Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia Research Articles

A pseudo-homozygous missense variant and Alu-mediated exon 5 deletion in FARS2 causing spastic paraplegia 77.

FARS2-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia, later onset spastic paraplegia type 77, is a rarely neurodegenerative disease. Here, we reported two affected siblings in an autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia family with a pseudo-homozygous missense variant and Alu-mediated exon 5 deletion in FARS2. Both patients gradually developed altered gaits and weakness in both lower limbs. In our literature review, spastic paraplegia type 77 shows high heterogeneity in clinical manifestations. Our study broadens the scope of pathogenic mechanisms of SPG77 resulting from compound heterozygous mutations in FARS2 and provides strong evidence that deletion in FARS2 due to recombination event mediated by Alu element.

Phenotypic variability related to dominant UCHL1 mutations: about three families with optic atrophy and ataxia.

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) has been associated with a severe, complex autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia (HSP79) [1] [2] [3][4]. More recently, UCHL1 loss of function (LoF) variants have been associated to an autosomal dominant disease characterized by late-onset spastic ataxia, neuropathy, and frequent optic atrophy [5]. Routine clinical care whole-genome (WGS) and exome (ES) sequencing. We present three families with autosomal dominant UCHL1-related disorder. The clinical phenotype mainly associated optic atrophy, mixed cerebellar and sensory ataxia, and possible hearing loss. We delineated two major phenotypes, even within the same family: (1) juvenile severe optic atrophy followed by a later-onset ataxia, or (2) late-onset ataxia with asymptomatic or mild optic atrophy. The families harboured three novel heterozygous variants in UCHL1: two loss of function (p.Lys115AsnfsTer40; c.171_174 + 7del11), and one missense (p.Asp176Asn) involving the catalytic site of the protein and potentially altering the adjacent splice site. We confirm the existence of dominantly inherited UCHL1 pathogenic variants. We describe a considerable intrafamilial phenotypic variability, with two main phenotypes. Optic atrophy was consistently present, but with varying degrees of severity. Neither delayed motor or intellectual development, nor dysmorphic features were part of the dominant phenotype in comparison with the autosomal recessive form. The molecular mechanism appears to be haploinsufficiency. UCHL1 monoallelic variants should therefore be considered in any case of early-onset optic atrophy or in late-onset complex ataxic syndrome with asymptomatic optic atrophy.

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia Type 51 Caused by Homozygous Mutation of the AP4E1 Gene: A Case Report of a 17-Years-Old Boy

Autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia-51 (SPG51) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a homozygous mutation in the AP4E1 gene, located on chromosome 15q21. Spastic paraplegia-51 (SPG51) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by neonatal hypotonia that progresses to hypertonia and spasticity. Mutations in the AP-4E1 gene on chromosome 15q21.2, which is part of the AP-4 complex, can lead to autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 51 (SPG51). Different mutations in this gene have been identified in affected individuals, leading to disruption of the AP4 complex and vesicular trafficking processes. The specific characteristics of SPG51 are, due to only few cases, not well understood due to limited reports of affected families. Affected individuals also have global developmental delay with impaired intellectual development and poor or absent speech. Studies linked to an additive symptom of persistent stuttering. Affected individuals typically present with hypotonia in the neonatal period, which progresses to muscular hypertonia, especially in the lower limbs. They may also exhibit contractures, talipes equinovarus, decreased muscle mass, short stature, and microcephaly. Severe mental retardation, absent speech, and dysmorphic facial features are common. Some patients may experience seizures. Neurological examination often reveals spastic paraplegia of the lower limbs, and brain imaging may show atrophy of the cerebellar vermis and cortical atrophy. We present an extremely rare case of a 17 years-old boy with autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 51.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy produced by the ATP1A2 mutation

A case of DEE98, a rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy related to previously reported the de novo missense mutation p.Arg908Gln in the ATP1A2 gene, is described. A girl examined first time in 11 months had microcephaly, severe mental and motor delay, strabismus, spastic paraparesis and pachypolymicrogyria on brain MRI that is atypical for DEE98. Epilepsy with polymorphic seizures started at the age of 15 months. There was a remission lasting 9 months, after which seizures renewed. DEE98 was diagnosed at the age of 2 years 9 months by exome sequencing verified by trio Sanger sequencing. Another finding from high-throughput exome sequencing were two previously undescribed heterozygous variants of uncertain pathogenicity in the SPART gene, which causes autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 20 (SPG20); Sanger sequencing confirmed the trans position of the variants. The common clinical sign with typical SPG20 was early spastic paraparesis with contractures; other symptoms did not coincide. Considering the phenotypic diversity of SPG20 and the possibility of a combination of two independent diseases, we performed an additional study of the pathogenicity of SPART variants at the mRNA level: pathogenicity was not confirmed, and there were no grounds to diagnose SPG20.

