Dystonin is an essential component of the Schwann cell cytoskeleton at the time of myelination

The DST gene in neurobiology

DST is a gene whose alternative splicing yields epithelial, neuronal, and muscular isoforms. The autosomal recessive Dstdt (dystonia musculorum) spontaneous mouse mutation causes degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts as well as peripheral sensory nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and cranial nerve ganglia. In addition to Dstdt mutants, axonopathy and neurofilament accumulation in perikarya are features of two other murine lines with spontaneous Dst mutations, targeted Dst knockout mice, DstTg4 transgenic mice carrying two deleted Dst exons, DstGt mice with trapped actin-binding domain-containing isoforms, and conditional Schwann cell-specific Dst knockout mice. As a result of nerve damage, Dstdt mutants display dystonia and ataxia, as seen in several genetically modified models and their motor coordination deficits have been quantified along with the spontaneous Dst nonsense mutant, the conditional Schwann cell-specific Dst knockout, the conditional DstGt mutant, and the Dst-b isoform specific Dst mutant. Recent findings in humans have associated DST mutations of the Dst-b isoform with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies type 6 (HSAN-VI). These data should further encourage the development of genetic techniques to treat or prevent ataxic and dystonic symptoms.

BPAG1, a distinctive role in skin and neurological diseases

Spectraplakins are multifunctional cytoskeletal linker proteins that act as important communicators, connecting cytoskeletal components with each other and to cellular junctions. Bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BPAG1)/dystonin is a member of spectraplakin family and expressed in various tissues. Alternative splicing of BPAG1 gene produces various isoforms with unique structure and domains. BPAG1 plays crucial roles in numerous biological processes, such as cytoskeleton organization, cell polarization, cell adhesion, and cell migration as well as signaling transduction. Genetic mutation of BPAG1 isoforms is the miscreant of epidermolysis bullosa and multifarious, destructive neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of BPAG1's role in various biological processes and in skin and neurological diseases.

Cytoskeletal Linker Protein Dystonin Is Not Critical to Terminal Oligodendrocyte Differentiation or CNS Myelination

Oligodendrocyte differentiation and central nervous system myelination require massive reorganization of the oligodendrocyte cytoskeleton. Loss of specific actin- and tubulin-organizing factors can lead to impaired morphological and/or molecular differentiation of oligodendrocytes, resulting in a subsequent loss of myelination. Dystonin is a cytoskeletal linker protein with both actin- and tubulin-binding domains. Loss of function of this protein results in a sensory neuropathy called Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy VI in humans and dystonia musculorum in mice. This disease presents with severe ataxia, dystonic muscle and is ultimately fatal early in life. While loss of the neuronal isoforms of dystonin primarily leads to sensory neuron degeneration, it has also been shown that peripheral myelination is compromised due to intrinsic Schwann cell differentiation abnormalities. The role of this cytoskeletal linker in oligodendrocytes, however, remains unclear. We sought to determine the effects of the loss of neuronal dystonin on oligodendrocyte differentiation and central myelination. To address this, primary oligodendrocytes were isolated from a severe model of dystonia musculorum, Dstdt-27J, and assessed for morphological and molecular differentiation capacity. No defects could be discerned in the differentiation of Dstdt-27J oligodendrocytes relative to oligodendrocytes from wild-type littermates. Survival was also compared between Dstdt-27J and wild-type oligodendrocytes, revealing no significant difference. Using a recently developed migration assay, we further analysed the ability of primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cell motility, and found that Dstdt-27J oligodendrocyte progenitor cells were able to migrate normally. Finally, in vivo analysis of oligodendrocyte myelination was done in phenotype-stage optic nerve, cerebral cortex and spinal cord. The density of myelinated axons and g-ratios of Dstdt-27J optic nerves was normal, as was myelin basic protein expression in both cerebral cortex and spinal cord. Together these data suggest that, unlike Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes do not have an intrinsic requirement for neuronal dystonin for differentiation and myelination.

