Regulatory myeloid cells paralyze T cells through cell-cell transfer of the metabolite methylglyoxal.

Regulatory myeloid immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), populate inflamed or cancerous tissue and block immune cell effector functions. The lack of mechanistic insight into MDSC suppressive activity and a marker for their identification has hampered attempts to overcome T cell inhibition and unleash anti-cancer immunity. Here, we report that human MDSCs were characterized by strongly reduced metabolism and conferred this compromised metabolic state to CD8+ T cells, thereby paralyzing their effector functions. We identified accumulation of the dicarbonyl radical methylglyoxal, generated by semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, to cause the metabolic phenotype of MDSCs and MDSC-mediated paralysis of CD8+ T cells. In a murine cancer model, neutralization of dicarbonyl activity overcame MDSC-mediated T cell suppression and, together with checkpoint inhibition, improved the efficacy of cancer immune therapy. Our results identify the dicarbonyl methylglyoxal as a marker metabolite for MDSCs that mediates T cell paralysis and can serve as a target to improve cancer immune therapy.

De novo stop-loss variants in CLDN11 cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.

Claudin-11, a tight junction protein, is indispensable in the formation of the radial component of myelin. Here, we report de novo stop-loss variants in the gene encoding claudin-11, CLDN11, in three unrelated individuals presenting with an early-onset spastic movement disorder, expressive speech disorder and eye abnormalities including hypermetropia. Brain MRI showed a myelin deficit with a discrepancy between T1-weighted and T2-weighted images and some progress in myelination especially involving the central and peripheral white matter. Exome sequencing identified heterozygous stop-loss variants c.622T>C, p.(*208Glnext*39) in two individuals and c.622T>G, p.(*208Gluext*39) in one individual, all occurring de novo. At the RNA level, the variant c.622T>C did not lead to a loss of expression in fibroblasts, indicating this transcript is not subject to nonsense-mediated decay and most likely translated into an extended protein. Extended claudin-11 is predicted to form an alpha helix not incorporated into the cytoplasmic membrane, possibly perturbing its interaction with intracellular proteins. Our observations suggest that stop-loss variants in CLDN11 expand the genetically heterogeneous spectrum of hypomyelinating leukodystrophies.

The p.Ala2430Val mutation in filamin C causes a "hypertrophic myofibrillar cardiomyopathy".

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) often leads to heart failure. Mutations in sarcomeric proteins are most frequently the cause of HCM but in many patients the gene defect is not known. Here we report on a young man who was diagnosed with HCM shortly after birth. Whole exome sequencing revealed a mutation in the FLNC gene (c.7289C > T; p.Ala2430Val) that was previously shown to cause aggregation of the mutant protein in transfected cells. Myocardial tissue from patients with this mutation has not been analyzed before and thus, the underlying etiology is not well understood. Myocardial tissue of our patient obtained during myectomy at the age of 23 years was analyzed in detail by histochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, electron microscopy and western blot analysis. Cardiac histology showed a pathology typical for myofibrillar myopathy with myofibril disarray and abnormal protein aggregates containing BAG3, desmin, HSPB5 and filamin C. Analysis of sarcomeric and intercalated disc proteins showed focally reduced expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 and Xin-positive sarcomeric lesions in the cardiomyocytes of our patient. In addition, autophagy pathways were altered with upregulation of LC3-II, WIPI1 and HSPB5, 6, 7 and 8. We conclude that the p.Ala2430Val mutation in FLNC most probably is associated with HCM characterized by abnormal intercalated discs, disarray of myofibrils and aggregates containing Z-disc proteins similar to myofibrillar myopathy, which supports the pathological effect of the mutation.

NAD(P)HX dehydratase (NAXD) deficiency: a novel neurodegenerative disorder exacerbated by febrile illnesses.

