For more information, see the GeneReviews Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer.
For questions regarding permissions: admasst/at/uw.edu.
NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Pagon RA, Adam MP, Bird TD, et al., editors. GeneReviews™ [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2013.
Disease characteristics. Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) is an axonal (non-demyelinating) peripheral neuropathy characterized by distal muscle weakness and atrophy, mild sensory loss, and normal or near-normal nerve conduction velocities. CMT2 is clinically similar to CMT1, although typically less severe. Peripheral nerves are not enlarged or hypertrophic. The subtypes of CMT2 are similar clinically and distinguished only by molecular genetic findings.
Diagnosis/testing. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings and EMG/NCV characteristics. The 15 genes in which mutations are known to cause CMT2 subtypes are KIF1B (CMT2A1), MFN2 (CMT2A2), RAB7A (formerly RAB7) (CMT2B), LMNA (CMT2B1), MED25 (CMT2B2), TRPV4 (CMT2C), GARS (CMT2D), NEFL (CMT2E/1F), HSPB1 (CMT2F), MPZ (CMT2I/J), GDAP1 (CMT2H/K), HSPB8 (CMT2L), AARS (CMT2N), DYNC1H1 (CMT2O), and LRSAM1 (CMT2P).
Management. Treatment of manifestations: Treatment by a team including a neurologist, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, physical, and occupational therapist; special shoes and/or ankle/foot orthoses (AFO) to correct foot drop and aid walking; surgery as needed for severe pes cavus; forearm crutches, canes, wheelchairs as needed for mobility; exercise as tolerated; symptomatic treatment of pain, depression, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome.
Prevention of secondary complications: Daily heel cord stretching to prevent Achilles' tendon shortening.
Surveillance: Monitoring gait and condition of feet to determine need for bracing, special shoes, surgery.
Agents/circumstances to avoid: Obesity, which makes ambulation more difficult; medications known to cause nerve damage (e.g., vincristine, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin).
Other: Career and employment counseling.
Genetic counseling. CMT2B1, CMT2B2, and CMT2H/K are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; all other subtypes of CMT2 are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Most probands with autosomal dominant subtypes of CMT2 have inherited the disease-causing mutation from an affected parent. The offspring of an affected individual with autosomal dominant CMT2 are at a 50% risk of inheriting the altered gene.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) is diagnosed clinically in individuals with the following:
Nerve biopsy does not show the hypertrophy or onion bulb formation seen in Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 1 (CMT1) but instead shows loss of myelinated fibers with signs of regeneration, axonal sprouting, and atrophic axons with neurofilaments.
Genes. Fifteen genes in which mutations are known to cause subtypes of CMT2 have been identified [Züchner & Vance 2006b] (Table 1).
Table 1. Genes Associated with CMT2 Subtypes
| CMT2 Subtype | Gene Symbol | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| CMT2A1 | KIF1B 1 | Zhao et al [2001] |
| CMT2A2 | MFN2 2 | Verhoeven et al [2006] |
| CMT2B | RAB7A | Verhoeven et al [2003] |
| CMT2B1 | LMNA | De Sandre-Giovannoli et al [2002] |
| CMT2B2 | MED25 | Leal et al [2009] |
| CMT2C | TRPV4 | Auer-Grumbach et al [2010], Deng et al [2010], Landouré et al [2010] |
| CMT2D | GARS | |
| CMT2E/1F | NEFL | |
| CMT2F | HSPB1 (HSP27) | Evgrafov et al [2004] |
| CMT2I/J | MPZ | Sowden et al [2005] |
| CMT2H/K | GDAP1 | Barhoumi et al [2001], Claramunt et al [2005] |
| CMT2L | HSPB8 (HSP22) | Tang et al [2005] |
| CMT2N | AARS | McLaughlin et al [2012] |
| CMT2O | DYNC1H1 | Weedon et al [2011] |
| CMT2P | LRSAM1 | Guernsey et al [2010], Weterman et al [2012] |
1. Found in one family
2. Represents approximately 20%-30% of CMT2
Evidence for locus heterogeneity. Another locus for CMT2 has been mapped; no gene has yet been identified (see Table 2).