Functional and Genetic Analysis of Spectraplakins in Drosophila

The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of filamentous protein polymers required for virtually all cellular processes. It consists of three major classes, filamentous actin (F-actin), intermediate filaments, and microtubules, all displaying characteristic structural properties, functions, cellular distributions, and sets of interacting regulatory proteins. One unique class of proteins, the spectraplakins, bind, regulate, and integrate the functions of all three classes of cytoskeleton proteins. Spectraplakins are giant, evolutionary conserved multidomain proteins (spanning up to 9000 aa) that are true members of the plakin, spectrin, and Gas2-like protein families. They have OMIM-listed disease links to epidermolysis bullosa and hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy. Their role in disease is likely underrepresented since studies in model animal systems have revealed critical roles in polarity, morphogenesis, differentiation and maintenance, migration, signaling, and intracellular trafficking in a variety of tissues. This enormous diversity of spectraplakin function is consistent with the numerous isoforms produced from single genomic loci that combine different sets of functional domains in distinct cellular contexts. To study the broad range of functions and complexity of these proteins, Drosophila is a powerful model. Thus, the fly spectraplakin Short stop (Shot) acts as an actin-microtubule linker and plays important roles in many developmental processes, which provide experimentally amenable and relevant contexts in which to study spectraplakin functions. For these studies, a versatile range of relevant experimental resources that facilitate genetics and transgenic approaches, highly refined genomics tools, and an impressive set of spectraplakin-specific genetic and molecular tools are readily available. Here, we use the example of Shot to illustrate how the various tools and strategies available for Drosophila can be employed to decipher and dissect cellular roles and molecular mechanisms of spectraplakins.

Untethering the nuclear envelope and cytoskeleton: biologically distinct dystonias arising from a common cellular dysfunction

Most cases of early onset DYT1 dystonia in humans are caused by a GAG deletion in the TOR1A gene leading to loss of a glutamic acid (ΔE) in the torsinA protein, which underlies a movement disorder associated with neuronal dysfunction without apparent neurodegeneration. Mutation/deletion of the gene (Dst) encoding dystonin in mice results in a dystonic movement disorder termed dystonia musculorum, which resembles aspects of dystonia in humans. While torsinA and dystonin proteins do not share modular domain architecture, they participate in a similar function by modulating a structural link between the nuclear envelope and the cytoskeleton in neuronal cells. We suggest that through a shared interaction with the nuclear envelope protein nesprin-3α, torsinA and the neuronal dystonin-a2 isoform comprise a bridge complex between the outer nuclear membrane and the cytoskeleton, which is critical for some aspects of neuronal development and function. Elucidation of the overlapping roles of torsinA and dystonin-a2 in nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum dynamics should provide insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying the dystonic phenotype.

Microtubule stability, Golgi organization, and transport flux require dystonin-a2-MAP1B interaction

Loss of interaction between the dystonin-a2 isoform and the microtubule-associated protein MAP1B induces microtubule instability and trafficking defects that may underlie certain neuropathies.

Loss of function of dystonin cytoskeletal linker proteins causes neurodegeneration in dystonia musculorum (dt) mutant mice. Although much investigation has focused on understanding dt pathology, the diverse cellular functions of dystonin isoforms remain poorly characterized. In this paper, we highlight novel functions of the dystonin-a2 isoform in mediating microtubule (MT) stability, Golgi organization, and flux through the secretory pathway. Using dystonin mutant mice combined with isoform-specific loss-of-function analysis, we found dystonin-a2 bound to MT-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) in the centrosomal region, where it maintained MT acetylation. In dt neurons, absence of the MAP1B–dystonin-a2 interaction resulted in altered MAP1B perikaryal localization, leading to MT deacetylation and instability. Deacetylated MT accumulation resulted in Golgi fragmentation and prevented anterograde trafficking via motor proteins. Maintenance of MT acetylation through trichostatin A administration or MAP1B overexpression mitigated the observed defect. These cellular aberrations are apparent in prephenotype dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neurons from dt mice, suggesting they are causal in the disorder.

