Clinical and histopathologic characterization of a central and peripheral axonopathy in Rouge-des-prés (Maine Anjou) calves

Bovine and murine models highlight novel roles for SLC25A46 in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism, with implications for human and animal health

Neuropathies are neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and other mammals. Many genetic causes have been identified so far, including mutations of genes encoding proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics. Recently, the “Turning calves syndrome”, a novel sensorimotor polyneuropathy was described in the French Rouge-des-Prés cattle breed. In the present study, we determined that this hereditary disease resulted from a single nucleotide substitution in SLC25A46, a gene encoding a protein of the mitochondrial carrier family. This mutation caused an apparent damaging amino-acid substitution. To better understand the function of this protein, we knocked out the Slc25a46 gene in a mouse model. This alteration affected not only the nervous system but also altered general metabolism, resulting in premature mortality. Based on optic microscopy examination, electron microscopy and on biochemical, metabolic and proteomic analyses, we showed that the Slc25a46 disruption caused a fusion/fission imbalance and an abnormal mitochondrial architecture that disturbed mitochondrial metabolism. These data extended the range of phenotypes associated with Slc25a46 dysfunction. Moreover, this Slc25a46 knock-out mouse model should be useful to further elucidate the role of SLC25A46 in mitochondrial dynamics.

Mitochondria are essential organelles, the site of numerous biochemical reactions, with a critical role in delivering energy to cells, particularly in the nervous system. Consequently, disrupted mitochondrial function often results in neurodegenerative diseases, in humans and in other mammals. Herein, we determined that the “Turning calves syndrome”, a new hereditary sensorimotor polyneuropathy in the French Rouge-des-Prés cattle breed was due to a single substitution in SLC25A46, a gene encoding a protein of the mitochondrial carrier family. We created a mouse knock-out model and determined that disruption of this gene dramatically disturbed mitochondrial dynamics in various organs that resulted in altered metabolism and early death, indirectly confirming the gene identification in cattle. Moreover, our novel findings extended the range of phenotypes associated with polymorphisms of this gene and help to elucidate the role of SLC25A46 in mitochondrial function.