Table 2. CMT2: Other Locus
| CMT2 Subtype | Chromosomal Locus | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| CMT2G | 12q12-q13.3 | Nelis et al [2004] |
Clinical testing (CMT2A1, CMT2A2, CMT2B, CMT2B1, CMT2B2, CMT2C, CMT2D, CMT2E/1F, CMT2F, CMT2I/J, CMT2H/K, CMT2L, CMT2N)
Table 3. Summary of Molecular Genetic Testing Used in CMT2
| Gene Symbol / Locus Name | Test Method | Mutations Detected | Proportion of CMT2 Attributed to Mutations in This Gene | Mutation Detection Frequency 1 | Test Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIF1B / CMT2A1 | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| MFN2 / CMT2A2 | Sequence analysis and mutation scanning 3, 4 | Sequence variants 2 | 20% | Unknown | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Exonic or whole-gene deletions | ||||
| RAB7A / CMT2B | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| LMNA / CMT2B1 | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Exonic or whole-gene deletions | Unknown, none reported | |||
| MED25 / CMT2B2 | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| Mutation scanning of select exons 3 | Sequence variants in exon 9 2, 3 | ||||
| Targeted mutation analysis | p.Ala335Val | ||||
| TRPV4 / CMT2C | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| Sequence analysis of select exons | Sequence variants in exons 5,6 2, 3 | Rare | Unknown | ||
| GARS / CMT2D | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown, none reported | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Exonic or whole-gene deletions | ||||
| NEFL / CMT2E/1F | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| HSPB1 / CMT2F | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown, none reported | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Exonic or whole-gene deletions | ||||
| Unknown / CMT2G | Linkage analysis | Not applicable | Rare | Not applicable | Research only |
| MPZ / CMT2I/J | Sequence analysis, mutation scanning 4 | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Deletions or duplications | Unknown, none reported | |||
| GDAP1 / CMT2H/K | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| HSPB8 / CMT2L | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| Deletion / duplication analysis 5 | Exonic or whole-gene deletions | Unknown, none reported | |||
| AARS / CMT2N | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| DYNC1H1 / CMT2O | Sequence analysis | Sequence variants 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
| LRSAM1 / CMT2P | Sequence analysis of select exons | Sequence variants in exon 25 2 | Rare | Unknown | Clinical |
1. The ability of the test method used to detect a mutation that is present in the indicated gene
2. Examples of mutations detected by sequence analysis may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site mutations; typically, exonic or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected.
3. Selected exons for testing may vary among laboratories.
4. Sequence analysis and mutation scanning of the entire gene can have similar detection frequencies, although mutation scanning detection rates may vary considerably among laboratories as that method is highly dependent on details of the methodology employed.
5. Testing that identifies deletions/duplications not readily detectable by sequence analysis of the coding and flanking intronic regions of genomic DNA; included in the variety of methods that may be used are: quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and chromosomal microarray (CMA) that includes this gene/chromosome segment.
Interpretation of test results. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.
Information on specific allelic variants may be available in Molecular Genetics (see Table A. Genes and Databases and/or Pathologic allelic variants).
To establish the diagnosis of a CMT2 subtype the proband should first be tested for mutations in MFN2, MPZ, and GJB1 (encoding connexin 32), as mutations in these genes are most commonly responsible for this syndrome, probably accounting for 20%-25% of cases [Züchner & Vance 2006b, Bienfait et al 2007, Saporta et al 2011].
Note: If there is male-to-male transmission in the family it is not necessary to test for mutations in GJB1, an X-linked gene.
If no mutation is identified in these three genes, many neurologists do no further genetic testing because the other known genes are quite rare and many genetic causes remain to be discovered. Affected individuals who wish to exhaust all possibilities may want to proceed with the other tests relevant to CMT2 (e.g., NEFL, GDAP1, RAB7A, MED25, TRPV4, AARS). If the phenotype includes vocal cord paresis, molecular genetic testing of GDAP1 and TRPV4 is appropriate.
Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for at-risk pregnancies require prior identification of the disease-causing mutation in the family.
KIF1B. CMT2A is the only phenotype known to be associated with KIF1B.
MFN2. CMT2A is the only phenotype known to be associated with MFN2.
RAB7A. CMT2B is the only phenotype known to be associated with RAB7A.
LMNA. In addition to CMT2B1, the following phenotypes are associated with pathologic or normal variations in LMNA:
See OMIM 150330 for additional references regarding other laminopathies.
TRPV4. In addition to CMT2C, TRPV4 has been associated with both brachyolmia and metaphyseal dysplasia [Rock et al 2008, Krakow et al 2009].
GARS. In addition to CMT2D, the other phenotype associated with mutations in GARS is hereditary motor neuropathy type 5 (HMN V) [Antonellis et al 2003].
NEFL. CMT2E/1F is the only phenotype known to be associated with mutations in NEFL.
HSPB1. CMT2F is the only phenotype known to be associated with mutations in HSPB1.
MPZ. In addition to CMT2I and CMT2J, mutations in MPZ are associated with CMT1B (see CMT1) [Senderek et al 2000].
GDAP1. In addition to CMT2H/K, autosomal recessive CMT4A is associated with mutations in GDAP1.
HSPB8. In addition to CMT2L, mutations in HSPB8 have been reported in distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 2 (dHMNII) [Irobi et al 2004b].
AARS. CMT2N is the only phenotype known to be associated with mutations in AARS.
DYNC1H1. CMT2O is the only phenotype known to be associated with mutations in DYNC1H1.
LRSAM1. CMT2P is the only phenotype known to be associated with mutations in LRSAM1.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) is a disorder of peripheral nerves in which the motor system is more prominently involved than the sensory system, although both are involved [Pareyson & Marchesi 2009]. The affected individual typically has slowly progressive weakness and atrophy of distal muscles in the feet and/or hands usually associated with depressed tendon reflexes and mild or no sensory loss. The clinical syndrome overlaps extensively with CMT1. With the exception of CMT2B, CMT2 tends to be less disabling and to cause less sensory loss than CMT1 [Bienfait et al 2006, Pareyson et al 2006].
Affected individuals usually become symptomatic between ages five and 25 years [Bienfait et al 2006], though onset ranges from infancy with delayed walking to after the third decade. The typical presenting symptom is weakness of the feet and ankles. The initial physical findings are depressed or absent tendon reflexes with weakness of foot dorsiflexion at the ankle. Baets et al [2011] review the clinical presentations in the first year of life.
The adult with CMT2 typically has bilateral foot drop, symmetric atrophy of muscles below the knee (stork leg appearance) and absent tendon reflexes in the lower extremities. However, brisk tendon reflexes and extensor plantar responses have been reported as well as asymmetric muscle atrophy in up to 15% of affected individuals [Bienfait et al 2007].
Atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles is less frequently present and tendon reflexes may be intact in the upper limbs.
Proximal muscles usually remain strong. Brisk tendon reflexes and extensor plantar responses have been reported [Bienfait et al 2007].
Mild sensory deficits of position, vibration, and pain/temperature may occur in the feet or sensation may be intact. Pain, especially in the feet, is reported by about 20%-40% of affected individuals [Gemignani et al 2004]. Hearing impairment has been reported [Bienfait et al 2006].
Optic atrophy may occur in CMT2A [Züchner et al 2006].
A few individuals have vocal cord or phrenic nerve involvement resulting in difficulty with phonation or breathing [Dematteis et al 2001, Sulica et al 2001].
Restless legs and sleep apnea have been associated with CMT2 [Aboussouan et al 2007].
CMT2 is progressive over many years, but affected individuals experience long plateau periods without obvious deterioration. In some, the disease can be so mild as to go unrecognized by the affected individual and physician. The disease does not decrease life span.
CMT2 subtypes
Neuropathology. The disease process is presumed to occur in the axon or cytoplasm of the anterior horn cell neuron. Anterior horn cell loss has been found in two autopsies [Schroder 2006].
In CMT2E, electron microscopy has shown giant axons with accumulation of disorganized neurofilaments [Fabrizi et al 2004].
Few specific genotype-phenotype correlations are known. Considerable variability of phenotype has been observed within families with CMT2A [Züchner et al 2004a, Klein et al 2011a].
Optic atrophy is associated with mutations in MFN2 [Verhoeven et al 2006, Züchner et al 2006].
Some mutations in TRPV4 are associated with diseases of bone [Verma et al 2010].
Penetrance is usually nearly complete. However, because some subtypes of CMT2 are associated with adult onset of symptoms, penetrance is age dependent.
CMT2A. This disorder is also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy VI (HMSN VI).
CMT2 with pyramidal signs, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy V (HMSN V), has been associated with MFN2 mutations [Zhu et al 2005] and with mutations in BSCL2 [Bienfait et al 2007] (see BSCL2-Related Neurologic Disorders).
CMT2C. Previously this has sometimes been called scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy.
CMT2E/1F. Some individuals with mutations in NEFL, which typically cause CMT2E, may have slow NCVs, resulting in a diagnosis of CMT1F. To accommodate these two phenotypes associated with mutations in NEFL, the designation CMT2E/1F has been used.
The overall prevalence of hereditary neuropathies is estimated at approximately 3:10,000 population. About 30% of these individuals (1:10,000) may have CMT2. The prevalence of the various subtypes of CMT2 is unknown. CMT2A represented 3.4%-16% of all CMT families in Norway and Spain respectively [Braathen et al 2010, Casasnovas et al 2010].
See CMT Overview, particularly to exclude potentially treatable causes of acquired neuropathy.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from chronic idiopathic axonal neuropathy.
Bienfait et al [2006] found extensive clinical overlap between individuals with CMT1A and CMT2, while noting that people with CMT1A are more likely to have earlier-onset disease, foot deformity, and total areflexia.
