Diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2 disease): Expert recommendations for early detection and laboratory diagnosis

Publication date: Available online 25 July 2016 Source:Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Author(s): Michael Fietz, Moeenaldeen AlSayed, Derek Burke, Jessica Cohen-Pfeffer, Jonathan D. Cooper, Lenka Dvořáková, Roberto Giugliani, Emanuela Izzo, Helena Jahnová, Zoltan Lukacs, Sara E. Mole, Ines Noher de Halac, David A. Pearce, Helena Poupetova, Angela Schulz, Nicola Specchio, Winnie Xin, Nicole Miller Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lysosomal storage disorders. NCLs include the rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease, caused by mutations in the tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1)/CLN2 gene and the resulting TPP1 enzyme deficiency. CLN2 disease most commonly presents with seizures and/or ataxia in the late-infantile period (ages 2–4), often in combination with a history of language delay, followed by progressive childhood dementia, motor and visual deterioration, and early death. Atypical phenotypes are characterized by later onset and, in some instances, longer life expectancies. Early diagnosis is important to optimize clinical care and improve outcomes; however, currently, delays in diagnosis are common due to low disease awareness, nonspecific clinical presentation, and limited access to diagnostic testing in some regions. In May 2015, international experts met to recommend best laboratory practices for early diagnosis of CLN2 disease. W...

Source: Molecular Genetics and Metabolism - July 25, 2016 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research