EXOSC3 mutations in isolated cerebellar hypoplasia and spinal anterior horn involvement

J Neurol. 2013 Jul;260(7):1866-70. doi: 10.1007/s00415-013-6896-0. Epub 2013 Apr 7.

Abstract

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) type 1 is characterized by the co-occurrence of spinal anterior horn involvement and hypoplasia of the cerebellum and pons. EXOSC3 has been recently defined as a major cause of PCH type 1. Three different phenotypes showing variable severity have been reported. We identified a homozygous mutation [c.395A > C/p.D132A] in EXOSC3 in four patients with muscle hypotonia, developmental delay, spinal anterior horn involvement, and prolonged survival, consistent with the "mild PCH1 phenotype". Interestingly, isolated cerebellar hypoplasia limited to the hemispheres or involving both hemispheres and vermis was the main neuroradiologic finding, whereas the pontine volume was in the normal range for age. These findings strongly suggest that analysis of the EXOSC3 gene should be recommended also in patients with spinal anterior horn involvement and isolated cerebellar hypoplasia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Stem / pathology*
  • Cerebellum / abnormalities*
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Developmental Disabilities / genetics
  • Developmental Disabilities / pathology
  • Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Nervous System Malformations / genetics*
  • Nervous System Malformations / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*

Substances

  • EXOSC3 protein, human
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Exosome Multienzyme Ribonuclease Complex

Supplementary concepts

  • Cerebellar Hypoplasia