5q14.3 deletion manifesting as mitochondrial disease and autism: case report

J Child Neurol. 2010 Oct;25(10):1232-5. doi: 10.1177/0883073809361165. Epub 2010 Feb 22.

Abstract

Mitochondrial disorders are usually associated with defects of 1 or more of the 5 complexes (I to V) of the electron transport chain, or respiratory chain. Complex I and IV are the 2 most frequent abnormalities of the electron transport chain in humans. The authors report the case of a 12-year-old boy with dysmorphic facies, mental retardation, autism, epilepsy, and leg weakness. Buccal swab electron transport chain analysis revealed severe decrease in complex IV and mild reduction in complex I activity levels. Chromosomal microarray studies, using array-based comparative genomic hybridization, revealed a 1-Mb deletion in the 5q14.3 region. This case illustrates that this deletion can be associated with complex I and IV deficits, hence manifesting as a mitochondrial disease. It could be hypothesized that genes that either encode or regulate the expression and/or assembly of complex IV or I subunits are located within the deleted region of 5q14.3.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 / genetics*
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / complications
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / physiopathology