Ap4s1 truncation leads to axonal defects in a zebrafish model of spastic paraplegia 52.

Biallelic mutations in AP4S1, the σ4 subunit of the adaptor protein complex 4 (AP-4), lead to autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 52 (SPG52). It is a subtype of AP-4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (AP-4-HSP), a complex childhood-onset neurogenetic disease characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia of the lower limbs. This disease has so far lacked effective treatment, in part due to a lack of suitable animal models. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate a truncation mutation in the ap4s1 gene in zebrafish. The ap4s1 truncation led to motor impairment, delayed neurodevelopment, and distal axonal degeneration. This animal model is useful for further research into AP-4 and AP-4-HSP.

AMFR dysfunction causes autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia in human that is amenable to statin treatment in a preclinical model

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are rare, inherited neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders that mainly present with lower limb spasticity and muscle weakness due to motor neuron dysfunction. Whole genome sequencing identified bi-allelic truncating variants in AMFR, encoding a RING-H2 finger E3 ubiquitin ligase anchored at the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in two previously genetically unexplained HSP-affected siblings. Subsequently, international collaboration recognized additional HSP-affected individuals with similar bi-allelic truncating AMFR variants, resulting in a cohort of 20 individuals from 8 unrelated, consanguineous families. Variants segregated with a phenotype of mainly pure but also complex HSP consisting of global developmental delay, mild intellectual disability, motor dysfunction, and progressive spasticity. Patient-derived fibroblasts, neural stem cells (NSCs), and in vivo zebrafish modeling were used to investigate pathomechanisms, including initial preclinical therapy assessment. The absence of AMFR disturbs lipid homeostasis, causing lipid droplet accumulation in NSCs and patient-derived fibroblasts which is rescued upon AMFR re-expression. Electron microscopy indicates ER morphology alterations in the absence of AMFR. Similar findings are seen in amfra-/- zebrafish larvae, in addition to altered touch-evoked escape response and defects in motor neuron branching, phenocopying the HSP observed in patients. Interestingly, administration of FDA-approved statins improves touch-evoked escape response and motor neuron branching defects in amfra-/- zebrafish larvae, suggesting potential therapeutic implications. Our genetic and functional studies identify bi-allelic truncating variants in AMFR as a cause of a novel autosomal recessive HSP by altering lipid metabolism, which may potentially be therapeutically modulated using precision medicine with statins.

Expanding the Knowledge of KIF1A-Dependent Disorders to a Group of Polish Patients

KIF1A (kinesin family member 1A)-related disorders encompass a variety of diseases. KIF1A variants are responsible for autosomal recessive and dominant spastic paraplegia 30 (SPG, OMIM610357), autosomal recessive hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2 (HSN2C, OMIM614213), and autosomal dominant neurodegeneration and spasticity with or without cerebellar atrophy or cortical visual impairment (NESCAV syndrome), formerly named mental retardation type 9 (MRD9) (OMIM614255). KIF1A variants have also been occasionally linked with progressive encephalopathy with brain atrophy, progressive neurodegeneration, PEHO-like syndrome (progressive encephalopathy with edema, hypsarrhythmia, optic atrophy), and Rett-like syndrome. The first Polish patients with confirmed heterozygous pathogenic and potentially pathogenic KIF1A variants were analyzed. All the patients were of Caucasian origin. Five patients were females, and four were males (female-to-male ratio = 1.25). The age of onset of the disease ranged from 6 weeks to 2 years. Exome sequencing identified three novel variants. Variant c.442G>A was described in the ClinVar database as likely pathogenic. The other two novel variants, c.609G>C; p.(Arg203Ser) and c.218T>G, p.(Val73Gly), were not recorded in ClinVar. The authors underlined the difficulties in classifying particular syndromes due to non-specific and overlapping signs and symptoms, sometimes observed only temporarily.