Neuronal dystonin isoform 2 is a mediator of endoplasmic reticulum structure and function

Dystonin/Bpag1 is a cytoskeletal linker protein whose loss of function in dystonia musculorum (dt) mice results in hereditary sensory neuropathy. Although loss of expression of neuronal dystonin isoforms (dystonin-a1/dystonin-a2) is sufficient to cause dt pathogenesis, the diverging function of each isoform and what pathological mechanisms are activated upon their loss remains unclear. Here we show that dt(27) mice manifest ultrastructural defects at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in sensory neurons corresponding to in vivo induction of ER stress proteins. ER stress subsequently leads to sensory neurodegeneration through induction of a proapoptotic caspase cascade. dt sensory neurons display neurodegenerative pathologies, including Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis, unfolded protein response (UPR) induction, caspase activation, and apoptosis. Isoform-specific loss-of-function analysis attributes these neurodegenerative pathologies to specific loss of dystonin-a2. Inhibition of either UPR or caspase signaling promotes the viability of cells deficient in dystonin. This study provides insight into the mechanism of dt neuropathology and proposes a role for dystonin-a2 as a mediator of normal ER structure and function.

Acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain of dystonia musculorum (Dst(dt-J)) mutant mice

The dystonia musculorum (Dst(dt-J)) mutant mouse suffers from severe motor coordination deficits, characterized, among various symptoms, by a spastic ataxia and dystonic movements, indicating central defects in motor structures in addition to dystrophy of peripheral sensory tracts and partial degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts. Neurochemical alterations, notably in dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, were previously observed in basal ganglia and cerebellum. A quantitative histochemical cartography of brain acetylcholinesterase activity in Dst(dt-J) mutants, in comparison with controls, revealed increases in the neostriatum, the habenula-interpeduncular pathway, the cholinergic pedunculopontine nucleus and its target structures, the thalamus, major regions of the basal ganglia, such as substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, globus pallidum, and subthalamic nucleus, as well as in associated extrapyramidal regions, such as red nucleus, brainstem reticular formation, and superior colliculus. These acetylcholinesterase changes may play a role in motor deficits, particularly the dystonic symptomatology observed in the mutation.

Motor unit abnormalities in Dystonia musculorum mice

Dystonia musculorum (dt) is a mouse inherited sensory neuropathy caused by mutations in the dystonin gene. While the primary pathology lies in the sensory neurons of dt mice, the overt movement disorder suggests motor neurons may also be affected. Here, we report on the contribution of motor neurons to the pathology in dt(27J) mice. Phenotypic dt(27J) mice display reduced alpha motor neuron cell number and eccentric alpha motor nuclei in the ventral horn of the lumbar L1 spinal cord region. A dramatic reduction in the total number of motor axons in the ventral root of postnatal day 15 dt(27J) mice was also evident. Moreover, analysis of the trigeminal nerve of the brainstem showed a 2.4 fold increase in number of degenerating neurons coupled with a decrease in motor neuron number relative to wild type. Aberrant phosphorylation of neurofilaments in the perikaryon region and axonal swellings within the pre-synaptic terminal region of motor neurons were observed. Furthermore, neuromuscular junction staining of dt(27J) mouse extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior muscle fibers showed immature endplates and a significant decrease in axon branching compared to wild type littermates. Muscle atrophy was also observed in dt(27J) muscle. Ultrastructure analysis revealed amyelinated motor axons in the ventral root of the spinal nerve, suggesting a possible defect in Schwann cells. Finally, behavioral analysis identified defective motor function in dt(27J) mice. This study reveals neuromuscular defects that likely contribute to the dt(27J) pathology and identifies a critical role for dystonin outside of sensory neurons.

