Bilateral striatal necrosis associated with a novel mutation in the mitochondrial ND6 gene

Abstract
We report the molecular findings in two independent patients presenting with progressive generalized dystonia and bilateral striatal necrosis in whom we have identified a mutation (T14487C) in the mitochondrial ND6 gene. The mutation is heteroplasmic in all samples analyzed, and it fulfills all accepted criteria of pathogenicity. Transmitochondrial cell lines harboring 100% mutant mitochondrial DNA showed a marked decrease in the activity of complex I of the respiratory chain supporting the pathogenic role of T14487C.
Funding Information
  • Diputacion General de Aragon (P032-2000)
  • Spanish Minister of Health (FIS 00/0797)
  • Spanish Network for Mitochondrial Disorders (G03-011)
  • Mexican Government (CONACYT-121963)