Conformational cycle of human polyamine transporter ATP13A2

Dysregulation of polyamine homeostasis strongly associates with human diseases. ATP13A2, which is mutated in juvenile-onset Parkinson’s disease and autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 78, is a transporter with a critical role in balancing the polyamine concentration between the lysosome and the cytosol. Here, to better understand human ATP13A2-mediated polyamine transport, we use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to solve high-resolution structures of human ATP13A2 in six intermediate states, including the putative E2 structure for the P5 subfamily of the P-type ATPases. These structures comprise a nearly complete conformational cycle spanning the polyamine transport process and capture multiple substrate binding sites distributed along the transmembrane regions, suggesting a potential polyamine transport pathway. Integration of high-resolution structures, biochemical assays, and molecular dynamics simulations allows us to obtain a better understanding of the structural basis of how hATP13A2 transports polyamines, providing a mechanistic framework for ATP13A2-related diseases.

Putative founder effect of Arg338* AP4M1 (SPG50) variant causing severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and spastic paraplegia: Report of three families.

Bi-allelic variants affecting one of the four genes encoding the AP4 subunits are responsible for the "AP4 deficiency syndrome." Core features include hypotonia that progresses to hypertonia and spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, postnatal microcephaly, epilepsy, and neuroimaging features. Namely, AP4M1 (SPG50) is involved in autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 50 (MIM#612936). We report on three patients with core features from three unrelated consanguineous families originating from the Middle East. Exome sequencing identified the same homozygous nonsense variant: NM_004722.4(AP4M1):c.1012C>T p.Arg338* (rs146262009). So far, four patients from three other families carrying this homozygous variant have been reported worldwide. We describe their phenotype and compare it to the phenotype of patients with other variants in AP4M1. We construct a shared single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotype around AP4M1 in four families and suggest a probable founder effect of Arg338* AP4M1 variant with a common ancestor most likely of Turkish origin.

Previously Undescribed Gross HACE1 Deletions as a Cause of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia

Spastic paraplegia and psychomotor retardation with or without seizures (SPPRS, OMIM 616756) is a rare genetic disease caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the HACE1 gene. Originally, these mutations have been reported to be implicated in tumor predisposition. Nonetheless, via whole exome sequencing in 2015, HACE1 mutations were suggested to be the cause of a new autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder, which is characterized by spasticity, muscular hypotonia, and intellectual disability. To date, 14 HACE1 pathogenic variants have been described; these variants have a loss-of-function effect that leads to clinical presentations with variable severities. However, gross deletions in the HACE1 gene have not yet been mentioned as a cause of spastic paraplegia. Here, we report a clinical case involving a 2-year-old male presenting with spasticity, mainly affecting the lower limbs, and developmental delay. Exome sequencing, chromosomal microarray analysis, and mRNA analysis were used to identify the causative gene. We revealed that the clinical findings were due to previously undescribed HACE1 biallelic deletions. We identified the deletion of exon 7: c.(534+1_535-1)_(617+1_618-1)del (NM_020771.4) and the gross deletion in the 6q16.3 locus, which affected the entire HACE1 gene: g.105018931_105337494del, (GRCh37). A comprehensive diagnostic approach for the patients with originally homozygous mutations in HACE1 is required since false homozygosity results are possible. More than 80% of the described mutations were reported to be homozygous. Initial hemizygosity is hard to detect by quantitative methods, and this may challenge molecular diagnostic identification in patients with spastic paraplegia.

Heterozygous UCHL1 loss-of-function variants cause a neurodegenerative disorder with spasticity, ataxia, neuropathy, and optic atrophy.

