Clinical spectrum and genetic studies of Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

The association of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) with type II lissencephaly and ocular anomalies is found in Fukuyama CMD (FCMD), the Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS), and muscle-eye-brain disease (MEBD). The classification of these disorders remains controversial. Between 1972 and 1992, we performed clinical and genetic studies in 41 families of FCMD, which is particularly frequent in Japan. Nine families (22%) had multiple affected children (“familial” FCMD). The other 32 families had only one affected child (“sporadic” FCMD). Parental consanguinity was documented in 5 sporadic FCMD families and in none of the familial cases. In total, 48 patients, including 7 sib pairs, were evaluated with regard to maximum motor ability, mental and convulsion states, cranial CT or MRI findings, and EEG and ophthalmological data. A difference between the sibs in motor ability was apparent in 4 families. Mental status also showed wide variation. Two of 7 sib pairs differed in EEG findings. The familial FCMD patients showed relatively more severe motor disability than that in the sporadic FCMD patients, while in mental and convulsion states no significant difference was found in both groups. Interestingly, in one family hydrocephalus was found in only one of the sibs. In addition, this patient showed encephalocele and retinal detachment at birth. Based on these observations, we consider the clinical spectrum of FCMD to be much broader than previously described and to overlap with that of “mild” WWS and of MEBD. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

福山型先天性肌营养不良基因型和表型分析

目的 通过单体型分析,对临术诊断为福山型先天性肌营不良（Ｆｕｋｕｙａｍａ ｃｏｎｇｅｎｉｔａｌ ｍｕｓｃｕｌａｒ ｄｙｓｔｒｏｐｈｙ,ＦＣＭＤ）的患者进行基因诊断,并探讨ＦＣＭＤ基因型和表型之间的关系。方法 应用Ｄ９Ｓ３０６,Ｄ９Ｓ２１０５,Ｄ９Ｓ２１７０,Ｄ９Ｓ２１７１,Ｄ９Ｓ２１０７,Ｄ９Ｓ１７２等６个微卫星ＤＮＡ,经聚合酶链反应（ＰＣＲ）,扩增片段长度多态性－内烯酰胺凝胶电泳,对１００个日本     

Prenatal diagnosis of Fukuyama type congenital muscular dystrophy by polymorphism analysis

Fukuyama type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a combination of primary muscular dystrophy of early infantile onset and brain malformation (lissencephaly type II). The identification of the FCMD gene locus at 9q31 opened the theoretical possibility of prenatal diagnosis. The authors conducted prenatal diagnosis in two unrelated FCMD families by analysis using nine microsatellite CA-repeat polymorphic markers flanking the FCMD locus, and calculated phenotype probabilities in fetuses with a computer program, LINKAGE. The fetus in family 1 showed a 99% probability of being healthy either as a normal homozygote or a heterozygote carrier and was born without signs of FCMD. In family 2, the fetus was diagnosed to have FCMD with at least 86% probability. The parents of this family decided to terminate the pregnancy and an abortus showed brain malformations characteristic of an FCMD fetus. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The expanding phenotype of laminin alpha2 chain (merosin) abnormalities: case series and review

Initial reports of patients with laminin alpha2 chain (merosin) deficiency had a relatively homogeneous phenotype, with classical congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) characterised by severe muscle weakness, inability to achieve independent ambulation, markedly raised creatine kinase, and characteristic white matter hypodensity on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. We report a series of five patients with laminin alpha2 deficiency, only one of whom has this severe classical CMD phenotype, and review published reports to characterise the expanded phenotype of laminin alpha2 deficiency, as illustrated by this case series. While classical congenital muscular dystrophy with white matter abnormality is the commonest phenotype associated with laminin alpha2 deficiency, 12% of reported cases have later onset, slowly progressive weakness more accurately designated limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In addition, the following clinical features are reported with increased frequency: mental retardation (~6%), seizures (~8%), subclinical cardiac involvement (3-35%), and neuronal migration defects (4%). At least 25% of patients achieve independent ambulation. Notably, three patients with laminin alpha2 deficiency were asymptomatic, 10 patients had normal MRI (four with LAMA2 mutations reported), and between 10-20% of cases had maximum recorded creatine kinase of less than 1000 U/l. LAMA2 mutations have been identified in 25% of cases. Sixty eight percent of these have the classical congenital muscular dystrophy, but this figure is likely to be affected by ascertainment bias. We conclude that all dystrophic muscle biopsies, regardless of clinical phenotype, should be studied with antibodies to laminin alpha2. In addition, the use of multiple antibodies to different regions of laminin alpha2 may increase the diagnostic yield and provide some correlation with severity of clinical phenotype.     

