Adult-Onset Alexander Disease: New Causal Sequence Variant in the GFAP Gene

ObjectivesAlexander disease (AD) is a rare disorder of the CNS. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, typical MRI findings, and mutations in the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) gene. In this case study, we describe a new mutation (p.L58P) in GFAP that caused a phenotype of adult-onset AD (AOAD).MethodsIn our outpatient clinic, a patient presented with cerebellar and bulbar symptoms after brain concussion. We used MRI and performed next-generation exome sequencing (NGS) to find mutations in GFAP to diagnose AD. The mutation was then transfected into HeLa cell lines to prove its pathogenicity.ResultsThe brain MRI finding showed typical AD alterations. The NGS found a heterozygous variant of unknown significance in GFAP (c.173T>C; p.L58P). After transfecting HeLa cell lines with this mutation, we showed that GFAP-L58P formed pathogenic clusters of cytoplasmic aggregates.DiscussionWe have found a new mutation that causes AOAD. We recommend that AOAD is included in the diagnostic workup in adult patients with gait ataxia and cerebellar and bulbar symptoms in association with a traumatic head injury.