A median motor NCV of 38 m/s is often used as a threshold for differentiating CMT1 from CMT2; however, the CMT2 phenotype can result from mutations in genes primarily associated with CMT1 and CMTX1 [Gutierrez et al 2000, Young et al 2001, Shy et al 2004].
CMT2C resembles two other disorders:
Several different types of autosomal dominant hereditary axonal neuropathy may cause predominantly sensory symptoms, including the "burning feet syndrome" [Stogbauer et al 1999, Auer-Grumbach et al 2003]. Families with hereditary sensory neuropathy (including hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1 caused by mutations in SPTLC1 [Bejaoui et al 2001]) usually do not have motor symptoms such as muscle weakness, but findings can sometimes overlap with CMT2B.
Bellone et al [2002] reported a family with autosomal dominant mutilating neuropathy that was not linked to the CMT2B locus or the HSN1 locus.
The CMT2 phenotype may sometimes be associated with signs of spasticity (e.g., hyperactive tendon reflexes and/or Babinski signs). This phenotype has sometimes been referred to as HMSN V. Two affected families have been reported by Vucic et al [2003]. One gene associated with this phenotype has been identified (see BSCL2-Related Neurologic Disorders).
Another form of autosomal dominant motor and sensory neuropathy from Okinawa has been mapped to 3q13 [Takashima et al 1999]. The relationship of this entity to CMT2B, which is linked to a similar region, is undetermined. Ishiura et al [2012] have found mutations in the TRK-fused gene causing hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement.
Females with CMTX1 (GJB1, encoding connexin 32) may have a CMT2 phenotype.
Boyer et al [2011] have reported heterozygous mutation in INF2 associated with childhood-onset CMT syndrome later complicated by renal glomerulosclerosis. Nerve conductions have varied from moderately slow to normal.
An intermediate form of CMT inherited in an autosomal dominant manner has been described; affected individuals have a relatively typical CMT phenotype with nerve conduction velocities that overlap those observed in CMT1 (demyelinating form) and CMT2 (axonal form). Motor NCVs in these families usually range between 25 and 50 m/sec.
Mitochondrial causes. Mitochondrial abnormalities are known to sometimes be associated with peripheral neuropathy. Mutations in the nuclear gene MFN2 produce abnormal mitochondrial fusion/fission and resultant neuropathy (CMT2A). Mutations in the mitochondrial genome may also be associated with neuropathy, for example in NARP. Pitceathly et al [2012] have reported an axonal predominantly motor neuropathy associated with the m.9185T>C mutation in MT-ATP6.
Note to clinicians: For a patient-specific ‘simultaneous consult’ related to the most common type of CMT2 (CMT2A2), go to
, an interactive diagnostic decision support software tool that provides differential diagnoses based on patient findings (registration or institutional access required).
To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2), the following evaluations are recommended:
Treatment is symptomatic. Affected individuals are often evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical and occupational therapists [Grandis & Shy 2005].
The following may be indicated:
Exercise is encouraged within the individual's capability and many individuals remain physically active.
Pain and depression should be treated symptomatically [Gemignani et al 2004, Padua et al 2006].
Daily heel cord-stretching exercises are helpful in preventing Achilles' tendon shortening.
Gait and condition of feet should be monitored to determine need for bracing, special shoes, or surgery.
Obesity is to be avoided because it makes walking more difficult.
Medications which are toxic or potentially toxic to persons with CMT comprise a range of risks including:
Table 4. Medications Potentially Toxic to Persons with CMT
| Moderate to Significant Risk 1 | |
|---|---|
| - Amiodarone (Cordarone) - Bortezomib (Velcade) - Cisplatin & oxaliplatin - Colchicine (extended use) - Dapsone - Didanosine (ddI, Videx) - Dichloroacetate - Disulfiram (Antabuse) - Gold salts - Leflunomide (Arava) | - Metronidazole/misonidazole (extended use) - Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, Macrobid) - Nitrous oxide (inhalation abuse or vitamin B12 deficiency) - Perhexiline (not used in US) - Pyridoxine (mega dose of vitamin B6) - Stavudine (d4T, Zerit) - Suramin - Taxols (paclitaxel, docetaxel) - Thalidomide - Zalcitabine (ddC, Hivid) |
Click here (pdf) for additional medications in lesser-risk categories.
The medications listed here present differing degrees of potential risk for worsening CMT neuropathy. Always consult your treating physician before taking or changing any medication.
1. Based on: Weimer & Podwall [2006]. See also Graf et al [1996], Nishikawa et al [2008], and Porter et al [2009].
See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.
Argov & de Visser [2009] reviewed pregnancy issues in hereditary neuromuscular disorders including CMT. About 50% of women with CMT describe increased weakness during pregnancy that usually resolves post partum [Rudnik-Schoneborn et al 1993]. Operative deliveries were reported more commonly in women with CMT in Norway [Hoff et al 2005]. Greenwood & Scott [2007] have described the obstetric approach to women with mild and severe forms of CMT.
A recent German study reviewed 63 pregnancies in 33 individuals with CMT [Awater et al 2012] and found no increase in the frequency of Cesarean sections, forceps deliveries, premature births, or neonatal problems. About one third of mothers felt a worsening of CMT symptoms during pregnancy; in one fifth of mothers the changes were felt to be persistent.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Career and employment choices may be influenced by persistent weakness of hands and/or feet.
Genetic counseling is the process of providing individuals and families with information on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions. The following section deals with genetic risk assessment and the use of family history and genetic testing to clarify genetic status for family members. This section is not meant to address all personal, cultural, or ethical issues that individuals may face or to substitute for consultation with a genetics professional. —ED.
CMT2B1, CMT2B2, and CMT2H/2K are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; all other subtypes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2 (CMT2) are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
CMT2P has been reported to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner in one family and in an autosomal dominant manner in one family.
Parents of a proband
Note: Although most individuals diagnosed with autosomal dominant CMT2 have an affected parent, the family history may appear to be negative because of failure to recognize the disorder in family members, early death of the parent before the onset of symptoms, or late onset of the disease in the affected parent.
Sibs of a proband. The risk to sibs depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents.
Offspring of a proband. Every child of an individual with autosomal dominant CMT2 has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.
Other family members of a proband. The risk to other family members depends on the status of the proband's parents. If a parent is affected and/or has a disease-causing mutation, his or her family members are at risk.
Parents of a proband
Sibs of a proband
Offspring of a proband. The offspring of an individual with autosomal recessive CMT2 are obligate heterozygotes (carriers) for a disease-causing mutation.
Other family members of a proband. Each sib of the proband's parents is at a 50% risk of being a carrier.
Carrier testing for at-risk family members for autosomal recessive forms of CMT2 is possible if the disease-causing mutations have been identified in the family.
Considerations in families with an apparent de novo mutation. When neither parent of a proband with an autosomal dominant condition has the disease-causing mutation or clinical evidence of the disorder, it is likely that the proband has a de novo mutation. However, possible non-medical explanations including alternate paternity or maternity (e.g., with assisted reproduction) or undisclosed adoption could also be explored.
Family planning
Testing of at-risk asymptomatic adults. Asymptomatic adults at risk of having inherited a mutation associated with autosomal dominant CMT2 may wish to pursue further clinical evaluation and NCV testing. No treatment is available to individuals early in the course of the disease. Thus, such testing is for personal decision making only.
Testing of at-risk asymptomatic individuals during childhood. Testing of at-risk asymptomatic individuals who are younger than age 18 years is not appropriate. See also the National Society of Genetic Counselors position statement on genetic testing of minors for adult-onset conditions and the American Society of Human Genetics and American College of Medical Genetics points to consider: ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of genetic testing in children and adolescents.
DNA banking is the storage of DNA (typically extracted from white blood cells) for possible future use. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA of affected individuals.
If the disease-causing mutation(s) have been identified in the family, prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at increased risk is possible by analysis of DNA extracted from fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis (usually performed at ~15-18 weeks’ gestation) or chorionic villus sampling (usually performed at ~10-12 weeks’ gestation). Such testing may be available through laboratories that offer either testing for the gene of interest or custom testing.
Note: Gestational age is expressed as menstrual weeks calculated either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period or by ultrasound measurements.
Requests for prenatal testing for conditions which (like CMT2) do not affect intellect or life span are not common. Differences in perspectives may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing, particularly if the testing is being considered for the purpose of pregnancy termination rather than early diagnosis. Although most centers would consider decisions regarding prenatal testing to be the choice of the parents, discussion of these issues is appropriate.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of CMT2E has been reported [Sharapova et al 2004]. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of other CMT2 subtypes may be an option for some families in which the disease-causing mutation(s) have been identified.
GeneReviews staff has selected the following disease-specific and/or umbrella support organizations and/or registries for the benefit of individuals with this disorder and their families. GeneReviews is not responsible for the information provided by other organizations. For information on selection criteria, click here.
Information in the Molecular Genetics and OMIM tables may differ from that elsewhere in the GeneReview: tables may contain more recent information. —ED.
