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Original article
MuSK: a new target for lethal fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS)
  1. Maria Wilbe1,
  2. Sara Ekvall1,
  3. Karin Eurenius2,
  4. Katharina Ericson1,3,
  5. Olivera Casar-Borota1,3,
  6. Joakim Klar1,
  7. Niklas Dahl1,
  8. Adam Ameur1,
  9. Göran Annerén1,
  10. Marie-Louise Bondeson1
  1. 1Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  2. 2Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  3. 3Department of Pathology and Cytology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
  1. Correspondence to Dr Maria Wilbe, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, BMC, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 815, Uppsala SE-751 08, Sweden; maria.wilbe{at}igp.uu.se Marie-Louise Bondeson, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden; marielouise.bondeson{at}igp.uu.se

Abstract

Background Fetal akinesia deformation sequence syndrome (FADS, OMIM 208150) is characterised by decreased fetal movement (fetal akinesia) as well as intrauterine growth restriction, arthrogryposis, and developmental anomalies (eg, cystic hygroma, pulmonary hypoplasia, cleft palate, and cryptorchidism). Mutations in components of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) pathway have previously been associated with FADS.

Methods and results We report on a family with recurrent fetal loss, where the parents had five affected fetuses/children with FADS and one healthy child. The fetuses displayed no fetal movements from the gestational age of 17 weeks, extended knee joints, flexed hips and elbows, and clenched hands. Whole exome sequencing of one affected fetus and the parents was performed. A novel homozygous frameshift mutation was identified in muscle, skeletal receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), c.40dupA, which segregated with FADS in the family. Haplotype analysis revealed a conserved haplotype block suggesting a founder mutation. MuSK (muscle-specific tyrosine kinase receptor), a component of the AChR pathway, is a main regulator of neuromuscular junction formation and maintenance. Missense mutations in MuSK have previously been reported to cause congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) associated with AChR deficiency.

Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that a mutation in MuSK is associated with FADS. The results support previous findings that CMS and/or FADS are caused by complete or severe functional disruption of components located in the AChR pathway. We propose that whereas milder mutations of MuSK will cause a CMS phenotype, a complete loss is lethal and will cause FADS.

  • Clinical genetics

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