一个先天性肌营养不良1A型家系的临床、分子病理及遗传学研究

目的 分析并确立1个先天性肌营养不良1A型(congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A,MDC1A)家系的临床、分子病理及遗传学特征.方法 收集该家系患儿及父母的临床资料,对患儿进行腓肠肌活检,采用特异抗体行免疫组织化学染色,包括merosin抗体、抗α抗肌萎缩相关糖蛋白(α-dystroglycan,α-DG)糖链抗体ⅡH6、抗β抗肌萎缩相关糖蛋白(β-dystroglycan,β-DG)抗体及抗肌萎缩蛋白(dystrophin)C末端(Dys-C)抗体;提取患儿及其父母外周血基因组DNA,PCR扩增LAMA2基因的65个外显子,以琼脂糖凝胶电泳鉴定PCR产物,PCR产物纯化后DNA直接测序,确定基因突变的类型,分析基因型和表型的关系.结果 患儿自幼运动发育落后,肌病面容,肌酶中度升高,头颅MRI提示脑白质异常信号,临床诊断为先天性肌营养不良1A型.通过活检肌肉组织免疫学染色提示merosin完全缺失,dystrophin和DG表达正常.基因检测显示先证者LAMA2基因第5外显子c.817A>T纯合突变,其父母分别为此位点杂合突变.结论 本次研究进一步明确了MDC1A患儿的临床特点,通过分子遗传学分析发现该患儿为LAMA2基因c.817A>T(p.R273X)纯合无义突变,其突变基因分别来自父母,符合先天性肌营养不良1A型常染色体隐性遗传的规律,可确诊为先天性肌营养不良1A型.     

Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) and oc-dystroglycanopathy

ABSTRACT  Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS), and muscle-eye-brain (MEB) disease are clinically similar autosomal recessive disorders characterized by congenital muscular dystrophy, lissencephaly, and eye anomalies. Through positional cloning, we identified the gene for FCMD and MEB, which encodes the fukutin protein and the protein 0-linked mannose pi, 2-N-acetylglucosaminy ltransferase (POMGnTl), respectively. Recent studies have revealed that posttranslational modification of oc-dystro-glycan is associated with these congenital muscular dystrophies with brain malformations. In this review Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), other CMDs with brain malformations, and their relation with a-dystroglycan are discussed.     

Myotonic dystrophy and limb girdle muscular dystrophy in one family

A family is reported in which a 29-year-old woman showed the clinical features of myotonic dystrophy while her 26-year-old brother presented with the clinical picture of limb girdle syndrome. In the affected female, direct genetic testing for the specific myotonic dystrophy mutation on chromosome 19 revealed abnormal expansion of a repeat unit containing the three nucleotides cytosine, thymine, and guanine (CTG) — typical for myotonic dystrophy — while her diseased brother displayed two normal alleles. This supports the hypothesis of the extremely rare occurrence of two clinically and genetically different myopathies in one family. Genetic analysis of six other family members showed that the father of the diseased siblings as well as all of his three brothers and sisters had a pathological CTG repeat expansion, and that the other two family members tested had a normal allelic pattern. The number of CTG repeats in the diseased women was approximately tenfold higher than in her asymptomatic relatives who revealed an abnormal allelic pattern. The increase in CTG repeats with transmission to a subsequent generation in this family was paralleled by a dramatic increase in the severity of myotonic dystrophy.Abbreviations DM myotonic dystrophy - LGS limb girdle syndrome - LGMD limb girdle muscular dystrophy - CTG cytosine, thymine, guanine - PCR polymerase chain reaction     

