Combined occurrence of a novel TOR1A and a THAP1 mutation in primary dystonia

Abstract

Background: The ΔGAG deletion of the TOR1A gene (DYT1) is responsible for DYT1 dystonia. However, no other TOR1A mutation has been reported in the Chinese population. Methods: Two hundred one dystonia patients without the ΔGAG deletion were screened for other mutations in TOR1A. Gene function changes were analyzed by subcellular distribution and luciferase reporter assay. Results: A novel TOR1A mutation (c.581A>T, p.Asp194Val) was found in a patient with early-onset segmental dystonia harboring a THAP1 mutation (c.539T>C, p.Leu180Ser). Overexpression of mutant TOR1A Asp194Val protein induces inclusion formation in SK-N-AS cell lines, and the repressive activity of the mutant THAP1 Leu180Ser protein on TOR1A gene expression is decreased compared with wild-type THAP1. Conclusions: This is the first report about a dystonia patient harboring two distinct dystonia gene mutations. Functional analysis indicated a potential additive effect of these two mutations, which might provoke the occurrence of dystonic symptoms in this patient. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.