Identification of novel variations in SLC6A8 and GAMT genes causing cerebral creatine deficiency syndrome

Clin Chim Acta. 2022 Jul 1:532:29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.05.006. Epub 2022 May 16.

Abstract

Cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes (CCDSs) are a group of rare mendelian disorders mainly characterized by intellectual disability, movement anomaly, behavior disorder and seizures. SLC6A8, GAMT, and GATM are known genes responsible for CCDS. In this study, seven pediatric patients with developmental delay were recruited and submitted to a series of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and genetic analysis. The clinical manifestations and core biochemical indications of each child were basically consistent with the diagnosis of CCDS. Genetic diagnosis determined that all patients were positive for SLC6A8 or GAMT variation. A total of 12 variants were identified in this cohort, including six novel ones. The frequency of these variants, the Revel scores and the conservatism of the affected amino acids support their pathogenicity. Our findings expanded the mutation spectrum of CCDS disorders, and provided solid evidence for the counseling to affected families.

Keywords: Creatine deficiency syndrome; GAMT; SLC6A8; Whole-exome sequencing.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn* / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn* / genetics
  • Child
  • Creatine / deficiency
  • Guanidinoacetate N-Methyltransferase* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability* / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins* / genetics
  • Plasma Membrane Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins* / genetics
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Plasma Membrane Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins
  • SLC6A8 protein, human
  • GAMT protein, human
  • Guanidinoacetate N-Methyltransferase
  • Creatine