Genetic epidemiology of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in Slovenia

Most population studies on Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (BMD) muscular dystrophies predated the discovery of the gene and its product dystrophin. The diagnosis of these conditions and consequent epidemiological estimates were therefore limited to clinical criteria. In our study of the Slovene population the prevalence and cumulative incidence of DMD and BMD were calculated by including additional diagnostic tests: deletion screening in the dystrophin gene as well as dystrophin immunocytochemistry. The minimal prevalence rates, 2.9/100000 for DMD, 1.2/100000 for BMD, and the minimal cumulative DMD incidence rate of 13.8/100000 are in the range of lower estimates compared to studies world-wide. However, we found a high BMD cumulative incidence rate of 5.7/100000 and a high proportion of BMD versus DMD cumulative incidence rate (41.3%). Our results imply that the epidemiological figures for BMD might have been underestimated in the past.     

A study of possible heterogeneity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

One possible explanation for the apparently high birth incidence of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal X-linked disorder, is genetic heterogeneity. As a first step in possibly demonstrating genetic heterogeneity, affected boys were sub-divided into those with and without severe mental handicap. In those with severe mental handicap, ages at onset and of becoming confined to a wheelchair were later, the fall in SCK level with age was less marked, and the urinary excretion of certain aminoacids was greater than in affected boys with normal intelligence. Though the number of subjects investigated was relatively small (15 in each group) and further studies are therefore needed, the results suggest that DMD may not be a single disease entity.     

Atypical facio-scapulo-humeral muscular dystrophy — a counselling dilemma

In an isolated male patient, differentiation between Facio-Scapulo-Humeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSH) and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) may be difficult. To emphasise this point, we report a patient, whose features are atypical of FSH. Details of his daughter who now manifests similar presenting features, are provided. The pitfalls posed for the genetic counsellor by FSH presenting in an atypical manner which clinically overlaps with genetically distinct conditions are discussed in the light of this pedigree.     

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies

Congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies constitute a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of rare inherited diseases characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, motor delay and respiratory insufficiency. To date, curative care is not available for these diseases, which may severely affect both life‐span and quality of life. We discuss prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for families at risk, as well as diagnostic possibilities in sporadic cases.     

Prevalence and incidence of muscular dystrophy in Alberta, Canada

This paper describes the prevalence of Duchenne, Becker Type II, limb-girdle, facioscapulo-humeral dystrophies and dystrophia myotonia in Alberta, Canada, as of January 1, 1979. Rates established for Duchenne, limb-girdle, and facio-scapulo-humeral dystrophies in 1962 had all been lower. The incidence of each M.D. type is described during 1950–74 by either 5- or 10-year periods and shows consistent declines. Increased prevalence, despite declining incidence, for each of the muscular dystrophies may indicate improved medical care and greater longevity for affected youngsters.     

面肩肱型肌营养不良症的基因诊断

目的 对中国人面肩肱型肌营养不良症进行基因诊断。方法 用EcoRI以及EcoRI/BlnI消化基因组DNA,0.6%琼脂糖凝胶电泳,P13E11探针进行Southern印迹杂交。结果 患者所得EcoRI BlnI/P13E11DNA片段长度在15-33kb之间,而正常对照在41kb以上,发现两个症状前患者。结论 以P13E11探针通过Southern印迹杂交探测EcoRi/BlnI双酶消化的基因组DNA可对中国人绝大部分面肩肱型肌营养不良症进行基因诊断,并可进行症状前诊断。     

LAMA2 gene analysis in a cohort of 26 congenital muscular dystrophy patients

Congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene encoding laminin-alpha2. We describe the molecular study of 26 patients with clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging and/or laminin-alpha2 expression in muscle, compatible with MDC1A. The combination of full genomic sequencing and complementary DNA analysis led to the particularly high mutation detection rate of 96% (50/52 disease alleles). Besides 22 undocumented polymorphisms, 18 different mutations were identified in the course of this work, 14 of which were novel. In particular, we describe the first fully characterized gross deletion in the LAMA2 gene, encompassing exon 56 (c.7750-1713_7899-2153del), detected in 31% of the patients. The only two missense mutations detected were found in heterozygosity with nonsense or truncating mutations in the two patients with the milder clinical presentation and a partial reduction in muscle laminin-alpha2. Our results corroborate the previous few genotype/phenotype correlations in MDC1A and illustrate the importance of screening for gross rearrangements in the LAMA2 gene, which may be underestimated in the literature.     

