exome sequencing in a 66 year old male with a 20 year history of progressive proximal and distal weakness of upper and lower limbs, facial weakness and dysphagia, who developed respiratory failure requiring ventilation while still ambulant in his 50s. Muscle biopsy demonstrated myopathic changes with aggregation of myofibrillar proteins. Mutations in MEGF10 were identified: a novel essential splice site (c.1426+1G>T) and a novel missense variant (c.352T>C, p.(Cys118Arg)). We performed a detailed review of all reported MEGF10 cases (n = 20), and confirmed the presence of a genotype-phenotype correlation, namely that with ≥1 null mutation onset of respiratory dysfunction occurs in the first year of life, whereas with 2 missense mutations, respiratory dysfunction occurs at 10 years old or much later, as in the patient reported here. Our findings expand the phenotype of MEGF10 mutations to include onset in the 5th decade, and discuss the spectrum of MEGF10 related disease.

Mutations in the gene encoding the giant skeletal muscle protein titin are associated with a variety of muscle disorders, including recessive congenital myopathies cardiomyopathy, limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and late onset dominant distal myopathy. Heterozygous truncating mutations have also been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy. The phenotypic spectrum of titinopathies is emerging and expanding, as next generation sequencing techniques make this large gene amenable to sequencing. We undertook whole exome sequencing in four individuals with LGMD. An essential splice site mutation, previously reported in dilated cardiomyopathy, was identified in all families in combination with a second truncating mutation. Affected individuals presented with childhood onset proximal weakness associated with joint contractures and elevated CK. Cardiac dysfunction was present in two individuals. Muscle biopsy showed increased internal nuclei and immunoblotting identified reduction or absence of calpain-3 and demonstrated a marked reduction of C-terminal titin fragments. We confirm the co-occurrence of cardiac and skeletal myopathies associated with recessive truncating titin mutations. Compound heterozygosity of a truncating mutation previously associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and a 'second truncation' in TTN was identified as causative in our skeletal myopathy patients. These findings add to the complexity of interpretation and genetic counselling for titin mutations. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mutations in calpain-3 cause limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A. Biopsy pathology is typically dystrophic, sometimes characterized by frequent lobulated fibres. More recently calpain mutations have been shown in association with eosinophilic myositis, suggesting that calpain mutations may render muscle susceptible to inflammatory change. We present the case of a 33-year old female with mild proximal muscle weakness and high CK levels (6698 IU/L at presentation). Muscle biopsy showed clusters of fibre necrosis associated with very dense macrophage infiltrates and small numbers of lymphocytes, raising the possibility of an inflammatory myopathy. No eosinophils were observed. Immunosuppressive treatment was started without clinical improvement. MRI demonstrated bilateral fatty replacement in posterior thigh and calf muscles. Western blot results prompted Sanger sequencing of the calpain-3 gene revealing compound heterozygous mutations c.643_663del and c.1746-20C>G. Our case widens the myopathological spectrum of calpainopathies to include focal macrophage rich inflammatory change.

Introduction TRIM32-related myopathies represent a phenotypic spectrum of a rare autosomal recessive muscle disorder. The disease is described as a mild and progressive myopathy without characteristic clinical features. Originally classified as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2H (OMIM #254110), the disorder was first identified in the Hutterite population and the homozygous TRIM32 founder mutation, p.Asp487Asn, was identified as the cause of this disease.1 Only seven patients with definite non-Hutterite TRIM32-related myopathy have been reported in the literature. Apart from two missense mutations residing in the NHL repeats of TRIM32, only deletions, frameshift and nonsense mutations have been reported.2 Having applied next generation sequencing technologies to over 1000 patients with suspected genetic muscle disorders, we present nine patients with TRIM32-related myopathies and three patients with a homozygous TRIM32 variant of unknown significance (VUS). Subjects and methods DNA samples from 1000 patients with unexplained limb-girdle muscle weakness and/or elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were gathered through the MYO-SEQ project. Samples were processed and whole exome sequencing (WES) performed as described previously.3 Additional patients with TRIM32-related myopathy were diagnosed by the Northern Molecular Genetics Service (NMGS) diagnostic laboratory through panel sequencing of 32 LGMD genes. Variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines.4 MRI imaging was performed for eight patients on a 1.5T MRI platform. Muscle biopsies for all patients were analysed following standard histological techniques. Results Genetic findings Of the 1000 MYO-SEQ patients, we identified 36 with rare coding variants in TRIM32 (minor allele frequency

Mutations of HSPB5 (also known as CRYAB or αB-crystallin), a bona fide heat shock protein and molecular chaperone encoded by the HSPB5 (crystallin, alpha B) gene, are linked to various multisystem disorders featuring variable combinations of cataracts, cardiomyopathy, and skeletal myopathy. This study aims at investigating the pathological mechanisms involved in an early onset myofibrillar myopathy manifesting in a child harboring a homozygous recessive mutation in HSPB5, 343delT. To study HSPB5 343delT protein dynamics, we utilize model cell culture systems including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from the 343delT patient (343delT/343delT) along with isogenic, heterozygous, gene-corrected control cells (WT KI/343delT), and BHK21 cells, a cell line lacking endogenous HSPB5 expression. 343delT/343delT and WT KI/343delT iPSC-derived skeletal myotubes (iSKMs) and cardiomyocytes (iCMs) did not express detectable levels of 343delT protein, contributable to extreme insolubility of the mutant protein. Overexpression of HSPB5 343delT resulted in insoluble mutant protein aggregates and induction of a cellular stress response. Co-expression of 343delT with WT prevented visible aggregation of 343delT and improved its solubility. Additionally, in vitro refolding of 343delT in the presence of WT rescued its solubility. We demonstrate an interaction between WT and 343delT both in vitro and within cells. These data support a loss of function model for the myopathy observed in the patient, as the insoluble mutant would be unavailable to perform normal functions of HSPB5, though additional gain-of-function effects of the mutant protein cannot be excluded. Additionally, our data highlights the solubilization of 343delT by WT, concordant with the recessive inheritance of the disease and absence of symptoms in carrier individuals.

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A is the most common limb girdle muscular dystrophy form worldwide. Although strict recessive inheritance is assumed, patients carrying a single mutation in the calpain 3 gene (CAPN3) are reported. Such findings are commonly attributed to incomplete mutation screening. In this investigation, we report 37 individuals (age range: 21-85 years, 21 females and 16 males) from 10 families in whom only one mutation in CAPN3 could be identified; a 21-bp, in-frame deletion (c.643_663del21). This mutation co-segregated with evidence of muscle disease and autosomal dominant transmission in several generations. Evidence of muscle disease was indicated by muscle pain, muscle weakness and wasting, significant fat replacement of muscles on imaging, myopathic changes on muscle biopsy and loss of calpain 3 protein on western blotting. Thirty-one of 34 patients had elevated creatine kinase or myoglobin. Muscle weakness was generally milder than observed in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A, but affected the same muscle groups (proximal leg, lumbar paraspinal and medial gastrocnemius muscles). In some cases, the weakness was severely disabling. The 21-bp deletion did not affect mRNA maturation. Calpain 3 expression in muscle, assessed by western blot, was below 15% of normal levels in the nine mutation carriers in whom this could be tested. Haplotype analysis in four families from three different countries suggests that the 21-bp deletion is a founder mutation. This study provides strong evidence that heterozygosity for the c.643_663del21 deletion in CAPN3 results in a dominantly inherited muscle disease. The normal expression of mutated mRNA and the severe loss of calpain 3 on western blotting, suggest a dominant negative effect with a loss-of-function mechanism affecting the calpain 3 homodimer. This renders patients deficient in calpain 3 as in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A, albeit in a milder form in most cases. Based on findings in 10 families, our study indicates that a dominantly inherited pattern of calpainopathy exists, and should be considered in the diagnostic work-up and genetic counselling of patients with calpainopathy and single-allele aberrations in CAPN3.

