A novel homozygous variant in MICOS13/QIL1 causes hepato-encephalopathy with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome

Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2020 Oct;8(10):e1427. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1427. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

Background: Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MTDPS) is part of a group of mitochondrial diseases characterized by a reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number. Most MTDPS is caused by mutations in genes that disrupt deoxyribonucleotide metabolism.

Methods: We performed the whole-exome sequencing of a hepato-encephalopathy patient with MTDPS and functional analyses to determine the clinical significance of the identified variant.

Results: Here, whole-exome sequencing of a patient presenting with hepato-encephalopathy and MTDPS identified a novel homozygous frameshift variant, c.13_29del (p.Trp6Profs*71) in MICOS13. MICOS13 (also known as QIL1, MIC13, or C19orf70) is a component of the MICOS complex, which plays crucial roles in the maintenance of cristae junctions at the mitochondrial inner membrane. We found loss of MICOS13 protein and fewer cristae structures in the mitochondria of fibroblasts derived from the patient. Stable expression of a wild-type MICOS13 cDNA in the patients fibroblasts using a lentivirus system rescued mitochondrial respiratory chain complex deficiencies.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the novel c.13_29del (p.Trp6Profs*71) MICOS13 variant causes hepato-encephalopathy with MTDPS. We propose that MICOS13 is classified as the cause of MTDPS.

Keywords: MICOS complex; cristae; mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome; mitochondrial disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
  • Frameshift Mutation
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / ultrastructure
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Myopathies / pathology
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • MICOS13 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome, Hepatocerebral Form, Autosomal Recessive