Targeted inactivation of a developmentally regulated neural plectin isoform (plectin 1c) in mice leads to reduced motor nerve conduction velocity

Cytolinker proteins stabilize cells mechanically, regulate cytoskeleton dynamics, and provide scaffolds for signaling molecules. For plectin, the prototype of these proteins, an unusual diversity of isoforms has been reported, which show distinct expression patterns, subcellular localizations, and functions. Plectin has been shown to have important functions in skin and muscle, but little is known about its role in neural cells. To address this issue, we generated two knock-out mouse lines, one which was selectively lacking plectin 1c (P1c), the major isoform expressed in neural cells, and another in which plectin was conditionally deleted in neuronal precursor cells. Using isoform-specific antibodies, we found P1c to be expressed late in development and to associate with postsynaptic dendrites of central nervous system neurons, motorneurons of spinal cord, sciatic nerve axons, and Schwann cells. Motor nerve conduction velocity was found significantly reduced in sciatic nerve from P1c-deficient as well as from conditional knock-out mice. This defect was traceable to an increased number of motor nerve fibers with small cross-sectional areas; the thicknesses of axons and of myelin sheaths were unaffected. This is the first report demonstrating an important role of plectin in a major nerve function.

A translocation t(6;7)(p11-p12;q22) associated with autism and mental retardation: localization and identification of candidate genes at the breakpoints

OBJECTIVES

Our aim is to use information from cytogenetic anomalies to identify candidate genes for autism.

METHODS

We have identified a male patient with mental retardation and autism who has a balanced translocation involving chromosomes 6 and 7, described as t(6;7)(p11-p12;q22). This translocation was inherited from an apparently normal father.

RESULTS

Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we have localized the breakpoints on both the chromosomes; and using bioinformatic genomic analysis, we have identified a number of potential candidate genes at these loci. These include the neural pentraxin 2 gene, NPTX2, and a novel gene encoding a transmembrane protein, TMEM130, which contains a polycystic kidney domain on 7q22. On 6p12 the breakpoint directly interrupts isoform 2 of the human homologue of the mouse dystonin gene. We also performed a 250 K single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis and comparative genomic hybridization using a bacterial artificial chromosome microarray to look for minor genomic deletions or duplications in the proband's DNA. The single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis identified a number of copy number variants, remote from the translocation breakpoints, containing potential candidate genes.

CONCLUSION

It is conceivable that one or more of the copy number variant regions or either of the two breakpoint locations and the dystonin gene, in particular, may be a new locus for a form of mental retardation, which may also include autistic features.

Spontaneous and induced mouse mutations with cerebellar dysfunctions: behavior and neurochemistry

Grid2(Lc) (Lurcher), Grid2(ho) (hot-foot), Rora(sg) (staggerer), nr (nervous), Agtpbp1(pcd) (Purkinje cell degeneration), Reln(rl) (reeler), and Girk2(Wv) (Weaver) are spontaneous mutations with cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, and deficits in motor coordination tasks requiring balance and equilibrium. In addition to these signs, the Dst(dt) (dystonia musculorum) spinocerebellar mutant displays dystonic postures and crawling. More recently, transgenic models with human spinocerebellar ataxia mutations and alterations in calcium homeostasis have been shown to exhibit cerebellar anomalies and motor coordination deficits. We describe neurochemical characteristics of these mutants with respect to regional brain metabolism as well as amino acid and biogenic amine concentrations, uptake sites, and receptors.

P0-Cre Transgenic Mice for Inactivation of Adhesion Molecules in Schwann Cells

Normal peripheral nerve myelination depends on Schwann cell-basal lamina interactions. An important component of Schwann cell basal lamina is laminin-predominantly laminins 2 and 4. Mutations in the alpha 2 chain common to these two isoforms are associated with dysmyelination in mouse (dy) and man (congenital muscular dystrophy). Thus, laminin 2 and 4 receptors are also likely to be important for myelin formation. Several laminin 2/4 receptors are detected at the basal lamina surface of myelin-forming Schwann cells, namely, α6β4 and α6β1 integrins and dystroglycan. The evidence linking these receptors to myelination is suggestive, but not conclusive. Genetic studies have not yet confirmed a role for these molecules in myelin formation. Natural or targeted inactivation of α6, β4, and β1 integrins and of dystroglycan have profound effects on other tissues causing embryonic or perinatal death before myelination. Therefore, to conditionally inactivate these receptors specifically in myelin-forming Schwann cells, we have constructed and initially characterized a P₀-Cre transgene that activates Cre-mediated recombination of loxP-containing genes in peripheral nerve.

