Mucolipidosis type IV

Mucolipidosis type IV
SpecialtyNeurology, Ophthalmology
SymptomsPsyochomotor retardation; corneal opacity; retinal degradation; agenesis of the corpus callosum; achlorhydria
Usual onsetWithin first year of life
DurationStable 2-3 devades after onset; progression slow
CausesMCOLN1 gene mutations; defective cation channel
TreatmentIron supplements (anemia); corneal transplantation
FrequencyUnder-diagnosed; carrier frquency 1:100

Mucolipidosis type IV (ML IV, ganglioside sialidase deficiency, or ML4) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. Individuals with the disorder have many symptoms including delayed psychomotor development and various ocular aberrations. The disorder is caused by mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, which encodes a non-selective cation channel, mucolipin1. These mutations disrupt cellular functions and lead to a neurodevelopmental disorder through an unknown mechanism. Researchers dispute the physiological role of the protein product and which ion it transports.