Linear Skin Defects with Multiple Congenital Anomalies (LSDMCA): An Unconventional Mitochondrial Disorder

Genes (Basel). 2021 Feb 11;12(2):263. doi: 10.3390/genes12020263.

Abstract

Mitochondrial disorders, although heterogeneous, are traditionally described as conditions characterized by encephalomyopathy, hypotonia, and progressive postnatal organ failure. Here, we provide a systematic review of Linear Skin Defects with Multiple Congenital Anomalies (LSDMCA), a rare, unconventional mitochondrial disorder which presents as a developmental disease; its main clinical features include microphthalmia with different degrees of severity, linear skin lesions, and central nervous system malformations. The molecular basis of this disorder has been elusive for several years. Mutations were eventually identified in three X-linked genes, i.e., HCCS, COX7B, and NDUFB11, which are all endowed with defined roles in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. A peculiar feature of this condition is its inheritance pattern: X-linked dominant male-lethal. Only female or XX male individuals can be observed, implying that nullisomy for these genes is incompatible with normal embryonic development in mammals. All three genes undergo X-inactivation that, according to our hypothesis, may contribute to the extreme variable expressivity observed in this condition. We propose that mitochondrial dysfunction should be considered as an underlying cause in developmental disorders. Moreover, LSDMCA should be taken into consideration by clinicians when dealing with patients with microphthalmia with or without associated skin phenotypes.

Keywords: COX7B; HCCS; MLS/MIDAS/LSDMCA; NDUFB11; X-inactivation; linear skin defects; microphthalmia; mitochondrial disorders; mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes, Human, X / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex I / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / genetics*
  • Genetic Diseases, X-Linked / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lyases / genetics
  • Male
  • Microphthalmos / genetics*
  • Microphthalmos / pathology
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / pathology
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Abnormalities / genetics*
  • Skin Abnormalities / pathology

Substances

  • COX7B protein, human
  • NDUFB11 protein, human
  • Electron Transport Complex IV
  • Lyases
  • cytochrome C synthetase
  • Electron Transport Complex I

Supplementary concepts

  • Microphthalmia, syndromic 7