Deficiency of ECHS1 causes mitochondrial encephalopathy with cardiac involvement
Open Access
- 13 March 2015
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
- Vol. 2 (5), 492-509
- https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.189
Abstract
Objective Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) is a multifunctional mitochondrial matrix enzyme that is involved in the oxidation of fatty acids and essential amino acids such as valine. Here, we describe the broad phenotypic spectrum and pathobiochemistry of individuals with autosomal-recessive ECHS1 deficiency. Methods Using exome sequencing, we identified ten unrelated individuals carrying compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in ECHS1. Functional investigations in patient-derived fibroblast cell lines included immunoblotting, enzyme activity measurement, and a palmitate loading assay. Results Patients showed a heterogeneous phenotype with disease onset in the first year of life and course ranging from neonatal death to survival into adulthood. The most prominent clinical features were encephalopathy (10/10), deafness (9/9), epilepsy (6/9), optic atrophy (6/10), and cardiomyopathy (4/10). Serum lactate was elevated and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed white matter changes or a Leigh-like pattern resembling disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Analysis of patients’ fibroblast cell lines (6/10) provided further evidence for the pathogenicity of the respective mutations by showing reduced ECHS1 protein levels and reduced 2-enoyl-CoA hydratase activity. While serum acylcarnitine profiles were largely normal, in vitro palmitate loading of patient fibroblasts revealed increased butyrylcarnitine, unmasking the functional defect in mitochondrial β-oxidation of short-chain fatty acids. Urinary excretion of 2-methyl-2,3-dihydroxybutyrate – a potential derivative of acryloyl-CoA in the valine catabolic pathway – was significantly increased, indicating impaired valine oxidation. Interpretation In conclusion, we define the phenotypic spectrum of a new syndrome caused by ECHS1 deficiency. We speculate that both the β-oxidation defect and the block in l-valine metabolism, with accumulation of toxic methacrylyl-CoA and acryloyl-CoA, contribute to the disorder that may be amenable to metabolic treatment approaches.Keywords
Funding Information
- European Commission (FP7/2007-2013)
- German Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (01GM1207)
- FWF (I 920-B13)
- German network for mitochondrial disorders (01GM1113A, 01GM1113C, 01GM1113D)
- German Mental Retardation Network (01GS08164, 01GS08167, 01GS08163)
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 665 C4)
- Wellcome Trust Strategic Award (096919/Z/11/Z)
- UK NHS (WT098051)
- Wellcome Trust (WT098051)
- Novartis Foundation for Medical Research
- Vinetum Foundation
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR-HCS-D12-03-04)
- Research Program of Innovative Cell Biology
- Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan
- Kawano Masanori Memorial Public Interest Incorporated Foundation
- Juniorverbund “mitOmics” (01ZX1405C)
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