Nemaline Myopathy, TNNT1-related: TNNT1 Gene Sequencing
Condition Description
The term nemaline myopathy (NM) refers to a group of genetically distinct disorders linked by common morphologic features observed on muscle histology. NM is characterized by weakness, hypotonia, and depressed or absent deep tendon reflexes. Muscle weakness is usually most severe in the face, the neck flexors, and the proximal limb muscles. In some individuals with NM, the distal muscles are involved. There are six forms of NM, classified by onset and severity of motor and respiratory involvement: severe congenital (neonatal) form (16% of all individuals with NM); Amish NM, intermediate congenital form (20%); typical congenital form (46%); childhood-onset form (13%); and adult-onset (late-onset) form (4%). Considerable overlap occurs among the forms and there is variation in course and outcome even within families.
In congenital forms of NM, the face is often elongated and expressionless, with a tent-shaped mouth, high-arched palate, and retrognathia. Gross motor milestones are delayed, but most affected individuals are otherwise developmentally normal. Dysarthria and feeding difficulties are common. Respiratory problems secondary to involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles are common. Many children with NM have hypermobility of joints in infancy and early childhood; contractures and deformities of the joints, including scoliosis, commonly develop with time. The extraocular muscles are usually spared. Cardiac contractility is usually normal.
Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and the observation of characteristic rod-shaped structures (nemaline bodies) on muscle biopsy stained with Gomori trichrome. Serum creatine kinase concentration is usually normal or minimally elevated. Disease-causing mutations have been identified in seven different genes, all of which encode protein components of the muscle thin filament: ACTA1, NEB, TPM3, TPM2, TNNT1, CFL2, and KBTBD13. Additional individuals with NM do not link to any of the seven identified loci, suggesting further genetic heterogeneity.
NM can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner. In one study, approximately 20% of cases were autosomal recessive, approximately 30% autosomal dominant, and approximately 50% simplex (i.e., single occurrences in a family) representing heterozygosity for de novo dominant mutations or homozygosity for autosomal recessive mutations.
This testing is for mutations in the TNNT1 gene (19q13.4) only.
For patients with suspected nemaline myopathy, TNNT1-related, sequence analysis is recommended as the first step in mutation identification. For patients in whom mutations are not identified by full gene sequencing, deletion/duplication analysis is appropriate.
References:
- GeneReviews: Nemaline Myopathy
- OMIM #605355 Nemaline Myopathy 5
Genes (1)
Indications
This test is indicated for:
- Confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of nemaline myopathy
- Carrier testing in adults with a family history of autosomal recessive nemaline myopathy
Methodology
Detection
Clinical Sensitivity: Disease-causing mutations have been identified in six different genes, all of which encode protein components of the muscle thin filament: ACTA1, NEB, TPM3, TPM2, TNNT1, and CFL2. Additional individuals with NM do not link to any of the five identified loci, suggesting further genetic heterogeneity. This testing is for mutations in the TNNT1 gene (19q13.4) only. Mutations in the promoter region, some mutations in the introns and other regulatory element mutations cannot be detected by this analysis. Large deletions will not be detected by this analysis. Results of molecular analysis should be interpreted in the context of the patient's biochemical phenotype.
Analytical Sensitivity: ~99%
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimen types
Preferred specimen type: Whole Blood
Type: Whole Blood
Specimen Requirements:
In EDTA (purple top) tube:Infants (<2 years): 2-3 ml
Children (>2 years): 3-5 ml
Older Children & Adults: 5-10 ml
Specimen Collection and Shipping: Refrigerate until time of shipment. Ship sample within 5 days of collection at room temperature with overnight delivery.
Type: Saliva
Specimen Requirements:
OrageneTM Saliva Collection kit (available through EGL) used according to manufacturer instructions.Specimen Collection and Shipping: Store sample at room temperature. Ship sample within 5 days of collection at room temperature with overnight delivery.
Special Instructions
Submit copies of diagnostic biochemical test results with the sample, if appropriate. Contact the laboratory if further information is needed.
Sequence analysis is required before deletion/duplication analysis by targeted CGH array. If sequencing is performed outside of EGL Genetics, please submit a copy of the sequencing report with the test requisition.
Related Tests
- Deletion/duplication analysis of the TNNT1 gene by CGH array is available for those individuals in whom sequence analysis is negative.
- Sequence analysis and deletion/duplication analysis are also available for the NEB, TPM2, ACTA1, and TPM3 genes for nemaline myopathy.
- Custom diagnostic mutation analysis (KM) is available to family members if mutations are identified by targeted mutation testing or sequencing analysis.
- Prenatal testing is available for known familial mutations only. Please contact the laboratory genetic counselor to discuss appropriate testing prior to collecting a prenatal specimen.