[HTML][HTML] Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the dopamine transporter are associated with infantile parkinsonism-dystonia

MA Kurian, J Zhen, SY Cheng, Y Li… - The Journal of …, 2009 - Am Soc Clin Investig
MA Kurian, J Zhen, SY Cheng, Y Li, SR Mordekar, P Jardine, NV Morgan, E Meyer, L Tee…
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2009Am Soc Clin Investig
Genetic variants of the SLC6A3 gene that encodes the human dopamine transporter (DAT)
have been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder. In addition, the homozygous Slc6a3 knockout mouse displays a
hyperactivity phenotype. Here, we analyzed 2 unrelated consanguineous families with
infantile parkinsonism-dystonia (IPD) syndrome and identified homozygous missense
SLC6A3 mutations (p. L368Q and p. P395L) in both families. Functional studies …
Genetic variants of the SLC6A3 gene that encodes the human dopamine transporter (DAT) have been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, the homozygous Slc6a3 knockout mouse displays a hyperactivity phenotype. Here, we analyzed 2 unrelated consanguineous families with infantile parkinsonism-dystonia (IPD) syndrome and identified homozygous missense SLC6A3 mutations (p.L368Q and p.P395L) in both families. Functional studies demonstrated that both mutations were loss-of-function mutations that severely reduced levels of mature (85-kDa) DAT while having a differential effect on the apparent binding affinity of dopamine. Thus, in humans, loss-of-function SLC6A3 mutations that impair DAT-mediated dopamine transport activity are associated with an early-onset complex movement disorder. Identification of the molecular basis of IPD suggests SLC6A3 as a candidate susceptibility gene for other movement disorders associated with parkinsonism and/or dystonic features.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation