Homozygote loss-of-function variants in the human COCH gene underlie hearing loss

Eur J Hum Genet. 2021 Feb;29(2):338-342. doi: 10.1038/s41431-020-00724-6. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Abstract

Since 1999, the COCH gene encoding cochlin, has been linked to the autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss, DFNA9, with or without vestibular abnormalities. The hearing impairment associated with the variants affecting gene function has been attributed to a dominant-negative effect. Mutant cochlin was seen to accumulate intracellularly, with the formation of aggregates both inside and outside the cells, in contrast to the wild-type cochlin that is normally secreted. While additional recessive variants in the COCH gene (DFNB110) have recently been reported, the mechanism of the loss-of-function (LOF) effect of the COCH gene product remains unknown. In this study, we used COS7 cell lines to investigate the consequences of a novel homozygous frameshift variant on RNA transcription, and on cochlin translation. Our results indicate a LOF effect of the variant and a major decrease in cochlin translation. This data have a dramatic impact on the accuracy of genetic counseling for both heterozygote and homozygote carriers of LOF variants in COCH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics*
  • Frameshift Mutation
  • Hearing Loss / genetics*
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / genetics
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Pedigree
  • Vestibular Diseases / genetics

Substances

  • COCH protein, human
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Deafness, Autosomal Dominant 9