Review
Genetics of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten disease)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.05.011Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • Number of genes and mutations that cause NCL summarized

  • Correlation between genotype and phenotype discussed

  • Outlook on genotype and phenotype presented

  • Knowledge of encoded proteins summarized

Abstract

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that affect children and adults and are grouped together by similar clinical features and the accumulation of autofluorescent storage material. More than a dozen genes containing over 430 mutations underlying human NCLs have been identified. These genes encode lysosomal enzymes (CLN1, CLN2, CLN10, CLN13), a soluble lysosomal protein (CLN5), a protein in the secretory pathway (CLN11), two cytoplasmic proteins that also peripherally associate with membranes (CLN4, CLN14), and many transmembrane proteins with different subcellular locations (CLN3, CLN6, CLN7, CLN8, CLN12). For most NCLs, the function of the causative gene has not been fully defined. Most of the mutations in these genes are associated with a typical disease phenotype, but some result in variable disease onset, severity, and progression, including distinct clinical phenotypes. There remain disease subgroups with unknown molecular genetic backgrounds. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: “Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease).”

Abbreviations

NCL
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
EPMR
Epilepsy with progressive mental retardation
PME
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy

Keywords

Batten
CLN
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
NCL
genetics, mutation

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This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: “Current Research on the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease).”