Collagen VI-Related Dystrophies
Collagen VI-Related Dystrophies (COL6-RDs) are a group of inherited muscle disorders caused by mutations in the COL6A1, COL6A2, or COL6A3 genes, which encode the Ī±1(VI), Ī±2(VI), and Ī±3(VI) chains of collagen VI respectively. The phenotypic spectrum ranges from the milder Bethlem muscular dystrophy (BMD) to the more severe Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), with intermediate phenotypes also recognized.[1] There are two further conditions that fall within the spectrum of COL6-RDs namely autosomal dominant limb girdle muscular dystrophy and autosomal recessive myosclerosis myopathy.
Pathophysiology
Collagen VI is an essential extracellular matrix protein found in skeletal muscle, skin, tendon, cartilage, and other connective tissues. It forms a microfibrillar network that supports the structural stability of muscle fibers. Mutations in the COL6A1, COL6A2, or COL6A3 genes impair the formation and function of collagen VI, resulting in progressive myopathy. A large proportion of these are de novo.
The pathogenesis of COL6-RDs involves defective assembly of collagen VI microfibrils due to mutations in the COL6 genes. This defect compromises the stability of the extracellular matrix, resulting in muscle fiber damage and progressive muscle weakness. Additionally, impaired autophagy has been implicated in the muscle degeneration observed in these disorders
Clinical Features
The clinical spectrum includes:
- Bethlem Muscular Dystrophy (BMD): A milder phenotype, typically presenting in early childhood or later with slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness and joint contractures. Common features include finger flexor contractures, Achilles tendon tightening, and hypermobility of distal joints (particularly knees and ankles), and scoliosis. Ambulation is often preserved into adulthood. Respiratory involvement may occur, but is usually mild.
- Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (UCMD): A more severe phenotype with congenital onset. Presents with marked hypotonia, proximal joint contractures, distal hyperlaxity (more significant than in BMD), and early respiratory insufficiency. Many individuals never achieve independent ambulation or lose ambulation in early childhood.
- Intermediate Phenotypes: Individuals may have features that fall between UCMD and BMD, such as delayed walking, moderate progression of weakness, and variable respiratory involvement.
There may be skin findings including keloid or "cigarette-paper" scarring following even slight skin traumatic injuries and follicular hyperkeratosis.[2]
There is a wide variation in the presentation of BM, including within the same affected family. Some may present in early childhood with symptoms such as hypotonia, delayed motor milestones, and joint contractures, particularly in the fingers, wrists, elbows, and ankles. Distal joint hypermobility can be observed particularly affecting the knees. Proximal muscle weakness is slowly progressive, and respiratory involvement can occur later in life. Contractures and muscle weakness can lead to difficulties in mobility, with many patients requiring assistive devices by adulthood.[3][4] In a minority of cases respiratory insufficiency occurs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical features, family history, and confirmed by molecular genetic testing identifying pathogenic variants in COL6A1, COL6A2, or COL6A3.[5][1]
Supportive investigations include:
- Muscle MRI showing characteristic "outside-in" fatty infiltration in the vastus lateralis and "central cloud" in the rectus femoris.
- Muscle biopsy demonstrating dystrophic changes, with reduced or absent collagen VI expression on immunohistochemistry or western blot.
- Skin fibroblast analysis may be used to assess collagen VI secretion.
- Genetic testing options include single-gene sequencing, gene panels, or exome/genome sequencing.
- Serum CK is normal or mildly elevated.
Management
Management of BM is primarily supportive and includes physical therapy to maintain mobility and prevent contractures, orthopedic interventions for severe contractures, and respiratory support if needed. Regular monitoring of respiratory function is recommended. Genetic counseling is important for affected families.[6][7]
Resources
Members
References
- ā 1.0 1.1 Foley, A. Reghan; Mohassel, Payam; Donkervoort, Sandra; Bolduc, VĆ©ronique; Bƶnnemann, Carsten G. (1993). "Collagen VI-Related Dystrophies". GeneReviews. University of Washington, Seattle. PMID 20301676. Retrieved 2025-04-03.
- ā Souza, Paulo Victor Sgobbi de; Bortholin, Thiago; Pinheiro, Jhonatan Rafael Siqueira; Naylor, Fernando George Monteiro; Pinto, Wladimir Bocca Vieira de Rezende; Oliveira, Acary Souza Bulle (2017-10-01). "Collagen type VI-related myopathy". Practical Neurology (in English). 17 (5): 406ā407. doi:10.1136/practneurol-2017-001661. ISSN 1474-7758. PMID 28578317.
- ā Li, Maohua; Huang, Jiandi; Liu, Min; Duan, Chunmei; Guo, Hong; Chen, Xiaoyan; Wang, Yue (2023-01-27). "A novel variant of COL6A3 c.6817-2(IVS27)A>G causing Bethlem myopathy: A case report". Frontiers in Neurology. 14: 1063090. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1063090. ISSN 1664-2295. PMC 9911450. PMID 36779064.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
- ā Li, Maohua; Huang, Jiandi; Liu, Min; Duan, Chunmei; Guo, Hong; Chen, Xiaoyan; Wang, Yue (2023-01-27). "A novel variant of COL6A3 c.6817-2(IVS27)A>G causing Bethlem myopathy: A case report". Frontiers in Neurology. 14: 1063090. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1063090. ISSN 1664-2295. PMC 9911450. PMID 36779064.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
- ā PanadĆ©s-de Oliveira, LuĆsa; RodrĆguez-LĆ³pez, Claudia; Cantero Montenegro, Diana; Marcos Toledano, MarĆa del Mar; FernĆ”ndez-Marmiesse, Ana; Esteban PĆ©rez, JesĆŗs; HernĆ”ndez Lain, Aurelio; DomĆnguez-GonzĆ”lez, Cristina (2019-04). "Bethlem myopathy: a series of 16 patients and description of seven new associated mutations". Journal of Neurology (in English). 266 (4): 934ā941. doi:10.1007/s00415-019-09217-z. ISSN 0340-5354. Check date values in:
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(help) - ā Silverstein, Rachel S.; Wang, Daniel D.; Haruno, Lee S.; Lotze, Timothy E.; Scott, Allison C.; Rosenfeld, Scott B. (2023-02). "Bethlem Myopathy (Collagen VI-Related Dystrophies): A Retrospective Cohort Study on Musculoskeletal Pathologies and Clinical Course". Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics (in English). 43 (2): e163āe167. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000002283. ISSN 0271-6798. Check date values in:
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(help) - ā Deconinck, N.; Richard, P.; Allamand, V.; Behin, A.; Laforet, P.; Ferreiro, A.; de Becdelievre, A.; Ledeuil, C.; Gartioux, C.; Nelson, I.; Carlier, R. Y. (2015-12-01). "Bethlem myopathy: long-term follow-up identifies COL6 mutations predicting severe clinical evolution". Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (in English). 86 (12): 1337ā1346. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2013-307245. ISSN 0022-3050.