Genetic alterations at the Bpag1 locus in dt mice and their impact on transcript expression

The dystonin/Bpag1 gene encodes several tissue-specific alternatively spliced transcripts that encode cytoskeletal binding proteins. These various isoforms are necessary for maintaining the structural integrity of epithelial, neural, and muscle tissues. Mutations in the dystonin/Bpag1 gene cause dystonia musculorum (dt), a hereditary neuropathy of the mouse characterized by the progressive degeneration of sensory neurons. Several dt mutant alleles exist, most of which have arisen through spontaneous mutations. In this article we demonstrate that the dt locus encodes 107 exons spanning 400 kb. The high frequency of occurrence of spontaneous dt mutants may therefore be a result of the large size of the gene. Analysis of genomic DNA from several dt spontaneous mutant alleles, dt(24J), dt(27J), dt(Alb), and dt(Frk), shows a deletion of the central portion of the gene in dt(Alb) but no large rearrangements or deletions in the other alleles. These other alleles likely have small deletions or rearrangements, or point mutations. To determine the impact of the known and unknown mutations on transcript levels, RT-PCR was performed to detect various coding regions of the dystonin/Bpag1 transcripts in brain and muscle from multiple dt alleles: dt(Tg4), dt(Alb), dt(24J), dt(27J), and dt(Frk). With the exception of dt(Frk), reduced transcript levels were observed for all alleles tested. Such alterations likely result in reduced or absent dystonin/Bpag1 protein levels. Thus, distinct genetic defects lead to a common outcome of reduced transcript expression causing the same phenotype in multiple dt alleles.

Primary neurologic screening and motor coordination of Dstdt-J mutant mice (dystonia musculorum) with spinocerebellar atrophy

The autosomal recessive dystonia musculorum (Dst(dt-J)) mutation causes degenerative lesions of peripheral and central sensory pathways. A test battery of motor, sensory, postural, and autonomic functions was used to compare young control and homozygous Dst(dt-J) mice. The Dst(dt-J) mutants were severely impaired for muscle strength, limb coordination, and postural reflexes. As a result of a loss in motor control, the mutants were hypoactive in the open-field and fell quickly from the stationary beam. In sensory tests, the acoustic startle response was impaired, but not tactile reflexes and contact righting, attesting to preserved labyrinthine function and non-lemniscal pathways. Dst(dt-J) mutants were also distinguishable from controls on the basis of tremor, a paler skin, piloerection, and half-open eyes, as well as low body weight and fecal boli. Grooming episodes were less frequent in the mutants but without any reduction in grooming time. The neurologic screening battery delineated the functional integrity of some sensorimotor pathways in a spinocerebellar mutant whose severe phenotype prevents a more elaborate evaluation.

Bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 isoforms: potential new target autoantigens in multiple sclerosis?

BACKGROUND

The simultaneous occurrence of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and multiple sclerosis (MS), two autoimmune diseases involving the skin and the central nervous system (CNS), respectively, has been described.

OBJECTIVES

As the BPAG1 gene encodes the epithelial isoform of BP antigen 1 (BPAG1-e), a major autoantigen of BP, as well as additional variants expressed in the neurones of the CNS and peripheral nervous system and in Schwann cells, we tested the hypothesis that products of the BPAG1 gene act as shared autoantigens in both BP and MS.

METHODS

The reactivity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from 18 patients with MS, 10 patients with other inflammatory CNS diseases and 20 normal controls was assayed by immunoblotting against two recombinant fragments of BPAG1-e encompassing regions that are also found in the neuronal variants BPAG1-n and BPAG1-a.

