Sporadic ALS with compound heterozygous mutations in the SQSTM1 gene

Acta Neuropathol. 2013 Sep;126(3):453-9. doi: 10.1007/s00401-013-1150-5. Epub 2013 Jun 28.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that heterozygous mutations in the SQSTM1 gene, which encodes p62 protein, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we report a Japanese patient with sporadic, late-onset ALS who harbored compound heterozygous SQSTM1 mutations (p.[Val90Met];[Val153Ile]). Autopsy examination revealed that although TDP-43 pathology was rather widespread, the selective occurrence of p62-positive/TDP-43-negative cytoplasmic inclusions in the lower motor neurons (LMNs) was a characteristic feature. No Bunina bodies were found. Ultrastructurally, p62-positive cytoplasmic inclusions observed in the spinal anterior horn cells were composed of aggregates of ribosome-like granules and intermingled bundles of filamentous structures. Another feature of interest was concomitant Lewy body pathology. The occurrence of distinct p62 pathology in the LMNs in this patient indicates the pathogenic role of SQSTM1 mutations in the development of a subset of ALS.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism
  • Male
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Motor Neurons / pathology
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Sequestosome-1 Protein

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • SQSTM1 protein, human
  • Sequestosome-1 Protein

Supplementary concepts

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 1