Whole-exome sequencing identifies a variant in TMEM132E causing autosomal-recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss DFNB99

Hum Mutat. 2015 Jan;36(1):98-105. doi: 10.1002/humu.22712. Epub 2014 Nov 28.

Abstract

Autosomal-recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) features a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Many genes responsible for ARNSHL have been identified or mapped. We previously mapped an ARNSHL locus at 17q12, herein designated DFNB99, in a consanguineous Chinese family. In this study, whole-exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation (c.1259G>A, p.Arg420Gln) in the gene-encoding transmembrane protein 132E (TMEM132E) as the causative variant. Immunofluorescence staining of the Organ of Corti showed Tmem132e highly expressed in murine inner hair cells. Furthermore, knockdown of the tmem132e ortholog in zebrafish affected the mechanotransduction of hair cells. Finally, wild-type human TMEM132E mRNA, but not the mRNA carrying the c.1259G>A mutation rescued the Tmem132e knockdown phenotype. We conclude that the variant in TMEM132E is the most likely cause of DFNB99.

Keywords: ARNSHL; DFNB99; TMEM132E; inner hair cell; whole-exome sequencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • China
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15 / genetics
  • Deafness / genetics
  • Exome
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Genes, Recessive
  • Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Pedigree
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods*
  • Zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • TMEM132E protein, human
  • Zebrafish Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Nonsyndromic Deafness