Absence of α- and β-dystroglycan is associated with Walker-Warburg syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the underlying genetic defect in 5 patients from a consanguineous family with a Walker-Warburg phenotype, together with intracranial calcifications.

METHODS:

Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing, followed by Sanger sequencing of the obtained candidate gene, was performed. Expression of the candidate gene was tested by reverse transcription PCR. Patient fibroblasts were converted to myotubes, and the expression and function of dystroglycan was tested by Western blotting.

RESULTS:

We detected a homozygous loss-of-function frameshift mutation in the DAG1 gene and showed that this mutation results in a complete absence of both α- and β-dystroglycan.

CONCLUSIONS:

A loss-of-function mutation in DAG1 can result in Walker-Warburg syndrome and is not embryonic lethal.

• Authors: Moniek Riemersma, Hanna Mandel, Ellen van Beusekom, Isabella Gazzoli, Tony Roscioli, Ayelet Eran, Ruth Gershoni-Baruch, Moran Gershoni, Shmuel Pietrokovski, Lisenka E Vissers, Dirk J Lefeber, Michèl A Willemsen, Ron A Wevers, Hans van Bokhoven
• Journal: Neurology (Neurology) Vol. 84 Issue 21 Pg. 2177-82 (May 26 2015) ISSN: 1526-632X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25934851 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2015 American Academy of Neurology.

Chemical References

• DAG1 protein, human
• Dystroglycans

Topics

• Arabs (genetics)
• Consanguinity
• Dystroglycans (deficiency, genetics)
• Female
• Frameshift Mutation
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Israel
• Walker-Warburg Syndrome (genetics, pathology)