Spectrum of mutations in alpha-mannosidosis

alpha-Mannosidosis is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase (LAMAN). The resulting intracellular accumulation of mannose-containing oligosaccharides leads to mental retardation, hearing impairment, skeletal changes, and immunodeficiency. Recently, we reported the first alpha-mannosidosis-causing mutation affecting two Palestinian siblings. In the present study 21 novel mutations and four polymorphic amino acid positions were identified by the screening of 43 patients, from 39 families, mainly of European origin. Disease-causing mutations were identified in 72% of the alleles and included eight splicing, six missense, and three nonsense mutations, as well as two small insertions and two small deletions. In addition, Southern blot analysis indicated rearrangements in some alleles. Most mutations were private or occurred in two or three families, except for a missense mutation resulting in an R750W substitution. This mutation was found in 13 patients, from different European countries, and accounted for 21% of the disease alleles. Although there were clinical variations among the patients, no significant LAMAN activity could be detected in any of the fibroblast cultures. In addition, no correlation between the types of mutations and the clinical manifestations was evident.