Table A. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Type 2: Genes and Databases
Table B. OMIM Entries for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Type 2 (View All in OMIM)
| 118210 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2A1; CMT2A1 |
| 150330 | LAMIN A/C; LMNA |
| 159440 | MYELIN PROTEIN ZERO; MPZ |
| 162280 | NEUROFILAMENT PROTEIN, LIGHT POLYPEPTIDE; NEFL |
| 600112 | DYNEIN, CYTOPLASMIC 1, HEAVY CHAIN 1; DYNC1H1 |
| 600287 | GLYCYL-tRNA SYNTHETASE; GARS |
| 600882 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2B; CMT2B |
| 601065 | ALANYL-tRNA SYNTHETASE; AARS |
| 601472 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2D; CMT2D |
| 602195 | HEAT-SHOCK 27-KD PROTEIN 1; HSPB1 |
| 602298 | RAS-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN RAB7; RAB7 |
| 605427 | TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL CATION CHANNEL, SUBFAMILY V, MEMBER 4; TRPV4 |
| 605588 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2B1; CMT2B1 |
| 605589 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2B2; CMT2B2 |
| 605995 | KINESIN FAMILY MEMBER 1B; KIF1B |
| 606071 | HEREDITARY MOTOR AND SENSORY NEUROPATHY, TYPE IIC; HMSN2C |
| 606595 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2F; CMT2F |
| 606598 | GANGLIOSIDE-INDUCED DIFFERENTIATION-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 1; GDAP1 |
| 607677 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2I; CMT2I |
| 607684 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2E; CMT2E |
| 607731 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2H; CMT2H |
| 607736 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2J; CMT2J |
| 607831 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2K; CMT2K |
| 608014 | HEAT-SHOCK 22-KD PROTEIN 8; HSPB8 |
| 608507 | MITOFUSIN 2; MFN2 |
| 608591 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2G; CMT2G |
| 608673 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2L; CMT2L |
| 609260 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2A2; CMT2A2 |
| 610197 | MEDIATOR COMPLEX SUBUNIT 25; MED25 |
| 610933 | LEUCINE-RICH REPEAT- AND STERILE ALPHA MOTIF-CONTAINING 1; LRSAM1 |
| 613287 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2N; CMT2N |
| 614228 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2O; CMT2O |
| 614436 | CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH DISEASE, AXONAL, TYPE 2P; CMT2P |
The relationship of myelin and axon pathology to the pathogenesis of CMT is discussed in detail in several reviews [Krajewski et al 2000, Berger et al 2002, Maier et al 2002, Züchner & Vance 2006a, Züchner & Vance 2006b].
Normal allelic variants. KIF1B comprises 47 exons and 167.13 kb of DNA.
Pathologic allelic variants. A p.Gln98Leu mutation was reported in a single family [Zhao et al 2001]. See also Table A.
Table 5. Selected KIF1B Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.293A>T | p.Gln98Leu | NM_015074 NP_055889 |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. Kinesin-like protein KIF1B is involved in axonal transport of synaptic vesicle precursors [Zhao et al 2001]. The kinesin superfamily of proteins is essential for intracellular transport along microtubules.
Abnormal gene product. There may be a defect in the transport of synaptic vesicles.
Normal allelic variants. MFN2 has 19 exons with a 2274-bp open reading frame.
Pathologic allelic variants. Züchner et al [2004b] and Verhoeven et al [2006] have reported more than 25 missense mutations in MFN2. See also Table A.
Normal gene product. Mitofusin-2, encoded by MFN2, is involved in mitochondrial network architecture and mediates mitochondrial fusion.
Abnormal gene product. Mutations in MFN2 may disrupt the mitochondrial fusion-fission balance in peripheral nerve. Diminished axonal mitochondrial transport has been described [Baloh et al 2007].
Normal allelic variants. RAB7A has six exons and 87.9 kb of DNA.
Pathologic allelic variants. See Table A.
Normal gene product. Ras-related protein Rab-7a belongs to the RAB family of Ras-related GTPases essential for the regulation of intracellular membrane trafficking. Rab-7a is involved in transport between late endosomes and lysosomes. RAB-interacting lysosomal protein (RILP) induces the recruitment of dynein-dynactin motors and regulates transport toward the minus-end of microtubules [Verhoeven et al 2003].
Abnormal gene product. Abnormal Rab-7a may cause malfunction of lysosomes.
Normal allelic variants. LMNA has 12 exons spread over 24 kb of genomic DNA.
Pathologic allelic variants. The most common mutation found in individuals with CMT2B1 is p.Arg298Cys. See also Table A.
