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De novo mtDNA point mutations are common and have a low recurrence risk

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Charlotte Alston, Charlotte Knowles, Professor Robert Taylor, Professor Bobby McFarlandORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Background Severe, disease-causing germline mitochondrial (mt)DNA mutations are maternally inherited or arise de novo. Strategies to prevent transmission are generally available, but depend on recurrence risks, ranging from high/unpredictable for many familial mtDNA point mutations to very low for sporadic, large-scale single mtDNA deletions. Comprehensive data are lacking for de novo mtDNA point mutations, often leading to misconceptions and incorrect counselling regarding recurrence risk and reproductive options. We aim to study the relevance and recurrence risk of apparently de novo mtDNA point mutations. Methods Systematic study of prenatal diagnosis (PND) and recurrence of mtDNA point mutations in families with de novo cases, including new and published data. 'De novo' based on the absence of the mutation in multiple (postmitotic) maternal tissues is preferred, but mutations absent in maternal blood only were also included. Results In our series of 105 index patients (33 children and 72 adults) with (likely) pathogenic mtDNA point mutations, the de novo frequency was 24.6%, the majority being paediatric. PND was performed in subsequent pregnancies of mothers of four de novo cases. A fifth mother opted for preimplantation genetic diagnosis because of a coexisting Mendelian genetic disorder. The mtDNA mutation was absent in all four prenatal samples and all 11 oocytes/embryos tested. A literature survey revealed 137 de novo cases, but PND was only performed for 9 (including 1 unpublished) mothers. In one, recurrence occurred in two subsequent pregnancies, presumably due to germline mosaicism. Conclusions De novo mtDNA point mutations are a common cause of mtDNA disease. Recurrence risk is low. This is relevant for genetic counselling, particularly for reproductive options. PND can be offered for reassurance.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Sallevelt SCEH, de Die-Smulders CEM, Hendrickx ATM, Hellebrekers DMEI, de Coo IFM, Alston CL, Knowles C, Taylor RW, McFarland R, Smeets HJM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Medical Genetics

Year: 2017

Volume: 54

Issue: 2

Pages: 114-124

Print publication date: 01/02/2017

Online publication date: 22/07/2016

Acceptance date: 09/06/2016

Date deposited: 19/04/2017

ISSN (print): 0022-2593

ISSN (electronic): 1468-6244

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group

URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-103876

DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-103876


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
CLA is the recipient of a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) doctoral fellowship (NIHRHCS-D12-03-04)
Lily Foundation
Medical Research Council (UK) Centre for Translational Muscle Disease Research (G0601943)
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research (096919Z/11/Z)
UK NHS Highly Specialised Commissioners which funds the ‘Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children’ Diagnostic Service in Newcastle upon Tyne

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