Four and a half LIM protein 1 (FHL1/SLIM1) has recently been identified as the causative gene mutated in four distinct diseases affecting skeletal muscle that have overlapping features, including reducing body myopathy, X-linked myopathy, X-linked dominant scapuloperoneal myopathy and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. FHL1 localises to the sarcomere and the sarcolemma and is believed to participate in muscle growth and differentiation as well as in sarcomere assembly. We describe in this case report a boy with a deletion of the entire FHL1 gene who is now 15 years of age and presented with muscle hypertrophy, reduced subcutaneous fat, rigid spine and short stature. This case is the first, to our knowledge, with a complete loss of the FHL1 protein and MAP7D3 in combination. It supports the theory that dominant negative effects (accumulation of cytotoxic-mutated FHL1 protein) worsen the pathogenesis. It extends the phenotype of FHL1-related myopathies and should prompt future testing in undiagnosed patients who present with unexplained muscle hypertrophy, contractures and rigid spine, particularly if male.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a progressive X-linked muscle wasting disease for which there is no treatment. BMD is caused by in-frame mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin, a structural cytoskeletal protein that also targets other proteins to the sarcolemma. Among these is neuronal nitric oxide synthase mu (nNOSμ), which requires specific spectrin-like repeats (SR16/17) in dystrophin's rod domain and the adaptor protein α-syntrophin for sarcolemmal targeting. When healthy skeletal muscle is exercised, sarcolemmal nNOSμ-derived nitric oxide (NO) attenuates α-adrenergic vasoconstriction, thus optimizing perfusion. In the mdx mouse model of dystrophinopathy, this protective mechanism (functional sympatholysis) is defective, resulting in functional muscle ischaemia. Treatment with a NO-donating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) alleviates this ischaemia and improves the murine dystrophic phenotype. In the present study, we report that, in 13 men with BMD, sympatholysis is defective mainly in patients whose mutations disrupt sarcolemmal targeting of nNOSμ, with the vasoconstrictor response measured as a decrease in muscle oxygenation (near infrared spectroscopy) to reflex sympathetic activation. Then, in a single-arm, open-label trial in 11 BMD patients and a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in six patients, we show that acute treatment with oral sodium nitrate, an inorganic NO donor without a NSIAD moiety, restores sympatholysis and improves post-exercise hyperaemia (Doppler ultrasound). By contrast, sodium nitrate improves neither sympatholysis, nor hyperaemia in healthy controls. Thus, a simple NO donor recapitulates the vasoregulatory actions of sarcolemmal nNOS in BMD patients, and constitutes a putative novel therapy for this disease.

A 37 year-old nurse of Czech origin presented with a five year history of progressive, symmetrical limb weakness, myalgia and a tendency to walk on her tip-toes. She had difficulty walking upstairs and lifting her baby. She had a background of Wilson’s disease, diagnosed aged 14 on the basis of liver biopsy. Penicillamine-induced myopathy was initially suspected, but symptoms persisted despite switching to trientine. There was no family history of neurological disease. Examination revealed bilateral scapular winging, wasting of upper arms, tightening of Achilles tendons, weakness of neck extensors and proximal limbs (especially biceps), and Gowers’ sign. Reflexes and sensation were normal. She had fluctuating hyperCKaemia (1000–4000U/L), and myopathic features on electromyogram and lower limb magnetic resonance imaging. Muscle biopsy showed scattered atrophic fibres without evidence of inflammation. Absence of calpain-3 expression was noted on subsequent review, suggestive of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy type 2a (calpainopathy). The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing: she was a compound heterozygote for pathogenic variants in the CAPN3 gene (c.598-612del and c.1381C>T). Management included neurophysiotherapy, genetic counselling, and surveillance of respiratory and cardiac function. In summary, recognising her clinical phenotype was essential in guiding appropriate immunohistology and genetic testing to secure the diagnosis.

Defects in glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (α-DG) cause autosomal-recessive disorders with wide clinical and genetic heterogeneity, with phenotypes ranging from congenital muscular dystrophies to milder limb girdle muscular dystrophies. Patients show variable reduction of immunoreactivity to antibodies specific for glycoepitopes of α-DG on a muscle biopsy. Recessive mutations in 18 genes, including guanosine diphosphate mannose pyrophosphorylase B (We describe clinical, genetic and biochemical findings of 21 patients withWe report eight novel mutations and further expand current knowledge on clinical and muscle MRI features of this condition. In addition, we report a consistent shift in the mobility of beta-dystroglycan (β-DG) on Western blot analysis of all patients analysed by this mean. This was only observed in patients with GMPPB in our large dystroglycanopathy cohort. We further demonstrate that this mobility shift in patients with GMPPB was due to abnormalOur data demonstrate that a change in β-DG electrophoretic mobility in patients with dystroglycanopathy is a distinctive marker of the molecular defect in