Table 6. Selected LMNA Allelic Variants
| Class of Variant Allele | DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | c.1908C>T | p.= 1 | NM_170707 NP_733821 |
| Pathologic | c.398G>T | p.Arg133Leu | |
| c.892C>T | p.Arg298Cys | ||
| c.1411C>T | p.Arg471Cys | ||
| c.1579C>T | p.Arg527Cys |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
1. p.= designates that protein has not been analyzed, but no change is expected.
Normal gene product. Lamins are the principal component of the nuclear lamina, a major portion of the nuclear envelope. Two A-type lamins exist: A and C. Lamins play a role in DNA replication, chromatin organization, spatial arrangement of nuclear pore complexes, nuclear growth, mechanical stabilization of the nucleus, and anchorage of the nuclear envelope protein.
Abnormal gene product. Position 29 is located in the lamin-A/C rod domain. The manner in which disruption of this domain adversely affects peripheral nerve function is unknown. Other LMNA mutations are associated with a wide variety of disorders (see Genetically Related Disorders).
Normal allelic variants. MED25 has 18 exons.
Pathologic allelic variants. One pathologic allelic variant has been described in an extended Costa Rican family with autosomal recessively inherited CMT neuropathy linked to the CMT2B2 locus in chromosome 19q13.3. Affected individuals were homozygous for p.Ala335Val [Leal et al 2009].
Table 7. Selected MED25 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.1004C>T | p.Ala335Val | NM_030973 NP_112235 |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. MED25 encodes a 747-amino acid protein designated the mediator complex subunit 25 protein (reference sequence NM_030973.2). This protein is a subunit of the human activator-recruited cofactor (ARC), a family of large transcriptional coactivator complexes. Its precise function in transcriptional regulation is unknown.
Abnormal gene product. The p.Ala335Val substitution is located in a proline-rich region with high affinity for SH3 domains of the Abelson type. The mutation causes a decrease in binding specificity leading to the recognition of a broader range of SH3 domain proteins.
Normal allelic variants. TRPV4 has 16 exons; exon 1 of NM_021625.3 is non-coding.
Pathologic allelic variants. The mutations in Table 8 have been associated with CMT2C.
Table 8. Selected TRPV4 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.805C>T | p.Arg269Cys | NM_021625 NP_067638 |
| c.806G>A | p.Arg269His | |
| c.943C>T | p.Arg315Trp | |
| c.946C>T | p.Arg316Cys |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. TRPV is a vanilloid receptor-related transient receptor potential channel which plays an important role in neural signal. The protein is composed of a cytosolic N-terminal region and six transmembrane domains, including the pore region and an intracellular C-terminal tail. The N-terminal region contains the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD).
Abnormal gene product. Landouré et al [2010] demonstrated cellular toxicity and increased constitutive and activated channel currents in TRPV4-transected cells. Deng et al [2010] showed increased calcium channel activity resulting from the two mutations found in two families with CMT2C. The effect of mutations on molecular functions like oligomerization, surface expression and ubiquitination are reviewed by Verma et al [2010].
Normal allelic variants. GARS is a 40-kb gene with 17 exons.
Pathologic allelic variants. See Table A.
Normal gene product. Glycyl-tRNA synthetase ligates amino acids to their cognate tRNA.
Abnormal gene product. The missense mutations in this gene may produce a loss of function that allows the incorporation of the wrong amino acid in the place of glycine [Motley et al 2010].
Normal allelic variants. NEFL contains four coding exons; the 5' UTRs are highly conserved.
Pathologic allelic variants. One family with CMT2E/1F has a mutation in exon 1 of NEFL [Mersiyanova et al 2000] and another family has a deletion/insertion mutation in exon 1 (c.22_23delCCinsAG) [De Jonghe et al 2001]. See also Table A.
Table 9. Selected NEFL Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.22_23delCCinsAG | p.Pro8Arg | NM_006158 NP_006149 |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. Neurofilament light polypeptide, the protein encoded by NEFL, contains 543 amino acids with a head, rod, and tail domain. Neurofilaments form the cytoskeletal component of myelinated axons.
Abnormal gene product. Knockout mice lacking neurofilaments have diminished axon caliber and delayed regeneration of myelinated axons following crush injury. A mouse mutation in Nefl has massive degeneration of spinal motor neurons and abnormal neurofilament accumulation with severe neurogenic skeletal muscle atrophy. Defects in transport and assembly of neurofilaments have been reported [Perez-Olle et al 2004].
Normal allelic variants. HSPB1 contains three exons with a central HSP20-α-crystallin domain.
Pathologic allelic variants. See Table A.
Normal gene product. The heat shock protein beta-1 (also referred to as heat-shock protein 27) has many possible functions including antiapoptotic and cytoprotective properties, inhibition of caspase activation, prevention of aggresome formation, and involvement in the neurofilament network.
