Whole exome sequencing identifies novel DYT1 dystonia-associated genome variants as potential disease modifiers

Background DYT1 dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by painful sustained muscle contractions resulting in abnormal twisting and postures. In a subset of patients, it is caused by a loss-of-function mutation (ΔE302/303; or ΔE) in the luminal ATPases associated with various cellular activities (AAA+) protein torsinA encoded by the TOR1A gene. The low penetrance of the ΔE mutation (∼30-40%) suggests the existence of unknown genetic modifiers of DYT1 dystonia.Methods To identify these modifiers, we performed whole exome sequencing of blood leukocyte DNA isolated from two DYT1 dystonia patients, three asymptomatic carriers of the ΔE mutation, and an unaffected adult relative.Results A total of 264 DYT1 dystonia-associated variants (DYT1 variants) were identified in 195 genes. Consistent with the emerging view of torsinA as an important regulator of the cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, and lipid metabolism, we found DYT1 variants in genes that encode proteins implicated in these processes. Moreover, 40 DYT1 variants were detected in 32 genes associated with neuromuscular and neuropsychiatric disorders.Conclusion The DYT1 variants described in this work represent exciting new targets for future studies designed to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text