Congenital myopathies define a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases with neonatal or childhood hypotonia and muscle weakness. The genetic cause is still unknown in many patients, precluding genetic counselling and better understanding of the physiopathology. To identify novel genetic causes of congenital myopathies, exome sequencing was performed in three consanguineous families. We identified two homozygous frameshift mutations and a homozygous nonsense mutation in the mitogen-activated protein triple kinase ZAK. In total, six affected patients carry these mutations. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and transcriptome analyses suggested nonsense mRNA decay as a main impact of mutations. The patients demonstrated a generalized slowly progressive muscle weakness accompanied by decreased vital capacities. A combination of proximal contractures with distal joint hyperlaxity is a distinct feature in one family. The low endurance and compound muscle action potential amplitude were strongly ameliorated on treatment with anticholinesterase inhibitor in another patient. Common histopathological features encompassed fibre size variation, predominance of type 1 fibre and centralized nuclei. A peculiar subsarcolemmal accumulation of mitochondria pointing towards the centre of the fibre was a novel histological hallmark in one family. These findings will improve the molecular diagnosis of congenital myopathies and implicate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling as a novel pathway altered in these rare myopathies.

Dominant mutations in STIM1 are a cause of three allelic conditions: tubular aggregate myopathy, Stormorken syndrome (a complex phenotype including myopathy, hyposplenism, hypocalcaemia and bleeding diathesis), and a platelet dysfunction disorder, York platelet syndrome. Previous reports have suggested a genotype-phenotype correlation with mutations in the N-terminal EF-hand domain associated with tubular aggregate myopathy, and a common mutation at p.R304W in a coiled coil domain associated with Stormorken syndrome. In this study individuals with STIM1 variants were identified by exome sequencing or STIM1 direct sequencing, and assessed for neuromuscular, haematological and biochemical evidence of the allelic disorders of STIM1. STIM1 mutations were investigated by fibroblast calcium imaging and 3D modelling. Six individuals with STIM1 mutations, including two novel mutations (c.262A>G (p.S88G) and c.911G>A (p.R304Q)), were identified. Extra-neuromuscular symptoms including thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, hypocalcaemia or hyposplenism were present in 5/6 patients with mutations in both the EF-hand and CC domains. 3/6 patients had psychiatric disorders, not previously reported in STIM1 disease. Review of published STIM1 patients (n = 49) confirmed that neuromuscular symptoms are present in most patients. We conclude that the phenotype associated with activating STIM1 mutations frequently includes extra-neuromuscular features such as hypocalcaemia, hypo-/asplenia and platelet dysfunction regardless of mutation domain.

We report two siblings of Croatian consanguineous healthy parents with a novel homozygous missense mutation in the POMT1 gene, presenting with intellectual disability and psychotic, in particular hallucinatory symptoms and abnormal brain MRIs, preceding classical symptoms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy by several years. Weakness became apparent in early adulthood and both siblings remained ambulant into the 3rd and 4th decade of life. The muscle biopsy showed reduced α-dystroglycan compatible with the POMT1 defect. This case report extends the phenotypic spectrum of POMT1 associated muscular dystrophies to the adult onset limb girdle muscular dystrophies with psycho-organic deficits.

