Identification of a novel homozygous synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 variant in siblings with early-onset axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract

The synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO₂ ) gene encodes for a mitochondrial located metallochaperone essential for the synthesis of the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit 2. Recessive mutations in SCO₂ have been reported in several cases with fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy with COX deficiency and in only four cases with axonal neuropathy. Here, we identified a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.361G > C; p.[Gly121Arg]) in SCO₂ in two brothers with isolated axonal motor neuropathy. To address pathogenicity of the amino acid substitution, biochemical studies were performed and revealed increased level of the mutant SCO₂ -protein and dysregulation of COX subunits in leukocytes and moreover unraveled decrease of proteins involved in the manifestation of neuropathies. Hence, our combined data strengthen the concept of SCO₂ being causative for a very rare form of axonal neuropathy, expand its molecular genetic spectrum and provide first biochemical insights into the underlying pathophysiology.

Keywords: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; axonal neuropathy; synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO2); white blood cell proteomics.