SAMD9 mutations cause a novel multisystem disorder, MIRAGE syndrome, and are associated with loss of chromosome 7

Nat Genet. 2016 Jul;48(7):792-7. doi: 10.1038/ng.3569. Epub 2016 May 16.

Abstract

Adrenal hypoplasia is a rare, life-threatening congenital disorder. Here we define a new form of syndromic adrenal hypoplasia, which we propose to term MIRAGE (myelodysplasia, infection, restriction of growth, adrenal hypoplasia, genital phenotypes, and enteropathy) syndrome. By exome sequencing and follow-up studies, we identified 11 patients with adrenal hypoplasia and common extra-adrenal features harboring mutations in SAMD9. Expression of the wild-type SAMD9 protein, a facilitator of endosome fusion, caused mild growth restriction in cultured cells, whereas expression of mutants caused profound growth inhibition. Patient-derived fibroblasts had restricted growth, decreased plasma membrane EGFR expression, increased size of early endosomes, and intracellular accumulation of giant vesicles carrying a late endosome marker. Of interest, two patients developed myelodysplasitc syndrome (MDS) that was accompanied by loss of the chromosome 7 carrying the SAMD9 mutation. Considering the potent growth-restricting activity of the SAMD9 mutants, the loss of chromosome 7 presumably occurred as an adaptation to the growth-restricting condition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / genetics*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / pathology
  • Child
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7 / genetics*
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Growth Disorders / genetics*
  • Growth Disorders / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypoadrenocorticism, Familial
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / genetics*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / pathology
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Proteins
  • SAMD9 protein, human
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors