Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Completed

• Conditions: Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

• Registration Number: NCT02000167
• Lead Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between gene deletion(s) specific to the mitochondrial electron transport chain and presentation of clinical characteristics in patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS).

Detailed Description

Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) results from a deletion within the 22q13 chromosome region. Most children have specific physical morphology and developmental delays with many displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including abnormalities in social development. The behavioral aspect of PMS that parallels ASD has raised particular interest as the SHANK3 gene, which lies in the 22q13 region, is important for synaptic development, and animal SHANK3 knockout models demonstrate ASD characteristics thereby confirming the importance of this gene in PMS. However, despite the importance of the SHANK3 gene, individuals with PMS have variations in their development, behavior and medical characteristics that cannot be fully explained by the SHANK3 deletion.

Recently, Frye (2012) has noted the existence of 6 mitochondrial genes that lie slightly proximal to the SHANK3 gene within the 22q13 region. These include genes important electron transport change function (SCO2, NDUFA6), mitochondrial DNA (TYMP) and RNA (TRMU) metabolism, fatty acid metabolism (CPT1B) and tricarboxylic acid cycle function (ACO2). Since most Individuals with PMS have deletions that include chromosomal deletion outside of the SHANK3 region, it is very likely that many, if not most, of children with PMS may have deletions in these mitochondrial genes. Many of these genes have been linked to mitochondrial disease, even in the heterozygous state. Even if recognized, mitochondrial disease is only linked to a homozygous abnormal state (autosomal recessive), the loss of one gene (heterozygous state) could result in symptomatology when associated with deletions in other mitochondrial or non-mitochondrial genes. Abnormalities in mitochondrial pathways can result in neurologic and non-neurologic symptoms including those sometimes seen in children with PMS. Added with the SHANK3 deletion, abnormalities in these mitochondrial genes could explain variations in patterns of development and the eventual cognitive potential.

References: Frye RE. Mitochondrial disease in 22q13 duplication syndrome. J Child Neurol. 2012; 27(7):942-9.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-05
• Study First Submitted: 2013-11-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2013-11-26
• Study First Posted: 2013-12-03
• Primary Completion: 2015-05
• Study Completion: 2015-05
• Status Verified: 2015-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-08-04
• Last Update Posted: 2021-08-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 51

Inclusion Criteria

• 1-21 years of age
• Diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome AND diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disorder
• Diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Exclusion Criteria

• none

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Electron Transport Chain function derived from buccal cells of known PMS patients	Up to two years	Electron transport chain (ETC) function will be measured in cells collected using Buccal swabs to determine if certain PMS patients symptomatology and clinical characteristics/variations can be explained due to variations in patterns of ETC function in this cohort

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute; 🇺🇸 Little Rock, Arkansas, United States