Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding the dopamine transporter are associated with infantile parkinsonism-dystonia

J Clin Invest. 2009 Jun;119(6):1595-603. doi: 10.1172/JCI39060. Epub 2009 May 26.

Abstract

Genetic variants of the SLC6A3 gene that encodes the human dopamine transporter (DAT) have been linked to a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, the homozygous Slc6a3 knockout mouse displays a hyperactivity phenotype. Here, we analyzed 2 unrelated consanguineous families with infantile parkinsonism-dystonia (IPD) syndrome and identified homozygous missense SLC6A3 mutations (p.L368Q and p.P395L) in both families. Functional studies demonstrated that both mutations were loss-of-function mutations that severely reduced levels of mature (85-kDa) DAT while having a differential effect on the apparent binding affinity of dopamine. Thus, in humans, loss-of-function SLC6A3 mutations that impair DAT-mediated dopamine transport activity are associated with an early-onset complex movement disorder. Identification of the molecular basis of IPD suggests SLC6A3 as a candidate susceptibility gene for other movement disorders associated with parkinsonism and/or dystonic features.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 / genetics
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / chemistry
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dystonia / genetics
  • Dystonia / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microsatellite Repeats / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / genetics
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / metabolism*
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • SLC6A3 protein, human