Duchenne muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy in the same patient

We report on the first patient identified with myotonic dystrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The family of the propositus had a strong history of myotonic dystrophy, and there was an intrafamilial pathological expansion of the responsible CTG repeat between the mildly affected mother (160 repeats; normal 27 repeats) and her more severely affected son (650 repeats), and his sister (650 repeats). The propositus was an isolated case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy with marked dystrophin deficiency in muscle biopsy. The patient was still ambulatory post age 16. Myotonic dystrophy could interfere to some extent with the progression of Duchenne dystrophy. However, other interpretations are possible. Twelve percent of dystrophin revertant fibers as observed by immunohistochemistry could be sufficient to ameliorate typical DMD clinical severity, or the patient may present a somatic mosaic. The pathophysiological interactions of these two unlinked disorders are discussed at the clinical and histopathological levels. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Molecular deletions in the Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy gene

To gain further information relating to the frequency, position and size of DNA deletions in the Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (D/BMD) gene region, and to detect any correlation of these deletions with phenotype, a large clinic-based population of DMD and BMD patients has been investigated using 13 cloned intragenic sequences. Our of 263 separate patients studied, 75 showed a deletion of at least one locus (28.5%). These represented 25.6% (55/215) of DMD patients and 41.7% (20/48) of BMD patients, suggesting that the milder phenotype is more often likely to be due to a deletion. The deletions range from 6 kilobases (kb) to greater than 1000 kb in size. The distribution of deletions across the gene region shows at least one region (detected by P20) prone to deletion mutations in both DMD and BMD patients. There is no simple correlation of position or extent of deletions with DMD or BMD, although deletion of a specific region towards the 5' end of the gene may be more often associated with a milder phenotype. Apparently similar deletions can give rise to phenotypes differing significantly in severity, presumably indicating further complexities in the molecular or cellular pathology.     

A survey of manifesting carriers of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in Wales

Manifesting carriers of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are uncommon but well described. Such patients are of particular importance with regard to the differential diagnosis from autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. All mothers of affected males known to the Genetic Register of Muscular Dystrophy Families in Wales were contacted, and 167 out of a possible 190 were examined. It was estimated from pedigree and creatine kinase analysis that 119 out of the 167 were carriers of the Duchenne/Becker gene. Three manifesting carriers were identified, giving the proportion affected as 3/119 = 2.5%. We estimate the prevalence of manifesting carriers to be 1 in 100,000 of the female population, a figure comparable to the prevalence of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. During the period of the survey, several other women with similar clinical findings but without an appropriate family history were seen. We strongly suspect that some of these are also manifesting carriers of the Duchenne/Becker gene.     

Clinical and genetic studies of muscular dystrophy in young girls

During the years 1971-81, we treated 7 girls with clinical features suggestive of Duchenne dystrophy. Muscle weakness developed at 1.5 or at 5–8 years and progressed rapidly. Two girls were in wheel-chairs in their teens. Muscle atrophy began in the proximal parts of the lower extremities and pseudohypertrophy of the calf occurred in all patients. Serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity was moderately to highly elevated in all cases and EMG showed a moderate to marked myopathic pattern. Chromosomal studies showed normal finding in the five examined. Mental retardation (IQ 37–73) was present in four. Consanguinity was present in 3 out of the 7 cases. Two mothers showed elevated levels of CPK and myopathic patterns on EMG. In addition, one mother had slight muscle weakness at the age of 42 and another had prominent pseudohypertrophy of the calf. Sex-linked recessive inheritance might be considered here, because carriers of autosomal recessive type never showed elevated levels of CPK or mild myopathic symptoms. The other five of our seven might be cases of autosomal recessive inheritance, because the mothers had normal serum CPK levels and in 2 families there was a consanguinity.