TGM6 L517W is not a pathogenic variant for spinocerebellar ataxia type 35.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the pathogenicity of the TGM6 variant for spinocerebellar ataxia 35 (SCA35), which was previously reported to be caused by pathogenic mutations in the gene TGM6.

METHODS

Neurologic assessment and brain MRI were performed to provide detailed description of the phenotype. Whole-exome sequencing and dynamic mutation analysis were performed to identify the genotype.

RESULTS

The proband, presenting with myoclonic epilepsy, cognitive decline, and ataxia, harbored both the TGM6 p.L517W variant and expanded CAG repeats in gene ATN1. Further analysis of the other living family members in this pedigree revealed that the CAG repeat number was expanded in all the patients and within normal range in all the unaffected family members. However, the TGM6 p.L517W variant was absent in 2 affected family members, but present in 3 healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The nonsegregation of the TGM6 variant with phenotype does not support this variant as the disease-causing gene in this pedigree, questioning the pathogenicity of TGM6 in SCA35.