A novel de novo mutation in MYT1, the unique OAVS gene identified so far

Eur J Hum Genet. 2017 Sep;25(9):1083-1086. doi: 10.1038/ejhg.2017.101. Epub 2017 Jun 14.

Abstract

Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) is a developmental disorder characterized by hemifacial microsomia associated with ear, eyes and vertebrae malformations showing highly variable expressivity. Recently, MYT1, encoding the myelin transcription factor 1, was reported as the first gene involved in OAVS, within the retinoic acid (RA) pathway. Fifty-seven OAVS patients originating from Brazil were screened for MYT1 variants. A novel de novo missense variant affecting function, c.323C>T (p.(Ser108Leu)), was identified in MYT1, in a patient presenting with a severe form of OAVS. Functional studies showed that MYT1 overexpression downregulated all RA receptors genes (RARA, RARB, RARG), involved in RA-mediated transcription, whereas no effect was observed on CYP26A1 expression, the major enzyme involved in RA degradation, Moreover, MYT1 variants impacted significantly the expression of these genes, further supporting their pathogenicity. In conclusion, a third variant affecting function in MYT1 was identified as a cause of OAVS. Furthermore, we confirmed MYT1 connection to RA signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Goldenhar Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Goldenhar Syndrome / genetics*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / genetics
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / metabolism
  • Retinoic Acid 4-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Retinoic Acid 4-Hydroxylase / metabolism
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha / genetics
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha / metabolism
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor gamma
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Tretinoin / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • MYT1 protein, human
  • RARA protein, human
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
  • Transcription Factors
  • retinoic acid receptor beta
  • Tretinoin
  • CYP26A1 protein, human
  • Retinoic Acid 4-Hydroxylase