Novel variants in the NARS2 gene as a cause of infantile-onset severe epilepsy leading to fatal refractory status epilepticus: case study and literature review

Neurogenetics. 2021 Oct;22(4):359-364. doi: 10.1007/s10048-021-00659-0. Epub 2021 Aug 20.

Abstract

Biallelic variants in the NARS2 gene are the cause of a continuous spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders presenting with various severity-from spastic paraplegia, progressive neurodegeneration to Leigh and Alpers syndrome. Common clinical signs result from a mitochondrial dysfunction based on OXPHOS deficiency. Here, we present a patient with infantile-onset severe epilepsy leading to fatal refractory status epilepticus. Whole exome sequencing with Exomiser analysis based on HPO terms detected two novel NARS2 variants in a compound heterozygous state. To date, 18 different NARS2 disease-causing mutations have been described. Our study adds to the understanding of this mitochondrial disorder.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Exomiser; NARS2; Neurodegeneration; Variant; Whole exome sequencing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Aspartate-tRNA Ligase / genetics*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics*
  • Mutation / genetics*

Substances

  • Aspartate-tRNA Ligase
  • NARS2 protein, human