Expanding phenotype of VRK1 mutations in motor neuron disease

Objective: In the past decade, hereditary forms of motor neuron disease (spinal muscular atrophy and/or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are increasingly identified. As advanced genetic testing is performed, molecular diagnosis can be obtained. Identifying new gene mutations can lead to further understanding of disease. Methods and Results: We report a single case of a patient with earlyonset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, evaluated at University of Texas Health Houston Science Center from 2011-2014. Initial genetic testing did not reveal an etiology in this patient. Through wholeexome sequencing, a VRK1 mutation was identified. Conclusions and Relevance: We identify a possible new cause of hereditary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, VRK1 mutation. This case report also expands the phenotypic spectrum of this mutation in neurologic diseases.