RESULTS

The recombinant protein glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-BPAG1-e1-887 was recognized by five of 18 (27%) CSF samples obtained from patients with MS, two of 10 (20%) samples from patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases and five of 20 (25%) samples from normal controls. Furthermore, two of 18 (11%) CSF samples from patients with MS bound to GST-BPAG1-e1880-2649, whereas none of the samples obtained from patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases or from control subjects showed reactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results raise the possibility that a subset of patients with MS develops an autoantibody response to the neuronal variants of BPAG1. These findings potentially open the avenue of neuronal BPAG1 variants being novel targets of autoantibodies in neurological diseases.

Laminins and their receptors in Schwann cells and hereditary neuropathies

This review focuses on the influence of laminins, mediated through laminin receptors present on Schwann cells, on peripheral nerve development and pathology. Laminins influence multiple aspects of cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis, including cell survival, proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and polarity. Peripheral nerves are no exception, as shown by the discovery that defective laminin signals contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse neuropathies such as merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth 4F, neurofibromatosis, and leprosy. In the last 5 years, advanced molecular and cell biological techniques and conditional mutagenesis in mice began revealing the role of different laminins and receptors in developing nerves. In this way, we are starting to explain morphological and pathological observations beginning at the start of the last century. Here, we review these recent advances and show how the roles of laminins and their receptors are surprisingly varied in both time and place.

Spectrin repeat proteins in the nucleus

Spectrin repeat sequences are among the more common repeat elements identified in proteins, typically occurring in large structural proteins. Examples of spectrin repeat-containing proteins include dystrophin, alpha-actinin and spectrin itself--all proteins with well-demonstrated roles of establishing and maintaining cell structure. Over the past decade, it has become clear that, although these proteins display a cytoplasmic and plasma membrane distribution, several are also found both at the nuclear envelope, and within the intranuclear space. In this review, we provide an overview of recent work regarding various spectrin repeat-containing structural proteins in the nucleus. As well, we hypothesize about the regulation of their nuclear localization and possible nuclear functions based on domain architecture, known interacting proteins and evolutionary relationships. Given their large size, and their potential for interacting with multiple proteins and with chromatin, spectrin repeat-containing proteins represent strong candidates for important organizational proteins within the nucleus. Supplementary material for this article can be found on the BioEssays website (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0265-9247/suppmat/index.html).

Specificity of binding of the plectin actin-binding domain to beta4 integrin

Plectin is a major component of the cytoskeleton and links the intermediate filament system to hemidesmosomes by binding to the integrin beta4 subunit. Previously, a binding site for beta4 was mapped on the actin-binding domain (ABD) of plectin and binding of beta4 and F-actin to plectin was shown to be mutually exclusive. Here we show that only the ABDs of plectin and dystonin bind to beta4, whereas those of other actin-binding proteins do not. Mutations of the ABD of plectin-1C show that Q131, R138, and N149 are critical for tight binding of the ABD to beta4. These residues form a small cavity, occupied by a well-ordered water molecule in the crystal structure. The beta4 binding pocket partly overlaps with the actin-binding sequence 2 (ABS2), previously shown to be essential for actin binding. Therefore, steric interference may render binding of beta4 and F-actin to plectin mutually exclusive. Finally, we provide evidence indicating that the residues preceding the ABD in plectin-1A and -1C, although unable to mediate binding to beta4 themselves, modulate the binding activity of the ABD for beta4. These studies demonstrate the unique property of the plectin-ABD to bind to both F-actin and beta4, and explain why several other ABD-containing proteins that are expressed in basal keratinocytes are not recruited into hemidesmosomes.

