# De novo missense mutation in MYT1l leading to autosomal dominant intellectual disability 39 and autism spectrum disorder: a case report

**Authors:** Xin Wang, Shuangzhu Lin, Yang Chen, Yangfan Qi, Xiaoyu Sun, Wanqi Wang, Kai Jiang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fped.2025.1672911 · Frontiers in Pediatrics · 2025-10-23

## TL;DR

A young girl with developmental delays and autism was found to have a new mutation in the MYT1l gene, which is linked to a rare genetic disorder.

## Contribution

This case report confirms the pathogenicity of a previously uncharacterized MYT1l variant and expands the known phenotype of MRD39.

## Key findings

- A de novo missense variant in MYT1l (c.1695G > T; p.Arg565Ser) was identified in a patient with global developmental delay and autism.
- The variant was classified as Likely Pathogenic based on ACMG criteria PM6 and PM2.
- The case expands the phenotypic spectrum of MYT1l-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

## Abstract

Autosomal dominant intellectual disability type 39 (MRD39; OMIM # 616521) is caused by heterozygous mutation in the MYT1l gene on chromosome 2p25.3. The MYTL1 encoded protein belongs to a novel class of cystein-cystein-histidine-cystein zinc finger proteins that function in the developing mammalian central nervous system.

We report a 1-year-6-month-old girl presenting with global developmental delay (GDD) and autistic behaviors, demonstrating inability to stand independently, crawling mobility, poor response to name calling, and impaired joint attention. Initial developmental assessments yielded a Griffiths Mental Development Scale score of 57 and an ADOS-2 score of 11. Following 20 months of systematic rehabilitative training, the patient achieved independent ambulation, could follow simple commands, and produced phrases under 10 words, though suboptimal response to name calling and joint attention persisted. Re-evaluation showed a Griffiths score of 59 and an ADOS-2 score of 10. Whole-exome sequencing identified a de novo heterozygous missense variant in the MYT1l gene [c.1695G > T; p.(Arg565Ser)]. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, this variant was classified as Likely Pathogenic based on criteria PM6 (de novo status) and PM2 (absence in population databases). Based on the concordant genotype and phenotype, the patient was diagnosed with MYT1l-related neurodevelopmental disorder (MRD39).

We report a case of MYT1l-related disorder presenting with global developmental delay and features of autism spectrum disorder, associated with the previously documented but functionally uncharacterized c.1695G > T (p.Arg565Ser) variant. This case provides valuable clinical evidence supporting the pathogenicity of this variant and contributes to a deeper understanding of the phenotypic spectrum of MYT1l-related conditions.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** MYT1L (myelin transcription factor 1 like) [NCBI Gene 23040]
- **Diseases:** autism spectrum disorder (MONDO:0005258), intellectual disability (MONDO:0001071)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MYT1L (myelin transcription factor 1 like) [NCBI Gene 23040] {aka MRD39, NZF1, ZC2H2C2, ZC2HC4B, myT1-L}
- **Diseases:** Autosomal dominant intellectual disability type 39 (OMIM:616521), autism spectrum disorder (MESH:D000067877), impaired joint attention (MESH:D001289), intellectual disability 39 (OMIM:615541), developmental delay (MESH:D002658), autistic behaviors (MESH:D001321), GDD (MESH:D001037), related disorder (MESH:D019973)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Mutations:** p.(Arg565Ser), c.1695G > T

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## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12588991/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12588991