Intrafamilial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of dystonia

J Neurol Sci. 2006 Dec 1;250(1-2):92-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.07.010. Epub 2006 Oct 5.

Abstract

Most cases of early-onset primary torsion dystonia are caused by the same 3-bp (GAG) deletion in the DYT1 gene. We describe a large Serbian family with significant intrafamilial variability of the DYT1 phenotype, from asymptomatic carrier status to late-onset focal, and generalized jerky dystonia. Seven mutation carriers (six proven by direct analysis and one by inferred haplotype) were identified, but only two of them were affected by dystonia (penetrance reduced to 29%). In addition, three GAG-deletion-negative family members also developed dystonia (two multifocal dystonia and one torticollis), suggesting that their involuntary movements are due to some other etiological factor(s) (i.e., another dystonia gene), or may be psychogenic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 / genetics
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Disease Progression
  • Dystonic Disorders / genetics*
  • Dystonic Disorders / metabolism
  • Dystonic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Environment
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genetic Variation / genetics
  • Haplotypes
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics*
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Penetrance
  • Phenotype
  • Yugoslavia

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • TOR1A protein, human