Identification of a new Pmp22 mouse mutant and trafficking analysis of a Pmp22 allelic series suggesting that protein aggregates may be protective in Pmp22-associated peripheral neuropathy

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2002 Sep;21(1):114-25. doi: 10.1006/mcne.2002.1158.

Abstract

We have identified and characterized a new peripheral myelin protein 22 (Pmp22) mouse mutant. The mutation results in a serine to threonine amino acid substitution at residue 72, which is a hot spot for mutation in human PMP22, leading to the peripheral neuropathy Dejerine-Sottas syndrome. We have previously described two other Pmp22 mutants, providing an allelic series for gene function analysis. Pmp22 mutations generally lead to abnormal intracellular trafficking of Pmp22, and we show that each mutant protein in the allelic series has a unique pattern of intracellular localization in transfected cell lines. The mutant protein from the less severely affected mutants occurs in large aggregates, while the mutant protein from the most severely affected mutant occurs in a diffuse perinuclear pattern that largely colocalizes with wild-type protein. This suggests that large Pmp22 aggregates may be protective in this form of peripheral neuropathy.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Dimerization
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Genotype
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Neurologic Mutants / genetics*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Myelin Proteins / genetics*
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology
  • Myelin Sheath / ultrastructure
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / genetics*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • Sciatic Nerve / metabolism
  • Sciatic Nerve / pathology
  • Sciatic Nerve / ultrastructure
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Myelin Proteins
  • PMP22 protein, human
  • Pmp22 protein, mouse