Physical stress, including high temperatures, may damage the central metabolic nicotinamide nucleotide cofactors [NAD(P)H], generating toxic derivatives [NAD(P)HX]. The highly conserved enzyme NAD(P)HX dehydratase (NAXD) is essential for intracellular repair of NAD(P)HX. Here we present a series of infants and children who suffered episodes of febrile illness-induced neurodegeneration or cardiac failure and early death. Whole-exome or whole-genome sequencing identified recessive NAXD variants in each case. Variants were predicted to be potentially deleterious through in silico analysis. Reverse-transcription PCR confirmed altered splicing in one case. Subject fibroblasts showed highly elevated concentrations of the damaged cofactors S-NADHX, R-NADHX and cyclic NADHX. NADHX accumulation was abrogated by lentiviral transduction of subject cells with wild-type NAXD. Subject fibroblasts and muscle biopsies showed impaired mitochondrial function, higher sensitivity to metabolic stress in media containing galactose and azide, but not glucose, and decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Recombinant NAXD protein harbouring two missense variants leading to the amino acid changes p.(Gly63Ser) and p.(Arg608Cys) were thermolabile and showed a decrease in Vmax and increase in KM for the ATP-dependent NADHX dehydratase activity. This is the first study to identify pathogenic variants in NAXD and to link deficient NADHX repair with mitochondrial dysfunction. The results show that NAXD deficiency can be classified as a metabolite repair disorder in which accumulation of damaged metabolites likely triggers devastating effects in tissues such as the brain and the heart, eventually leading to early childhood death.

Biallelic variants in the transcription factor PAX7 are a new genetic cause of myopathy.

PURPOSE: Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration rely on muscle stem cells, called satellite cells. Specific transcription factors, particularly PAX7, are key regulators of the function of these cells. Knockout of this factor in mice leads to poor postnatal survival; however, the consequences of a lack of PAX7 in humans have not been established. METHODS: Here, we study five individuals with myopathy of variable severity from four unrelated consanguineous couples. Exome sequencing identified pathogenic variants in the PAX7 gene. Clinical examination, laboratory tests, and muscle biopsies were performed to characterize the disease. RESULTS: The disease was characterized by hypotonia, ptosis, muscular atrophy, scoliosis, and mildly dysmorphic facial features. The disease spectrum ranged from mild to severe and appears to be progressive. Muscle biopsies showed the presence of atrophic fibers and fibroadipose tissue replacement, with the absence of myofiber necrosis. A lack of PAX7 expression was associated with satellite cell pool exhaustion; however, the presence of residual myoblasts together with regenerating myofibers suggest that a population of PAX7-independent myogenic cells partially contributes to muscle regeneration. CONCLUSION: These findings show that biallelic variants in the master transcription factor PAX7 cause a new type of myopathy that specifically affects satellite cell survival.

Mitochondrial DNA mutation analysis from exome sequencing-A more holistic approach in diagnostics of suspected mitochondrial disease.

Diagnostics for suspected mitochondrial disease (MD) can be challenging and necessitate invasive procedures like muscle biopsy. This is due to the extremely broad genetic and phenotypic spectrum, disease genes on both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and the tissue specificity of mtDNA variants. Exome sequencing (ES) has revolutionized the diagnostics for MD. However, the nuclear and mtDNA are investigated with separate tests, increasing costs and duration of diagnostics. The full potential of ES is often not exploited as the additional analysis of "off-target reads" deriving from the mtDNA can be used to analyze both genomes. We performed mtDNA analysis by ES of 2111 cases in a clinical setting. We further assessed the recall rate and precision as well as the estimation of heteroplasmy by ES data by comparison with targeted mtDNA next generation sequencing in 49 cases. ES identified known pathogenic mtDNA point mutations in 38 individuals, increasing the diagnostic yield by nearly 2%. Analysis of mtDNA variants by ES had a high recall rate (96.2 ± 5.6%) and an excellent precision (99.5 ± 2.2%) when compared to the gold standard of targeted mtDNA next generation sequencing. ES estimated heteroplasmy levels with an average difference of 6.6 ± 3.8%, sufficient for clinical decision making. Taken together, the mtDNA analysis from ES is of sufficient quality for clinical diagnostics. We therefore propose ES, investigating both nuclear and mtDNA, as first line test in individuals with suspected MD. One should be aware, that a negative result does not exclude MD and necessitates further test (in additional tissues).

COQ4 mutations cause a broad spectrum of mitochondrial disorders associated with CoQ10 deficiency.

Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiencies are rare, clinically heterogeneous disorders caused by mutations in several genes encoding proteins involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis. CoQ10 is an essential component of the electron transport chain (ETC), where it shuttles electrons from complex I or II to complex III. By whole-exome sequencing, we identified five individuals carrying biallelic mutations in COQ4. The precise function of human COQ4 is not known, but it seems to play a structural role in stabilizing a multiheteromeric complex that contains most of the CoQ10 biosynthetic enzymes. The clinical phenotypes of the five subjects varied widely, but four had a prenatal or perinatal onset with early fatal outcome. Two unrelated individuals presented with severe hypotonia, bradycardia, respiratory insufficiency, and heart failure; two sisters showed antenatal cerebellar hypoplasia, neonatal respiratory-distress syndrome, and epileptic encephalopathy. The fifth subject had an early-onset but slowly progressive clinical course dominated by neurological deterioration with hardly any involvement of other organs. All available specimens from affected subjects showed reduced amounts of CoQ10 and often displayed a decrease in CoQ10-dependent ETC complex activities. The pathogenic role of all identified mutations was experimentally validated in a recombinant yeast model; oxidative growth, strongly impaired in strains lacking COQ4, was corrected by expression of human wild-type COQ4 cDNA but failed to be corrected by expression of COQ4 cDNAs with any of the mutations identified in affected subjects. COQ4 mutations are responsible for early-onset mitochondrial diseases with heterogeneous clinical presentations and associated with CoQ10 deficiency.

PRUNE1 Deficiency: Expanding the Clinical and Genetic Spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Primary microcephaly and profound global developmental delay have been considered the core clinical phenotype in patients with bi-allelic PRUNE1 mutations. METHODS: Linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a multiplex family and extraction of further cases from a WES repository containing 571 children with severe developmental disabilities and neurologic symptoms. RESULTS: We identified bi-allelic PRUNE1 mutations in twelve children from six unrelated families. All patients who survived beyond the first 6 months of life had early-onset global developmental delay, bilateral spastic paresis, dysphagia and difficult-to-treat seizures, while congenital or later-evolving microcephaly was not a consistent finding. Brain MRI showed variable anomalies with progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophies and T2-hyperintense brain stem lesions. Peripheral neuropathy was documented in five cases. Disease course was progressive in all patients and eight children died in the first or early second decade of life. In addition to the previously reported missense mutation p.(Asp106Asn), we observed a novel homozygous missense variant p.(Leu172Pro) and a homozygous contiguous gene deletion encompassing most of the PRUNE1 gene and part of the neighboring BNIPL gene. CONCLUSIONS: PRUNE1 deficiency causes severe early-onset disease affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Microcephaly is probably not a universal feature.

Spectrum of combined respiratory chain defects.

Inherited disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism form a large and heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases. More than 250 gene defects have been reported to date and this number continues to grow. Mitochondrial diseases can be grouped into (1) disorders of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subunits and their assembly factors, (2) defects of mitochondrial DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, (3) defects in the substrate-generating upstream reactions of OXPHOS, (4) defects in relevant cofactors and (5) defects in mitochondrial homeostasis. Deficiency of more than one respiratory chain enzyme is a common finding. Combined defects are found in 49 % of the known disease-causing genes of mitochondrial energy metabolism and in 57 % of patients with OXPHOS defects identified in our diagnostic centre. Combined defects of complexes I, III, IV and V are typically due to deficiency of mitochondrial DNA replication, RNA metabolism or translation. Defects in cofactors can result in combined defects of various combinations, and defects of mitochondrial homeostasis can result in a generalised decrease of all OXPHOS enzymes. Noteworthy, identification of combined defects can be complicated by different degrees of severity of each affected enzyme. Furthermore, even defects of single respiratory chain enzymes can result in combined defects due to aberrant formation of respiratory chain supercomplexes. Combined OXPHOS defects have a great variety of clinical manifestations in terms of onset, course severity and tissue involvement. They can present as classical encephalomyopathy but also with hepatopathy, nephropathy, haematologic findings and Perrault syndrome in a subset of disorders.

Thiamine pyrophosphokinase deficiency in encephalopathic children with defects in the pyruvate oxidation pathway.

Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is an essential cofactor of the cytosolic transketolase and of three mitochondrial enzymes involved in the oxidative decarboxylation of either pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate or branched chain amino acids. Thiamine is taken up by specific transporters into the cell and converted to the active TPP by thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK) in the cytosol from where it can be transported into mitochondria. Here, we report five individuals from three families presenting with variable degrees of ataxia, psychomotor retardation, progressive dystonia, and lactic acidosis. Investigation of the mitochondrial energy metabolism showed reduced oxidation of pyruvate but normal pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity in the presence of excess TPP. A reduced concentration of TPP was found in the muscle and blood. Mutation analysis of TPK1 uncovered three missense, one splice-site, and one frameshift mutation resulting in decreased TPK protein levels.

Phenotypic spectrum of eleven patients and five novel MTFMT mutations identified by exome sequencing and candidate gene screening.

Defects of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) are associated with a wide range of clinical phenotypes and time courses. Combined OXPHOS deficiencies are mainly caused by mutations of nuclear genes that are involved in mitochondrial protein translation. Due to their genetic heterogeneity it is almost impossible to diagnose OXPHOS patients on clinical grounds alone. Hence next generation sequencing (NGS) provides a distinct advantage over candidate gene sequencing to discover the underlying genetic defect in a timely manner. One recent example is the identification of mutations in MTFMT that impair mitochondrial protein translation through decreased formylation of Met-tRNA(Met). Here we report the results of a combined exome sequencing and candidate gene screening study. We identified nine additional MTFMT patients from eight families who were affected with Leigh encephalopathy or white matter disease, microcephaly, mental retardation, ataxia, and muscular hypotonia. In four patients, the causal mutations were identified by exome sequencing followed by stringent bioinformatic filtering. In one index case, exome sequencing identified a single heterozygous mutation leading to Sanger sequencing which identified a second mutation in the non-covered first exon. High-resolution melting curve-based MTFMT screening in 350 OXPHPOS patients identified pathogenic mutations in another three index cases. Mutations in one of them were not covered by previous exome sequencing. All novel mutations predict a loss-of-function or result in a severe decrease in MTFMT protein in patients' fibroblasts accompanied by reduced steady-state levels of complex I and IV subunits. Being present in 11 out of 13 index cases the c.626C>T mutation is one of the most frequent disease alleles underlying OXPHOS disorders. We provide detailed clinical descriptions on eleven MTFMT patients and review five previously reported cases.

Mitochondrial depletion syndromes in children and adults.

To highlight differences between early-onset and adult mitochondrial depletion syndromes (MDS) concerning etiology and genetic background, pathogenesis, phenotype, clinical presentation and their outcome. MDSs most frequently occur in neonates, infants, or juveniles and more rarely in adolescents or adults. Mutated genes phenotypically presenting with adult-onset MDS include POLG1, TK2, TyMP, RRM2B, or PEO1/twinkle. Adult MDS manifest similarly to early-onset MDS, as myopathy, encephalo-myopathy, hepato-cerebral syndrome, or with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), fatigue, or only minimal muscular manifestations. Diagnostic work-up or treatment is not at variance from early-onset cases. Histological examination of muscle may be normal but biochemical investigations may reveal multiple respiratory chain defects. The outcome appears to be more favorable in adult than in early-onset forms. Mitochondrial depletion syndromes is not only a condition of neonates, infants, or juveniles but rarely also occurs in adults, presenting with minimal manifestations or manifestations like in the early-onset forms. Outcome of adult-onset MDS appears more favorable than early-onset MDS.

Mutation screening of 75 candidate genes in 152 complex I deficiency cases identifies pathogenic variants in 16 genes including NDUFB9.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial complex I deficiency is the most common cause of mitochondrial disease in childhood. Identification of the molecular basis is difficult given the clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Most patients lack a molecular definition in routine diagnostics. METHODS: A large-scale mutation screen of 75 candidate genes in 152 patients with complex I deficiency was performed by high-resolution melting curve analysis and Sanger sequencing. The causal role of a new disease allele was confirmed by functional complementation assays. The clinical phenotype of patients carrying mutations was documented using a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: Causative mutations were detected in 16 genes, 15 of which had previously been associated with complex I deficiency: three mitochondrial DNA genes encoding complex I subunits, two mitochondrial tRNA genes and nuclear DNA genes encoding six complex I subunits and four assembly factors. For the first time, a causal mutation is described in NDUFB9, coding for a complex I subunit, resulting in reduction in NDUFB9 protein and both amount and activity of complex I. These features were rescued by expression of wild-type NDUFB9 in patient-derived fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Mutant NDUFB9 is a new cause of complex I deficiency. A molecular diagnosis related to complex I deficiency was established in 18% of patients. However, most patients are likely to carry mutations in genes so far not associated with complex I function. The authors conclude that the high degree of genetic heterogeneity in complex I disorders warrants the implementation of unbiased genome-wide strategies for the complete molecular dissection of mitochondrial complex I deficiency.

