Alpha-mannosidosis in Tunisian consanguineous families: Potential involvement of variants in GHR and SLC19A3 genes in the variable expressivity of cognitive impairment

PLoS One. 2021 Oct 6;16(10):e0258202. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258202. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Alpha-Mannosidosis (AM) is an ultra-rare storage disorder caused by a deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase encoded by the MAN2B1 gene. Clinical presentation of AM includes mental retardation, recurrent infections, hearing loss, dysmorphic features, and motor dysfunctions. AM has never been reported in Tunisia. We report here the clinical and genetic study of six patients from two Tunisian families with AM. The AM diagnosis was confirmed by an enzymatic activity assay. Genetic investigation was conducted by Sanger sequencing of the mutational hotspots for the first family and by ES analysis for the second one. In the first family, a frameshift duplication p.(Ser802GlnfsTer129) was identified in the MAN2B1 gene. For the second family, ES analysis led to the identification of a missense mutation p.(Arg229Trp) in the MAN2B1 gene in four affected family members. The p.(Ser802GlnfsTer129) mutation induces a premature termination codon which may trigger RNA degradation by the NMD system. The decrease in the levels of MAN2B1 synthesis could explain the severe phenotype observed in the index case. According to the literature, the p.(Arg229Trp) missense variant does not have an impact on MAN2B1 maturation and transportation, which correlates with a moderate clinical sub-type. To explain the intra-familial variability of cognitive impairment, exome analysis allowed the identification of two likely pathogenic variants in GHR and SLC19A3 genes potentially associated to cognitive decline. The present study raises awareness about underdiagnosis of AM in the region that deprives patients from accessing adequate care. Indeed, early diagnosis is critical in order to prevent disease progression and to propose enzyme replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Audiometry
  • Base Sequence
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / genetics*
  • Consanguinity*
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Family
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Tunisia
  • alpha-Mannosidosis / genetics*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • SLC19A3 protein, human
  • somatotropin-binding protein

Grants and funding

RM is a recipient of a MOBIDOC (http://www.anpr.tn/resultat-mobidoc-session-2017/) fellowship, funded by the EU through the EMORI program and managed by the ANPR. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.