title: Loss of ALDH18A1 function is associated with a cellular lipid droplet phenotype suggesting a link between autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 3A and Warburg Micro syndrome.
abstract: Autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 3A is caused by mutations in ALDH18A1, a gene encoding the mitochondrial enzyme Δ(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS). It is a rare disorder with only six pathogenic mutations and 10 affected individuals from five families previously described in the literature. Here we report the identification of novel compound heterozygous missense mutations in two affected siblings from a Lebanese family by whole-exome sequencing. The mutations alter a conserved C-terminal domain of the encoded protein and reduce protein stability as determined through Western blot analysis of patient fibroblasts. Patient fibroblasts exhibit a lipid droplet phenotype similar to that recently reported in Warburg Micro syndrome, a disorder with similar features but hitherto unrelated cellular etiology.
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Mark T
authors: MT
authors: Handley
authors: Institut Médical Jérôme Lejeune et Fondation Jérome Lejeune Paris, France ; Unité de Génétique Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph Beirut, Lebanon.
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Mégarbané
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Alison M
authors: AM
authors: Meynert
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Brown
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Freyer
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Martin S
authors: MS
authors: Taylor
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Ian J
authors: IJ
authors: Jackson
authors: MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK.
authors: Irene A
authors: IA
authors: Aligianis
keywords: ARCL3A; Warburg Micro syndrome; cutis laxa; lipid droplets