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2L or anoctaminopathy is a condition mainly characterized by adult onset proximal lower limb muscular weakness and raised CK values, due to recessive ANO5 gene mutations. An exon 5 founder mutation (c.191dupA) has been identified in most of the British and German LGMD2L patients so far reported. We aimed to further investigate the prevalence and spectrum of ANO5 gene mutations and related clinical phenotypes, by screening 205 undiagnosed patients referred to our molecular service with a clinical suspicion of anoctaminopathy. A total of 42 unrelated patients had two ANO5 mutations (21%), whereas 14 carried a single change. We identified 34 pathogenic changes, 15 of which are novel. The c.191dupA mutation represents 61% of mutated alleles and appears to be less prevalent in non-Northern European populations. Retrospective clinical analysis corroborates the prevalently proximal lower limb phenotype, the male predominance and absence of major cardiac or respiratory involvement. Identification of cases with isolated hyperCKaemia and very late symptomatic male and female subjects confirms the extension of the phenotypic spectrum of the disease. Anoctaminopathy appears to be one of the most common adult muscular dystrophies in Northern Europe, with a prevalence of about 20%-25% in unselected undiagnosed cases. © 2013 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Objective Titin gene (TTN) mutations have been described in eight families with hereditary myopathy with early respiratory failure (HMERF). Some of the original patients had features resembling myofibrillar myopathy (MFM), arguing that TTN mutations could be a much more common cause of inherited muscle disease, especially in presence of early respiratory involvement. Methods We studied 127 undiagnosed patients with clinical presentation compatible with MFM. Sanger sequencing for the two previously described TTN mutations in HMERF (p.C30071R in the 119th fibronectin-3 (FN3) domain, and p.R32450W in the kinase domain) was performed in all patients. Patients with mutations had detailed review of their clinical records, muscle MRI findings and muscle pathology. Results We identified five new families with the p.C30071R mutation who were clinically similar to previously reported cases, and muscle pathology demonstrated diagnostic features of MFM. Two further families had novel variants in the 119th FN3 domain (p.P30091L and p.N30145K). No patients were identified with mutations at position p.32450. Conclusions Mutations in TTN are a cause of MFM, and titinopathy is more common than previously thought. The finding of the p.C30071R mutation in 3.9% of our study population is likely due to a British founder effect. The occurrence of novel FN3 domain variants, although still of uncertain pathogenicity, suggests that other mutations in this domain may cause MFM, and that the disease is likely to be globally distributed. We suggest that HMERF due to mutations in the TTN gene be nosologically classified as MFM-titinopathy.

Rhabdomyolysis is often due to a combination of environmental trigger(s) and genetic predisposition; however, the underlying genetic cause remains elusive in many cases. Mutations in CAV3 lead to various neuromuscular phenotypes with partial overlap, including limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD1C), rippling muscle disease, distal myopathy and isolated hyperCKemia. Here we present a series of eight patients from seven families presenting with exercise intolerance and rhabdomyolysis caused by mutations in CAV3 diagnosed by next generation sequencing (NGS) (n = 6). Symptoms included myalgia (n = 7), exercise intolerance (n = 7) and episodes of rhabdomyolysis (n = 2). Percussion-induced rapid muscle contractions (PIRCs) were seen in five out of six patients examined. A previously reported heterozygous mutation in CAV3 (p.T78M) and three novel variants (p.V14I, p.F41S, p.F54V) were identified. Caveolin-3 immunolabeling in muscle was normal in 3/4 patients; however, immunoblotting showed more than 50% reduction of caveolin-3 in five patients compared with controls. This case series demonstrates that exercise intolerance, myalgia and rhabdomyolysis may be caused by CAV3 mutations and broadens the phenotypic spectrum of caveolinopathies. In our series, immunoblotting was a more sensitive method to detect reduced caveolin-3 levels than immunohistochemistry in skeletal muscle. Patients presenting with muscle pain, exercise intolerance and rhabdomyolysis should be routinely tested for PIRCs as this may be an important clinical clue for caveolinopathies, even in the absence of other "typical" features. The use of NGS may expand current knowledge concerning inherited diseases, and unexpected/atypical phenotypes may be attributed to well-known human disease genes.

Mutations in the four-and-a-half LIM domain 1 (FHL1) gene, which encodes a 280-amino-acid protein containing four LIM domains and a single zinc-finger domain in the N-terminal region, have been associated with a broad clinical spectrum of X-linked muscle diseases encompassing a variety of different phenotypes. Patients might present with a scapuloperoneal myopathy, a myopathy with postural muscle atrophy and generalized hypertrophy, an Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, or an early onset myopathy with reducing bodies. It has been proposed that the phenotypic variability is related to the position of the mutation within the FHL1 gene. Here, we report on three British families with a heterogeneous clinical presentation segregating a single FHL1 gene mutation and haplotype, suggesting that this represents a founder mutation. The underlying FHL1 gene mutation was detected by direct sequencing and the founder effect was verified by haplotype analysis of the FHL1 gene locus. A 3-bp insertion mutation (p.Phe127_Thr128insIle) within the second LIM domain of the FHL1 gene was identified in all available affected family members of the three families. Haplotype analysis of the FHL1 region on Xq26 revealed that the families shared a common haplotype. The p.Phe127_Thr128insIle mutation in the FHL1 gene therefore appears to be a British founder mutation and FHL1 gene screening, in particular of exon 6, should therefore be indicated in British patients with a broad phenotypic spectrum of X-linked muscle diseases.