Biallelic variants in UCHL1 have been associated with a progressive early-onset neurodegenerative disorder, autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia type 79. In this study, we investigated heterozygous UCHL1 variants on the basis of results from cohort-based burden analyses. Gene-burden analyses were performed on exome and genome data of independent cohorts of patients with hereditary ataxia and spastic paraplegia from Germany and the United Kingdom in a total of 3169 patients and 33,141 controls. Clinical data of affected individuals and additional independent families were collected and evaluated. Patients' fibroblasts were used to perform mass spectrometry-based proteomics. UCHL1 was prioritized in both independent cohorts as a candidate gene for an autosomal dominant disorder. We identified a total of 34 cases from 18 unrelated families, carrying 13 heterozygous loss-of-function variants (15 families) and an inframe insertion (3 families). Affected individuals mainly presented with spasticity (24/31), ataxia (28/31), neuropathy (11/21), and optic atrophy (9/17). The mass spectrometry-based proteomics showed approximately 50% reduction of UCHL1 expression in patients' fibroblasts. Our bioinformatic analysis, in-depth clinical and genetic workup, and functional studies established haploinsufficiency of UCHL1 as a novel disease mechanism in spastic ataxia.

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia Type 78 Associated with a Homozygous Variant in the ATP13A2 Gene.

Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia Type 78 Associated with a Homozygous Variant in the ATP13A2 Gene.

Autosomal recessive spastic paraplegias types 7 and 76

Introduction. Since 2017, the Research Centre for Medical Genetics has been conducting the first clinical and molecular study in Russia of a heterogeneous spastic paraplegia group based on the MPS high throughput sequencing method. Our group of molecularly diagnosed SPGs (types with known genes) includes 122 families with 22 SPG types. This article continues the publication series on the study results. The study aimed to determine the proportion and analyze the clinical, molecular, and genetic characteristics of two autosomal recessive forms, SPG7 and SPG76, in a group of identified SPGs. Materials and methods. We assessed three non-inbred Russian families: two with SPG7 (a non-familial and a familial case) and one with SPG76 (a non-familial cases). Molecular genetic methods included massive parallel sequencing (MPS) panel for spastic paraplegia, Sanger sequencing, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)). Results. SPG7 was detected in 2 families and accounted for 1.6% of the entire SPG group and 8.7% of the autosomal recessive subgroup (less than in several other studies). The compound heterozygous genotypes in both families included the most frequent mutation in the SPG7 gene, c.1529C>T (p.Ala510Val); the allelic mutation in one case was a 4-exon deletion not previously described, while the other was a known mutation, c.228T>C (p.Ile743Thr). Despite a similar age at onset (end of the 3 rd –4 th decade), the symptoms were different: ‘uncomplicated’ spastic paraplegia in the non-familial case, while in the affected brothers prevailed ataxia; in both families, brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy. The SPG76 case is a rare one, especially in a non-inbred family, and the first in Eastern Europe. A total of 28 families, mostly inbred, have been described worldwide. Two new mutations were found in the CAPN1 gene in the compound heterozygous state: c.398_399insAGTGGTTCCGCCGGCC (p. Arg133Glnfs*39) and c.1535G>A (p.Arg512His). Clinical features of the 30-year-old patient were typical, with onset at 20 years of age, spastic paraplegia and ataxia, and without brain MRI abnormalities. Conclusion. The range of autosomal recessive SPGs in Russian patients includes both common and very rare forms occurring in non-inbred families. Of the 5 mutations found in the SPG7 and CAPN1 genes, 3 have not been previously described. Our observations demonstrate the close relationship between spastic paraplegia and ataxia and the significance of MPS and MLPA technologies in the diagnostics of SPG. For citation: Rudenskaya G.E., Kadnikova V.A., Ryzhkova O.P., Demina N.A., Sharkova I.V., Polyakov A.V. [Autosomal recessive spastic paraplegias types 7 and 76]. Annals of clinical and experimental neurology 2021; 15(2): 13–20. (In Russ.) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25692/ACEN.2021.2.2

A novel loss of function mutation in adaptor protein complex 4, subunit mu-1 causing autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 50.

Spastic paraplegia 50 (SPG50) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder characterized by spasticity, severe intellectual disability and delayed or absent speech. Loss-of-function pathogenic mutations in the AP4M1 gene cause SPG50. In this study, we investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of a consanguineous family with two male siblings who had infantile hypotonia that progressed to spasticity, paraplegia in one and quadriplegia in the other patient. In addition, the patients also exhibited neurodevelopmental phenotypes including severe intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly and dysmorphism. In order to identify the genetic cause, we performed cytogenetics, whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Whole-exome sequencing of the affected siblings and unaffected parents revealed a novel exonic frameshift insertion of eight nucleotides (c.341_342insTGAAGTGC) on exon 4 of the AP4M1 gene. Insertion of these eight nucleotides in the AP4M1 gene is predicted to result in a premature protein product of 132 amino acids. The truncated protein product lacks a signal binding domain which is essential for protein-protein interactions and the transport of cargo proteins to the membrane. Thus, the identified variant is pathogenic and our study expands the knowledge of clinical and genetic features of SPG50.

Using Whole Exome Sequencing, a Case of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia 50 caused by a splicing mutation in AP4M1 gene

Using Whole Exome Sequencing, a Case of Autosomal Recessive Spastic Paraplegia 50 caused by a splicing mutation in AP4M1 gene

Co-occurrence of leukoencephalopathy with ataxia and SPG56 in one family

Objective: We describe an Iraqi family with two recessive movement disorders, leukoencephalopathy with ataxia caused by CLCN2 mutations (LKPAT) and autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 56 (SPG56) caused by mutations in CYP2U1.

Mitochondrial Targeted AFG3 Abolishment Triggers Higher Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (ΔΨm) in Young Yeast

Yeast AFG3 gene is homologous to human AFG3L2 and SPG7 genes whose encoded proteins interact with each other on the mitochondrial inner membrane to form the m-AAA metalloproteinase complex. Mutations associated with the gene SPG7 cause autosomal recessive disease spastic paraplegia and a type of ataxia in human but the mitochondrial activity in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential was not investigated previously. In our earlier study, we characterized AFG3 gene deletion yeast mutant and found this mutant gained altered mitochondrial morphology and functions such as mitochondrial aggregation, absence of ROS, less ATP etc. In this current study, we further investigated the effect of AFG3 deletion on mitochondrial health and activation in yeast models. To do so, the rate of oxygen consumption was measured and found that afg3Δ consumed less amount of oxygen compared to wild type (WT). In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was measured and found that young afg3Δ gained significantly higher membrane potential (doubled) compared to WT. As Afg3 degrades unassembled or unfolded proteins, we also analyzed mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) signal and found inactivated indicating mitochondrial proteostatic balance was any how managed and augmentation of ΔΨm may play role here. Physical interaction with AFG3 were sorted out and classified in order to find out how the interactive network may hamper due to abolishment of the Afg3 protein function. Thus this investigation in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) model may provide additional information in the study of human spastic paraplegia.

Loss of ap4s1 in zebrafish leads to neurodevelopmental defects resembling spastic paraplegia 52.

Autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 52 is caused by biallelic mutations in AP4S1 which encodes a subunit of the adaptor protein complex 4 (AP‐4). Using next‐generation sequencing, we identified three novel unrelated SPG52 patients from a cohort of patients with cerebral palsy. The discovered variants in AP4S1 lead to reduced AP‐4 complex formation in patient‐derived fibroblasts. To further understand the role of AP4S1 in neuronal development and homeostasis, we engineered the first zebrafish model of AP‐4 deficiency using morpholino‐mediated knockdown of ap4s1. In this model, we discovered several phenotypes mimicking SPG52, including altered CNS development, locomotor deficits, and abnormal neuronal excitability.

Новая гомозиготная мутация в гене ARL6IP1 - второй случай редкой спастической параплегии

Актуальность. Наследственные спастические параплегии (НСП) - обширная, высоко гетерогенная группа нейродегенеративных заболеваний, характеризующихся прогрессирующим нижним спастическим парапарезом, вызванным поражением кортико-спинального тракта. Постоянно растущее число генов (картировано более 80 локусов, известно 60 генов), ассоциированных с НСП, осложняет постановку точного диагноза. Это особенно актуально для форм НСП, где описаны единичные случаи заболевания, как, например, для аутосомно-рецессивной спастической параплегии типа 61 (SPG61, OMIM: 615685). Введение в практику новых технологий секвенирования позволяет сократить время исследования и выявить молекулярно-генетическую причину заболевания в большинстве случаев, особенно в семьях с редкими НСП. Цель - описать клиническую картину редкой осложненной НСП с ранним началом (SPG61) в семье даргинцев, состоящих в близкородственном браке, и установить ее молекулярно-генетическую причину. Материалы и методы: семейный анамнез, неврологическое обследование, электроэнцефалография, МРТ головного мозга, выделение ДНК, секвенирование полного экзома, анализ данных полноэкзомного секвенирования, секвенирование по Сэнгеру. Результаты. В результате секвенирования полного экзома с последующим анализом полученных данных был обнаружен не описанный ранее гомозиготный вариант нуклеотидной последовательности c.[92T>C];[92T>C] (p.[(Leu31Pro)];[(Leu31Pro)], NM_015161.1) в экзоне 2 гена ARL6IP1 - второй вариант, найденный в этом гене в мире и первый в России. Наличие выявленного варианта было подтверждено методом прямого автоматического секвенирования по Сэнгеру. Вариант c.92T>C был зарегистрирован в гомозиготном состоянии у обоих пациентов и в гетерозиготном состоянии у родителей, тем самым была показана его сегрегация с заболеванием в данной семье. В статье приведено подробное описание клинических проявлений заболевания в данной семье и сравнение клинических проявлений у больных в двух семьях с выявленными изменениями в гене ARL6IP1 (описанной ранее и изученной нами). Выводы. Проведенное исследование дополняет характеристику клинических проявлений, связанных с изменениями в гене ARL6IP1, приводящих к осложненным НСП с ранним началом. Background. Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a large group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive lower limbs spasticity and weakness caused by a retrograde axonal degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. The considerable and constantly increasing number of HSP-associated genes (more than 80 different loci with 60 corresponding spastic paraplegia genes) complicates the diagnosis in every particular case, especially with a single reported occurrence like the autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia 61 (SPG61, OMIM: 615685). However, new sequencing methods allow to accelerate the process and find the molecular cause of the disease much more reliably, especially in families with rare HSPs. Aims. To describe a rare complicated early-onset HSP (SPG61) in a Dargin consanguineous family and find out its molecular genetical cause. Materials and methods: personal and family history analysis, neurological examination, electroencephalography, brain MRI, blood DNA extraction, whole exome sequencing (WES), WES data analysis, Sanger sequencing. Results. During a session of whole-exome sequencing and analysis, a new homozygous variant c.[92T>C];[92T>C] (p.[(Leu31Pro)];[(Leu31Pro)], NM_015161.1) has been discovered in exon 2 of the ARL6IP1 gene, which makes it the second variant found in this gene worldwide and the first one in Russia. Sanger sequencing of the patients’ and parents’ DNA confirmed the p.(Leu31Pro) variant status (homozygous in both patients and heterozygous in both parents) and its segregation with the disease status. Here we describe the clinical findings of the disease in this family and a clinical data comparison for two families with variants in the ARL6IP1 gene (described previously and studied in our laboratory). Conclusions. Our research broadens the diversity of symptoms associated with ARL6IP1 gene mutations. The discovered variant expands the causative mutation spectrum of complicated early-onset HSPs.

Cerebello-Cortical Alterations Linked to Cognitive and Social Problems in Patients With Spastic Paraplegia Type 7: A Preliminary Study.

Spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7), which represents one of the most common forms of autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia (MIM#607259), often manifests with a complicated phenotype, characterized by progressive spastic ataxia with evidence of cerebellar atrophy on brain MRI. Recent studies have documented the presence of peculiar dentate nucleus hyperintensities on T2-weighted images and frontal executive dysfunction in neuropsychological tests in SPG7 patients. Therefore, we decided to assess whether any particular MRI pattern might be specifically associated with SPG7 mutations and possibly correlated with patients' cognitive profiles. For this purpose, we evaluated six SPG7 patients, studying the cerebello-cortical network by MRI voxel-based morphometry and functional connectivity techniques, compared to 30 healthy control subjects. In parallel, we investigated the cognitive and social functioning of the SPG7 patients. Our results document specific cognitive alterations in language, verbal memory, and executive function in addition to an impairment of social task and emotional functions. The MRI scans showed a diffuse symmetric reduction in the cerebellar gray matter of the right lobule V, right Crus I, and bilateral lobule VI, together with a cerebral gray matter reduction in the lingual gyrus, precuneus, thalamus, and superior frontal gyrus. The evidence of an over-connectivity pattern between both the right and left cerebellar dentate nuclei and specific cerebral regions (the lateral occipital cortex, precuneus, left supramarginal gyrus, and left superior parietal lobule) confirms the presence of cerebello-cortical dysregulation in different networks involved in cognition and social functioning in SPG7 patients.