Identification and characterisation of a large senataxin (SETX) gene duplication in ataxia with ocular apraxia type 2 (AOA2)

Neurogenetics. 2008 Oct;9(4):295-9. doi: 10.1007/s10048-008-0139-z. Epub 2008 Jul 29.

Abstract

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with ocular apraxia type 2 (AOA2) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by early onset cerebellar ataxia, sensory-motor neuropathy and frequently increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein. We describe a male patient with a phenotype highly suggestive of AOA2, but only one point mutation found by sequencing of the SETX gene. Further analysis revealed a large out-of-frame tandem duplication, encompassing exons 7, 8, 9 and 10. This duplication event occurred obviously by unequal homologous recombination between AluY sequences. Gross SETX deletions or duplications might be an underestimated cause of AOA2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alu Elements
  • Apraxias / complications
  • Apraxias / genetics*
  • Apraxias / pathology
  • Base Sequence
  • Brain / pathology
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Helicases
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Exons
  • Gene Duplication*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • Phenotype
  • RNA Helicases / genetics*
  • Spinocerebellar Degenerations / complications
  • Spinocerebellar Degenerations / genetics*
  • Spinocerebellar Degenerations / pathology

Substances

  • Multifunctional Enzymes
  • DNA
  • SETX protein, human
  • DNA Helicases
  • RNA Helicases