An emerging Female Phenotype with Loss of Function Mutations in the Aristaless-Related Homeodomain Transcription Factor ARX

ABSTRACT

The devastating clinical presentation of X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG) is invariably caused by loss of function mutations in the Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene. Mutations in this X-chromosome gene contribute to intellectual disability (ID) with co-morbidities including seizures and movement disorders such as dystonia in affected males. The detection of affected females with mutations in ARX is increasing. We present a family with multiple affected individuals, including two females. Two male siblings presenting with XLAG were deceased prior to full term gestation or within the first few weeks of life. Of the two female siblings, one presented with behavioural disturbances, mild ID, a seizure disorder and complete agenesis of the corpus callosum, similar to the mother's phenotype. A novel insertion mutation in Exon 2 of ARX was identified, c.982delCinsTTT predicted to cause a frameshift at p.(Q328Ffs*37). Our finding is consistent with loss-of-function mutations in ARX causing XLAG in hemizygous males and extends the findings of ID and seizures in heterozygous females. We review the reported phenotypes of females with mutations in ARX and highlight the importance of screening ARX in male and female patients with ID, seizures and in particular with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum.

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