Molecular diagnosis in mitochondrial complex I deficiency using exome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Next generation sequencing has become the core technology for gene discovery in rare inherited disorders. However, the interpretation of the numerous sequence variants identified remains challenging. We assessed the application of exome sequencing for diagnostics in complex I deficiency, a disease with vast genetic heterogeneity. METHODS: Ten unrelated individuals with complex I deficiency were selected for exome sequencing and sequential bioinformatic filtering. Cellular rescue experiments were performed to verify pathogenicity of novel disease alleles. RESULTS: The first filter criterion was 'Presence of known pathogenic complex I deficiency variants'. This revealed homozygous mutations in NDUFS3 and ACAD9 in two individuals. A second criterion was 'Presence of two novel potentially pathogenic variants in a structural gene of complex I', which discovered rare variants in NDUFS8 in two unrelated individuals and in NDUFB3 in a third. Expression of wild-type cDNA in mutant cell lines rescued complex I activity and assembly, thus providing a functional validation of their pathogenicity. Using the third criterion 'Presence of two potentially pathogenic variants in a gene encoding a mitochondrial protein', loss-of-function mutations in MTFMT were discovered in two patients. In three patients the molecular genetic correlate remained unclear and follow-up analysis is ongoing. CONCLUSION: Appropriate in silico filtering of exome sequencing data, coupled with functional validation of new disease alleles, is effective in rapidly identifying disease-causative variants in known and new complex I associated disease genes.

Impaired riboflavin transport due to missense mutations in SLC52A2 causes Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome.

Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere syndrome (BVVLS [MIM 211530]) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by infancy onset sensorineural deafness and ponto-bulbar palsy. Mutations in SLC52A3 (formerly C20orf54), coding for riboflavin transporter 2 (hRFT2), have been identified as the molecular genetic correlate in several individuals with BVVLS. Exome sequencing of just one single case revealed that compound heterozygosity for two pathogenic mutations in the SLC52A2 gene coding for riboflavin transporter 3 (hRFT3), another member of the riboflavin transporter family, is also associated with BVVLS. Overexpression studies confirmed that the gene products of both mutant alleles have reduced riboflavin transport activities. While mutations in SLC52A3 cause decreased plasma riboflavin levels, concordant with a role of SLC52A3 in riboflavin uptake from food, the SLC52A2-mutant individual had normal plasma riboflavin concentrations, a finding in line with a postulated function of SLC52A2 in riboflavin uptake from blood into target cells. Our results contribute to the understanding of human riboflavin metabolism and underscore its role in the pathogenesis of BVVLS, thereby providing a rational basis for a high-dose riboflavin treatment.

Classical MERRF phenotype associated with mitochondrial tRNA(Leu) (m.3243A>G) mutation.

Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres (MERRF) and mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) are established phenotypes of mitochondrial encephalopathies. Nearly all patients affected by MERRF harbour a mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA(Lys) gene. We report a 13-year-old patient who presented with the classical phenotype of MERRF but was found with the typical mutation of MELAS. The patient presented with myoclonic epilepsy beginning at 10 years of age, a muscle biopsy with ragged red fibres and some COX negative fibres and progressive bilateral MRI hyperintensitivities in the basal ganglia constituting MERRF syndrome but lacked clinical characteristics of MELAS. In particular, stroke-like episodes or lactic acidosis were not present. None of the tRNA mutations described in MERRF were found. However, further analyses showed the tRNA(Leu) mutation m.3243A>G usually found in MELAS to be responsible for the condition in this patient. This report highlights the broad phenotypic variability of mitochondrial encephalopathies with juvenile onset. It shows that m.3243A>G mutations can cause classical MERRF and emphasises the significance of comprehensive genetic studies if mitochondrial disease is suspected clinically.