Highlights • Clonally expanded mtDNA deletions were found in a small number of patient fibres. • Complex I and IV deficiency is higher than in control muscle. • Mitochondrial mass is significantly reduced in patients relative to controls. • No relationship between MFM protein aggregates and reduced mitochondrial mass. • Negative correlations was detected between mitochondrial mass and muscle fibre area., Myofibrillar myopathies (MFM) are characterised by focal myofibrillar destruction and accumulation of myofibrillar elements as protein aggregates. They are caused by mutations in the DES, MYOT, CRYAB, FLNC, BAG3, DNAJB6 and ZASP genes as well as other as yet unidentified genes. Previous studies have reported changes in mitochondrial morphology and cellular positioning, as well as clonally-expanded, large-scale mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and focal respiratory chain deficiency in muscle of MFM patients. Here we examine skeletal muscle from patients with desmin (n = 6), ZASP (n = 1) and myotilin (n = 2) mutations and MFM protein aggregates, to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the underlying mechanisms causing disease pathology. We have used a validated quantitative immunofluorescent assay to study respiratory chain protein levels, together with oxidative enzyme histochemistry and single cell mitochondrial DNA analysis, to examine mitochondrial changes. Results demonstrate a small number of clonally-expanded mitochondrial DNA deletions, which we conclude are due to both ageing and disease pathology. Further to this we report higher levels of respiratory chain complex I and IV deficiency compared to age matched controls, although overall levels of respiratory deficient muscle fibres in patient biopsies are low. More strikingly, a significantly higher percentage of myofibrillar myopathy patient muscle fibres have a low mitochondrial mass compared to controls. We concluded this is mechanistically unrelated to desmin and myotilin protein aggregates; however, correlation between mitochondrial mass and muscle fibre area is found. We suggest this may be due to reduced mitochondrial biogenesis in combination with muscle fibre hypertrophy.

Objective: To assess whether hereditary myopathy with early respiratory failure (HMERF) due to the c.951434T>C; (p.Cys31712Arg) TTN missense mutation also includes a cardiac phenotype. Method: Clinical cohort study of our HMERF cohort using ECG, 2D echocardiogram, and cross-sectional cardiac imaging with MRI or CT. Results: We studied 22 participants with the c.951434T>C; (p.Cys31712Arg) TTN missense mutation. Three were deceased. Cardiac conduction abnormalities were identified in 7/22 (32%): sustained atrioventricular tachycardia (n = 2), atrial fibrillation (n = 2), nonsustained atrial tachycardia (n = 1), premature supraventricular complexes (n = 1), and unexplained sinus bradycardia (n = 1). In addition, 4/22 (18%) had imaging evidence of otherwise unexplained cardiomyopathy. These findings are supported by histopathologic correlation suggestive of myocardial cytoskeletal remodeling. Conclusions: Coexisting cardiac and skeletal muscle involvement is not uncommon in patients with HMERF arising due to the c.951434T>C; (p.Cys31712Arg) TTN mutation. All patients with pathogenic or putative pathogenic TTN mutations should be offered periodic cardiac surveillance.

The limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a group of disorders with wide genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Recently, mutations in the ANO5 gene, which encodes a putative calcium-activated chloride channel belonging to the Anoctamin family of proteins, were identified in five families with one of two previously identified disorders, LGMD2L and non-dysferlin Miyoshi muscular dystrophy (MMD3). We screened a candidate group of 64 patients from 59 British and German kindreds and found the truncating mutation, c.191dupA in exon 5 of ANO5 in 20 patients, homozygously in 15 and in compound heterozygosity with other ANO5 variants in the rest. An intragenic SNP and an extragenic microsatellite marker are in linkage disequilibrium with the mutation, suggesting a founder effect in the Northern European population. We have further defined the clinical phenotype of ANO5 -associated muscular dystrophy. Patients show adult onset proximal lower limb weakness with highly raised creatinine kinase (CK) values (average 4500 IU/l) and frequent muscle atrophy and asymmetry of muscle involvement. Onset varies from the early 20s to 50s and the weakness is generally slowly progressive, with most patients remaining ambulant for several decades. Distal presentation is much less common but a milder degree of distal lower limb weakness is often observed. Upper limb strength is only mildly affected and cardiac and respiratory function is normal. Females appear less frequently affected. In the North of England population we have identified eight patients with ANO5 mutations, suggesting a minimum prevalence of 0.27/100 000, twice as common as dysferlinopathy. We suggest that mutations in ANO5 represent a relatively common cause of adult onset muscular dystrophy with high CK and that mutation screening, particularly of the common mutation c.191dupA, should be an early step in the diagnostic algorithm of adult LGMD patients. * Abbreviations : CK : creatinine kinase ECG : electrocardiogram EMG : electromyography IHC : immunohistochemistry LGMDs : limb-girdle muscular dystrophy MMD3 : Miyoshi muscular dystrophy MM : Miyoshi myopathy SNP : single-nucleotide polymorphism WB : western blot

Mutations in the gene encoding muscle-specific calpain 3 protease cause limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A. Calpainopathy is characterised by progressive symmetrical atrophy of pelvic, scapular and trunk muscles with an elevated creatine kinase. Most patients develop symptoms in childhood and lose the ability to walk by the age of 40 years. We describe a man who presented with foot drop at the age of 41 years, together with neurophysiological, histopathological and genetic data. This is the first report of calpainopathy presenting as foot drop, and widens the phenotype associated with this disease.

Muscle immunoanalysis of the sarcoglycan complex is an important part of the diagnostic evaluation of muscle biopsies in patients with autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Reduced or absent sarcolemmal expression of one or all of the four sarcoglycans (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-sarcoglycan) can be found in patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2C-F (LGMD2C-F) and also in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). It has previously been suggested that different patterns of sarcoglycan expression could predict the primary genetic defect, and that genetic analysis could be directed by these patterns. In this first UK study we studied 24 genetically characterized patients with sarcoglycan deficient LGMD, in 22 of whom muscle immunoanalysis data were available. Thirteen patients showed alpha-sarcoglycan deficient LGMD2D, 7 patients beta-sarcoglycan deficient LGMD2E, 3 patients gamma-sarcoglycan deficient LGDM2C, and one patient delta-sarcoglycan deficient LGMD2F. Muscle biopsies were analysed in one centre without knowledge of the established genetic diagnosis. Our results demonstrated that residual sarcoglycan expression is highly variable and does not enable an accurate prediction of the genotype. Considering previous reports of sarcoglycanopathy patients with an isolated loss of one sarcoglycan we recommend to use antibodies against all four sarcoglycans for immunoanalysis of skeletal muscle sections. A concomitant reduction of dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan was observed more frequently than previously reported and illustrates the important differential diagnosis of DMD and BMD for sarcoglycan deficient LGMD.

Mutations in the caveolin-3 gene (CAV3) can lead to a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Phenotypes that have so far been associated with primary caveolin-3 deficiency include limb girdle muscular dystrophy, rippling muscle disease, distal myopathy and hyperCKaemia. This is the first report describing the clinical, pathological and genetic features of patients with caveolinopathy from the UK. Ten patients (six families) were identified via the National Commissioning Group (NCG) service for patients with limb girdle muscle dystrophy in Newcastle. Myalgia was the most prominent symptom in our cohort of patients and for 50% it was the reason for referral. Muscle weakness was only found in 60% of the patients, whereas rippling muscle movement was present in 80%. One of the patients reported episodes of myoglobinuria and another one episodes of hypoglycaemia. Five different mutations were identified, two of which were novel and three that had previously been described. Caveolinopathy needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis in a range of clinical situations, including in patients who do not have any weakness. Indeed, rippling muscles are a more frequent symptom than weakness, and can be detected in childhood. Presentation with myalgia is common and management of it as well as of myoglobinuria and hypoglycaemia may have a major impact on the patients' quality of life.