Impaired fast axonal transport in neurons of the sciatic nerves from dystonia musculorum mice

Dystonia musculorum (dt) mice suffer from a severe sensory neuropathy caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal cross-linker protein dystonin/bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (Bpag1). Loss of function of dystonin/Bpag1 within neurons leads to a loss in the maintenance of cytoskeletal organization and to the development of focal axonal swellings prior to death of the neuron. In the present study, we demonstrate that neurons within the sciatic nerves of dt27J mice undergo axonal degeneration as has been previously reported for the dorsal roots. Furthermore, ultrastructural studies reveal a perturbed organization of the neurofilament and microtubule networks within the axons of sciatic nerves in dt27J mice. The disrupted cytoskeletal organization suggested that axonal transport is affected in dt mice. To address this, we assessed fast axonal transport by measuring the rate of accumulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) proximal and distal to a surgically introduced ligature on the sciatic nerves of normal and dt27J mice. Our findings demonstrate that axonal transport of AChE in both orthograde and retrograde directions is markedly affected, and allow us to conclude that axonal transport defects do exist in the sciatic nerves of dt27J mice.

Differentiation potential of primary myogenic cells derived from skeletal muscle of dystonia musculorum mice

The dystonia musculorum (dt) mouse has a mutation in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal crosslinker protein bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (Bpag1). These mice have perturbations in the cytoarchitecture of skeletal muscle. Bpag1 has been hypothesized to be involved in the maintenance rather than the establishment of the muscle cell architecture given that cytoskeletal disruptions are observed in the muscle tissue of post-natal dt mice. Not known is whether Bpag1-deficiency affects the proliferative and differentiation potential of myogenic cells. In the present investigation, we show that the growth rate of cultured primary myogenic cells derived from dt mice, as assessed by BrdU incorporation, is similar to that of myogenic cells derived from wild-type littermates. The myogenic differentiation potential of dt versus wild-type cells was monitored by examining the expression of myosin heavy chain by immunofluorescence, and by analyzing the expression profiles of myogenic regulatory factors and myogenic differentiation markers by RT-PCR. In all instances, both dt and wild-type myogenic cells displayed a similar differentiation profile. Furthermore, the absence of any observable differences in the proliferation and differentiation rates of dt and wild-type cells was not due to an overexpression of plectin, another crosslinker protein, in dt cells. Together, these findings demonstrate that the early phases of myogenic differentiation occur independently of Bpag1.

Alterations in myelination in the central nervous system of dystonia musculorum mice

Dystonia musculorum (dt) is an autosomal recessive sensory neuropathy in mice resulting from a mutation in the gene encoding the cytoskeletal linker protein Bpag1. In addition to neurodegeneration, dt mice display myelination abnormalities in the peripheral nervous system. In this report we investigated whether myelination abnormalities are also present in the central nervous system of dt(Tg4) mice. Transcripts for both neural isoforms of Bpag1 (a1 and a2) were detected in optic nerves and spinal cords of wild-type mice. Light microscopy of resin-embedded thin sections revealed a reduction in myelinated axons in both optic nerves and spinal cords in dt(Tg4) mice. As well, hypermyelinated axons were detected in these tissues. Ultrastructural analysis of optic nerves and spinal cords from dt(Tg4) mice revealed an increase in the number of amyelinated axons, the presence of hypo- and hypermyelinated axons, and redundant myelin that course away from axons. Changes in the level of myelin proteins accompanied the morphological alterations. Myelin-associated glycoprotein levels were reduced in optic nerves of dt(Tg4) mice, and myelin basic protein levels were altered in optic nerves, sciatic nerves, and spinal cords of affected mice. Short-term cultures of oligodendrocytes derived from dt(Tg4) mice did not show morphological alterations.

Immunohistochemistry study of human vestibular nerve schwannoma differentiation

Differentiation of primary human vestibular nerve schwannomas (VS) caused by mutations of the NF2 gene was evaluated by examining the expression patterns of genes that are specifically expressed in different stages of Schwann cell lineage. In schwannoma cells that are not in contact with an axon, the expression levels of the major myelin sheath proteins, such as protein zero glycoprotein (P0), myelin basic protein (MBP), and peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), were greatly reduced. However, high expression levels of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), and cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1) were observed. In addition, expression of transcription factors Krox20, Krox24, and SCIP/Oct6 was also detected in the tumor cells. These results suggest that loss of the NF2 gene was responsible for the transformation of the Schwann cells into a neoplastic stage that has a similar genetic profile to the pro-myelinating stage. Finally, the primary human vestibular schwannoma cells failed to be regulated and redifferentiated by a regenerating axon, when the human tumors were transplanted into sciatic nerve of nude rat. These results suggest that the NF2 gene might be involved in the differentiation of Schwann cells.

