Identification of a novel Twinkle mutation in a family with infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia by whole exome sequencing

Whole exome sequencing combined with homozygosity mapping comprises a genetic diagnostic tool to identify genetic defects in families with multiple affected members, compatible with presumed autosomal recessively inherited neurometabolic/neurogenetic disease. These tools were applied to a family with two individuals manifesting ataxia, associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy, athetosis, seizures, deafness, and ophthalmoplegia. A novel homozygous missense mutation c.1366C>G (L456V) in C10orf2 (the Twinkle gene) was identified, confirming infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia in the probands. Signs in infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia follow a fairly distinct pattern, affecting early development, followed by ataxia and loss of skills. However, this very rare disease was previously reported only in Finland. We suggest that infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia should be more frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of neurometabolic diseases in childhood. Next-generation sequencing and its use along with homozygosity mapping offer highly promising techniques for molecular diagnosis, especially in small families affected with very rare neurometabolic disorders such as infantile onset spinocerebellar ataxia.