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Update on KMT2B-Related Dystonia

  • Genetics (V. Bonifati, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize the molecular and clinical findings of KMT2B-related dystonia (DYT-KMT2B), a newly identified genetic dystonia syndrome.

Recent Findings

Since first described in 2016, 66 different KMT2B-affecting variants, encompassing a set of frameshift, nonsense, splice-site, missense, and deletion mutations, have been reported in 76 patients. Most mutations are de novo and expected to mediate epigenetic dysregulation by inducing KMT2B haploinsufficiency. DYT-KMT2B is characterized phenotypically by limb-onset childhood dystonia that tends to spread progressively, resulting in generalized dystonia with cranio-cervical involvement. Co-occuring signs such as intellectual disability are frequently observed. Sustained response to deep brain stimulation (DBS), including restoration of independent ambulation, is seen in 93% (27/29) of patients.

Summary

DYT-KMT2B is emerging as a prevalent monogenic dystonia. Childhood-onset dystonia presentations should prompt a search for KMT2B mutations, preferentially via next-generation-sequencing and genomic-array technologies, to enable specific counseling and treatment. Prospective multicenter studies are desirable to establish KMT2B mutational status as a DBS outcome predictor.

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Acknowledgments

M.Z. was supported by an internal research program at Helmholtz Center Munich, Germany (“Physician Scientists for Groundbreaking Projects”). D.D.L. was supported by DFG grant LA 3830/1-1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Neurogenomik, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Munich, Neuherberg, Germany

    Michael Zech, Daniel D. Lam & Juliane Winkelmann

  2. Institut für Humangenetik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

    Michael Zech & Juliane Winkelmann

  3. Lehrstuhl für Neurogenetik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany

    Juliane Winkelmann

  4. Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, SyNergy, Munich, Germany

    Juliane Winkelmann

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Correspondence to Juliane Winkelmann.

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Michael Zech, Daniel D. Lam, and Juliane Winkelmann each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with animal subjects performed by any of the authors. Signed informed consent for publication of clinical and genetic findings was obtained in accordance with institutional review board regulations and protocols from all the patients (or their legal representatives) who were investigated by the authors and their cooperation partners.

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Zech, M., Lam, D.D. & Winkelmann, J. Update on KMT2B-Related Dystonia. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 19, 92 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-019-1007-y

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