Diagnosis of limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A can be complex due to phenotypic variability, lack of precision of protein analysis in muscle biopsies, and absence of mutational hot spots in the CAPN3 gene. The aim of this study was to review clinical and biopsy data from a group of patients with known CAPN3 genetic status to validate and refine our current diagnostic strategy, which combines clinical information and protein analysis to direct gene testing. We analysed 85 patients in whom CAPN3 gene sequencing had been performed. Forty-two patients had two mutations, 15 a single mutation and in 28 no mutation was found. We identified clinical features that clearly discriminated the LGMD2A patients. These were: presence of scapular winging, contractures and normal respiratory function. In addition, a typical pattern of muscle weakness on manual muscle testing could be confirmed. Interpretation of protein expression obtained by Western blot was complex and involved the analysis of a number of bands detected by two antibodies for calpain 3. Loss of all calpain 3 bands was 100% specific for LGMD2A, but this pattern was found in only 23%. Absence or reduction of the approximately 60 kDa bands was also highly specific for LGMD2A, while increased abundance was highly predictive of no mutations being found even where other bands were reduced, suggesting that this is the most sensitive marker of artefactual protein degradation. Twenty-three percent of the patients with two mutations had normal full-sized calpain 3 protein, consistent with the finding of mutations localized in parts of the gene likely or proven to be involved in autolytic activity. Clinical and biochemical findings in patients with only one mutation were similar to patients with two mutations, indicating that other gene analysis techniques should be used before excluding the diagnosis. Our analysis confirms that our strategy is still valid to prioritize genetic testing in this complex group of patients, provided patients with normal protein but a suggestive clinical phenotype are not excluded from genetic testing.

α- and β-dystroglycan constitute a membrane-spanning complex that connects the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. Although a structural role for dystroglycan had been identified, biochemical and genetic discoveries have recently highlighted the significance of posttranslational processing for dystroglycan function. Glycosylation is the crucial modification that modulates the function of dystroglycan as a receptor for extracellular binding partners. It has become clear that perturbation of dystroglycan glycosylation is the central event in the pathogenesis of several complex disorders, and recent advances suggest that glycosylation could be modulated to ameliorate the pathological features. Our increased understanding of the mechanisms of interaction of dystroglycan with its ligands has become an essential tool in deciphering the biological processes related to the human diseases in which the proteins are implicated.

Objective: We formed a multi-institution collaboration in order to compare dystrophin quantification methods, reach a consensus on the most reliable method, and report its biological significance in the context of clinical trials. Methods: Five laboratories with expertise in dystrophin quantification performed a data-driven comparative analysis of a single reference set of normal and dystrophinopathy muscle biopsies using quantitative immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We developed standardized protocols and assessed inter- and intralaboratory variability over a wide range of dystrophin expression levels. Results: Results from the different laboratories were highly concordant with minimal inter- and intralaboratory variability, particularly with quantitative immunohistochemistry. There was a good level of agreement between data generated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, although immunohistochemistry was more sensitive. Furthermore, mean dystrophin levels determined by alternative quantitative immunohistochemistry methods were highly comparable. Conclusions: Considering the biological function of dystrophin at the sarcolemma, our data indicate that the combined use of quantitative immunohistochemistry and Western blotting are reliable biochemical outcome measures for Duchenne muscular dystrophy clinical trials, and that standardized protocols can be comparable between competent laboratories. The methodology validated in our study will facilitate the development of experimental therapies focused on dystrophin production and their regulatory approval.

Dystroglycan is a cell-surface matrix receptor that requires LARGE-dependent glycosylation for laminin binding. Although the interaction of dystroglycan with laminin has been well characterized, less is known about the role of dystroglycan glycosylation in the binding and assembly of perlecan. We report reduced perlecan-binding activity and mislocalization of perlecan in the LARGE-deficient Large myd mouse. Cell-surface ligand clustering assays show that laminin polymerization promotes perlecan assembly. Solid-phase binding assays provide evidence for the first time of a trimolecular complex formation of dystro- glycan, laminin and perlecan. These data suggest functional dis- ruption of the trimolecular complex in glycosylation-deficient muscular dystrophy. 2005 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.