Conclusions
The identification and functional analysis of these DLST variants further validates DLST as an additional PPGL gene involved in the TCA cycle.
Results
While investigating unexplained PPGL cases, we identified a novel variant, c.1151C>T, p.(Pro384Leu), in exon 14 of the gene encoding dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST), a component of the multi-enzyme complex 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase. Targeted sequence analysis of further unexplained cases identified a patient carrying a tumor with compound heterozygous variants in DLST, consisting of a germline variant, c.1121G>A, p.(Gly374Glu), together with a somatic missense variant identified in tumor DNA, c.1147A>G, p.(Thr383Ala), both located in exon 14. Using a range of in silico and functional assays we show that these variants are predicted to be pathogenic, profoundly impact enzyme activity, and result in DNA hypermethylation. Conclusions: The identification and functional analysis of these DLST variants further validates DLST as an additional PPGL gene involved in the TCA cycle.