Neurological phenotype and reduced lifespan in heterozygous Tim23 knockout mice, the first mouse model of defective mitochondrial import.

The Tim23 protein is the key component of the mitochondrial import machinery. It locates to the inner mitochondrial membrane and its own import is dependent on the DDP1/TIM13 complex. Mutations in human DDP1 cause the Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome (MTS/DFN-1; OMIM #304700), which is one of the two known human diseases of the mitochondrial protein import machinery. We created a Tim23 knockout mouse from a gene trap embryonic stem cell clone. Homozygous Tim23 mice were not viable. Heterozygous F1 mutants showed a 50% reduction of Tim23 protein in Western blot, a neurological phenotype and a markedly reduced life span. Haploinsufficiency of the Tim23 mutation underlines the critical role of the mitochondrial import machinery for maintaining mitochondrial function.

Homoplasmy of the Mitochondrial DNA Mutation m.616T>C Leads to Mitochondrial Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease and Encephalopathia.

Autosomal-dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease -(ADTKD) describes tubulointerstitial kidney disease with autosomal-dominant inheritance. In 2017, the term mitochondrial tubulointerstitial kidney disease (MITKD) was introduced for tubulointerstitial kidney disease caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. To date, there are few mutations described in literature causing MITKD, one of them is m.616T>C. A 5-year-old girl presented with chronic renal insufficiency and epilepsia. At the age of 3 years, status epileptic occurred and evolved into epilepsia partialis continua. At the age of 5 years, chronic renal failure (CKD II-III) was diagnosed due to tubulointerstitial kidney disease. Urine analysis showed elevated fractional excretions of sodium and chloride. Kidneys were enlarged and hyperechogenic. Blood pressure was elevated. The family history was unremarkable for renal and/or neurological disorders. Genetic testing was performed and revealed homoplasmy of the substitution m.616T>C in our patient's mtDNA. This mutation has been shown to cause chronic tubulointerstitial kidney disease leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and epilepsia formerly. MITKD is a rare mitochondrial disease leading to ESRD and should be suggested in patients with epilepsia and renal insufficiency.

Assessing systems properties of yeast mitochondria through an interaction map of the organelle.

Mitochondria carry out specialized functions; compartmentalized, yet integrated into the metabolic and signaling processes of the cell. Although many mitochondrial proteins have been identified, understanding their functional interrelationships has been a challenge. Here we construct a comprehensive network of the mitochondrial system. We integrated genome-wide datasets to generate an accurate and inclusive mitochondrial parts list. Together with benchmarked measures of protein interactions, a network of mitochondria was constructed in their cellular context, including extra-mitochondrial proteins. This network also integrates data from different organisms to expand the known mitochondrial biology beyond the information in the existing databases. Our network brings together annotated and predicted functions into a single framework. This enabled, for the entire system, a survey of mutant phenotypes, gene regulation, evolution, and disease susceptibility. Furthermore, we experimentally validated the localization of several candidate proteins and derived novel functional contexts for hundreds of uncharacterized proteins. Our network thus advances the understanding of the mitochondrial system in yeast and identifies properties of genes underlying human mitochondrial disorders.

Diverse phenotype in patients with complex I deficiency due to mutations in NDUFB11.

Mitochondrial complex I deficiency is the most frequent mitochondrial disorder presenting in childhood and the mutational spectrum is highly heterogeneous. The NDUFB11 gene is one of the recently identified genes, which is located in the short arm of the X-chromosome. Here we report clinical, biochemical, functional and genetic findings of two male patients with lactic acidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and isolated complex I deficiency due to de novo hemizygous mutations (c.286C > T and c.328C > T) in the NDUFB11 gene. Neither of them had any skin manifestations. The NDUFB11 gene encodes a relatively small integral membrane protein NDUFB11, which is essential for the assembly of an active complex I. The expression levels of this protein was decreased in both patient cells and a lentiviral complementation experiment also supported the notion that the complex I deficiency in those two patients is caused by NDUFB11 genetic defects. Our findings together with a review of the thirteen previously described patients demonstrate a wide spectrum of clinical features associated with NDUFB11-related complex I deficiency. However, histiocytoid cardiomyopathy and/or congenital sideroblastic anemia could be indicative for mutation in the NDUFB11 gene, while the clinical manifestation of the same mutation can be highly variable.