The BPAG1 locus: Alternative splicing produces multiple isoforms with distinct cytoskeletal linker domains, including predominant isoforms in neurons and muscles

Bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BPAG1) is a member of the plakin family with cytoskeletal linker properties. Mutations in BPAG1 cause sensory neuron degeneration and skin fragility in mice. We have analyzed the BPAG1 locus in detail and found that it encodes different interaction domains that are combined in tissue-specific manners. These domains include an actin-binding domain (ABD), a plakin domain, a coiled coil (CC) rod domain, two different potential intermediate filament-binding domains (IFBDs), a spectrin repeat (SR)-containing rod domain, and a microtubule-binding domain (MTBD). There are at least three major forms of BPAG1: BPAG1-e (302 kD), BPAG1-a (615 kD), and BPAG1-b (834 kD). BPAG1-e has been described previously and consists of the plakin domain, the CC rod domain, and the first IFBD. It is the primary epidermal BPAG1 isoform, and its absence that is the likely cause of skin fragility in mutant mice. BPAG1-a is the major isoform in the nervous system and a homologue of the microtubule actin cross-linking factor, MACF. BPAG1-a is composed of the ABD, the plakin domain, the SR-containing rod domain, and the MTBD. The absence of BPAG1-a is the likely cause of sensory neurodegeneration in mutant mice. BPAG1-b is highly expressed in muscles, and has extra exons encoding a second IFBD between the plakin and SR-containing rod domains of BPAG1-a.

Role of integrins in the peripheral nervous system

Integrins, a subgroup of adhesion receptors, are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate interactions between cytoplasm and the extracellular environment. These interactions influence, among others, events such as cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Differential expression of integrins is developmentally regulated in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and is associated with crucial events in both physiological and pathological processes. Preliminary studies suggest that integrin expression influences neural crest cell migration, axonal outgrowth, and Schwann cell differentiation. Similarly, the abnormal expression of integrins or their ligands, is associated with degenerative, inflammatory, and malignant disorders of the PNS. Finally, integrins participate in the complex interactions that promote repair of the PNS. A better comprehension of the role of integrins in the PNS, their protein interactions and transducing signals is being achieved by selected biochemical and genetic experiments. Here we review a large bias of evidence suggesting the key functions for integrins in the PNS.

Dystonin-deficient mice exhibit an intrinsic muscle weakness and an instability of skeletal muscle cytoarchitecture

Dystonia musculorum (dt) was originally described as a hereditary sensory neurodegeneration syndrome of the mouse. The gene defective in dt encodes a cytoskeletal linker protein, dystonin, that is essential for maintaining neuronal cytoskeletal integrity. In addition to the nervous system, dystonin is expressed in a variety of other tissues, including muscle. We now show that dystonin cross-links actin and desmin filaments and that its levels are increased during myogenesis, coinciding with the progressive reorganization of the intermediate filament network. A disorganization of cytoarchitecture in skeletal muscle from dt/dt mice was observed in ultrastructural studies. Myoblasts from dt/dt mice fused to form myotubes in culture; however, terminally differentiated myotubes contained incompletely assembled myofibrils. Another feature observed in dt/dt myotubes in culture and in skeletal muscle in situ was an accumulation and abnormal distribution of mitochondria. The diaphragm muscle from dt/dt mice was weak in isometric contractility measurements in vitro and was susceptible to contraction-induced sarcolemmal damage. Altogether, our data indicate that dystonin is a cross-linker of actin and desmin filaments in muscle and that it is essential for establishing and maintaining proper cytoarchitecture in mature muscle.