Biallelic variation in the choline and ethanolamine transporter FLVCR1 underlies a severe developmental disorder spectrum

Abstract

Purpose

FLVCR1 encodes a solute carrier protein implicated in heme, choline, and ethanolamine transport. Although Flvcr1^−/− mice exhibit skeletal malformations and defective erythropoiesis reminiscent of Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), biallelic FLVCR1 variants in humans have previously only been linked to childhood or adult-onset ataxia, sensory neuropathy, and retinitis pigmentosa.

Methods

We identified individuals with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders and biallelic FLVCR1 variants through international data sharing and characterized the functional consequences of their FLVCR1 variants.

Results

We ascertained 30 patients from 23 unrelated families with biallelic FLVCR1 variants and characterized a novel FLVCR1-related phenotype: severe developmental disorders with profound developmental delay, microcephaly (z-score −2.5 to −10.5), brain malformations, epilepsy, spasticity, and premature death. Brain malformations ranged from mild brain volume reduction to hydranencephaly. Severely affected patients share traits, including macrocytic anemia and skeletal malformations, with Flvcr1^−/− mice and DBA. FLVCR1 variants significantly reduce choline and ethanolamine transport and/or disrupt mRNA splicing.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a broad FLVCR1-related phenotypic spectrum ranging from severe multiorgan developmental disorders resembling DBA to adult-onset neurodegeneration. Our study expands our understanding of Mendelian choline and ethanolamine disorders and illustrates the importance of anticipating a wide phenotypic spectrum for known disease genes and incorporating model organism data into genome analysis to maximize genetic testing yield.