Childhood neurodegeneration associated with a specific UBTF variant: a new case report and review of the literature

BMC Neurol. 2020 Jan 13;20(1):17. doi: 10.1186/s12883-019-1586-x.

Abstract

Background: A new monogenic neurodegenerative disease affecting ribosomal metabolism has recently been identified in association with a monoallelic UBTF putative gain of function variant (NM_001076683.1:c.628G>A, hg19). Phenotype is consistent among these probands with progressive motor, cognitive, and behavioural regression in early to middle childhood.

Case presentation: We report on a child with this monoallelic UBTF variant who presented with progressive disease including regression, episodes of subacute deterioration during febrile illnesses and a remarkable EEG pattern with a transient pattern of semi-periodic slow waves.

Conclusions: This case further supports the phenotype-genotype correlation of neurodegeneration associated with UBTF c.628G>A. Moreover, it brings new insights into the clinical features and EEG that could possibly serve as diagnostic markers of this otherwise nonspecific phenotype.

Keywords: EEG; Neurodegeneration; UBTF.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Pol1 Transcription Initiation Complex Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Pol1 Transcription Initiation Complex Proteins
  • transcription factor UBF