Novel mutation in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with CNS impairment

Abstract

The authors describe a 16-year-old boy with severe muscular atrophy and signs of peripheral neuropathy compatible with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Abnormalities in the cerebellum and central somatosensory pathway were also noted. Gene analysis revealed a novel gross insertion mutation in exon 2 of the connexin32 gene along with a 21-base pair duplication resulting in a seven-amino acid insertion in the first extracellular loop of the protein.