HGG Advances (Jan 2022)

A recurrent, de novo pathogenic variant in ARPC4 disrupts actin filament formation and causes microcephaly and speech delay

  • Dianne Laboy Cintron,
  • Alison M. Muir,
  • Abbey Scott,
  • Marie McDonald,
  • Kristin G. Monaghan,
  • Teresa Santiago-Sim,
  • Ingrid M. Wentzensen,
  • Chiara De Luca,
  • Francesco Brancati,
  • David J. Harris,
  • Cecilia Goueli,
  • Rolf Stottmann,
  • Carlos E. Prada,
  • Marta Biderman Waberski,
  • Heather C. Mefford

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 1
p. 100072

Abstract

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Summary: We report seven affected individuals from six families with a recurrent, de novo variant in the ARPC4 gene (c.472C>T [p.Arg158Cys (GenBank: NM_005718.4)]). Core features in affected individuals include microcephaly, mild motor delays, and significant speech impairment. ARPC4 is a core subunit of the actin-related protein (ARP2/3) complex, which catalyzes the formation of F-actin networks. We show that the recurrent ARPC4 missense change is associated with a decreased amount of F-actin in cells from two affected individuals. Taken together, our results implicate heterozygous ARPC4 missense variants as a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders and microcephaly.

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