Abnormal gene product. Mutations in HSPB1 result in altered neurofilament assembly [Evgrafov et al 2004].
Normal allelic variants. MPZ spans approximately seven kilobases and contains six exons.
Pathologic allelic variants. More than 56 point mutations in MPZ have been reported [Nelis et al 1999]. More than 70% of the mutations are localized in exons 2 and 3 of MPZ coding for the extracellular domain, indicating the functional importance of this domain (see also Table A).
Table 10. Selected MPZ Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change (Alias 1) | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.254A>T | p.Asp85Val (p.Asp75Val) | NM_000530 NP_000521 |
| c.401C>T | p.Thr134Met (p.Thr124Met) |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
1. Variant designation that does not conform to current naming conventions
Normal gene product. Myelin P0 protein is a major structural component of peripheral myelin representing about 50% of peripheral myelin protein by weight and about 7% of Schwann cell message. It is a homophilic adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin family that plays an important role in myelin compaction. It has a single transmembrane domain, a large extracellular domain, and a smaller intracellular domain.
Abnormal gene product. Different mutations affect all portions of the protein and may alter myelin adhesion. Either demyelinating or axonal phenotypes can result.
Normal allelic variants. GDAP1 has six exons, 13.9 kb of DNA, and a 1007-nucleotide open reading frame.
Pathologic allelic variants. See also Table A.
Table 11. Selected GDAP1 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.358C>T | p.Arg120Trp | NM_018972 NP_061845 |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. Ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein-1 [Baxter et al 2002]
Abnormal gene product. It is speculated that mutations may prevent the correct catalyzing S conjugation of reduced GCH, resulting in progressive attrition of both axons and Schwann cells.
Normal allelic variants. HSPB8 has three exons and spans about 16 kb.
Pathologic allelic variants. Three mutations have been reported. See Table 12 [Irobi et al 2004b, Tang et al 2005].
Table 12. Selected HSPB8 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.423G>T | p.Lys141Asn | NM_014365 NP_055180 |
| c.423G>C | p.Lys141Asn | |
| c.421A>G | p.Lys141Glu |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. HSPB8 (also called HSP22) is a phosphor protein that interacts with HSPB1.
Abnormal gene product. Mutant HSPB8 proteins interact with HSPB1 and form aggregates that may lead to dysfunctional axonal transport and dysregulation of the cytoskeleton [Irobi et al 2004b].
Normal allelic variants. AARS has 21 exons and is located on chromosome 16.
Pathologic allelic variants. Two mutations have been associated with CMT (p.Arg329His and p.Glu778Ala). See Table 13. The mutation p.Asn71Tyr (c.211A>T) may also be pathologic.
Table 13. Selected AARS Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.986G>A | p.Arg329His | NM_001605 NP_001596 |
| c.2333A>C | p.Glu778Ala |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. Alanyl-tRNA synthetase attaches alanine to tRNA molecules in cytoplasm and mitochondria completing the first step in protein translation.
Abnormal gene product. Functional studies suggest these are loss of function mutations [McLaughlin et al 2012].
Pathologic allelic variants. One human mutation has been described (p.His306Arg) by Weedon et al [2011]. See Table 14.
Table 14. Selected DYNC1H1 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.917A>G | p.His306Arg | NM_001376 |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. 4,644-amino acid protein. DYNC1H1 is a subunit of cytoplasmic dynein, the primary motor protein producing retrograde axonal transport in neurons.
Abnormal gene product. Presumably the abnormal protein produces defective retrograde axonal transport in peripheral nerves.
Pathologic allelic variants. A single autosomal dominant and a single autosomal recessive mutation have been described. See Table 15.
Table 15. Selected LRSAM1 Pathologic Allelic Variants
| DNA Nucleotide Change | Protein Amino Acid Change | Reference Sequences |
|---|---|---|
| c.2121_2122 insGC | p.Leu708Arg fx28 | -- |
| AG>AA exon 24 | Intronic splice site |
See Quick Reference for an explanation of nomenclature. GeneReviews follows the standard naming conventions of the Human Genome Variation Society (www
Normal gene product. A ubiquitin ligase (E3) involved with sorting ubiquitinylated cytoplasmic cargo (TSG101); 702-amino acid 70-kd protein
Abnormal gene product. Disturbs sorting of ubiquitinylated cargo in neuronal cytoplasm.
Medical Genetic Searches: A specialized PubMed search designed for clinicians that is located on the PubMed Clinical Queries page
For more information, see the GeneReviews Copyright Notice and Usage Disclaimer.
For questions regarding permissions: admasst/at/uw.edu.
Your browsing activity is empty.
Activity recording is turned off.
See more...