From Disease Description and Gene Discovery to Functional Cell Pathway: A Decade-Long Journey for TMCO1

A decade has passed since transmembrane coiled-coil domains 1 (TMCO1) defect syndrome was identified in 11 undiagnosed patients within the Old Order Amish of Northeastern Ohio—a disorder characterized by a distinctive craniofacial dysmorphism, skeletal anomalies and global developmental delay. Twenty seven patients, from diverse ethnic groups, have been reported with pathogenic TMCO1 variants now recognized to cause cerebrofaciothoracic dysplasia (CFTD). The implication of previously uncharacterized TMCO1 within disease has instigated a 10-year journey to understand the function of TMCO1 protein in Ca(2+) homeostasis. TMCO1 is an ER Ca(2+) leak channel which facilitates Ca(2+) leak upon ER “overload” through the novel Ca(2+) load activated Ca(2+) mechanism. This mini-review brings together the clinical and scientific advances made since the discovery of TMCO1 deficiency in disease, including broadened phenotype, understanding of pathophysiology, and implications to patient management of TMCO1 defect syndrome.