Impaired NDRG1 functions in Schwann cells cause demyelinating neuropathy in a dog model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4D

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Fredrik S. Skedsmo
  • Arild Espenes
  • Michael A. Tranulis
  • Kaspar Matiasek
  • Gjermund Gunnes
  • Inge Bjerkås
  • Lars Moe
  • Susan Skogtvedt Røed
  • Berendt, Mette
  • Fredholm, Merete
  • Cecilia Rohdin
  • G. Diane Shelton
  • Per Bruheim
  • Marit H. Stafsnes
  • Zdenka Bartosova
  • Lene C. Hermansen
  • Øyvind Stigen
  • Karin H. Jäderlund

Mutations in the N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) cause degenerative polyneuropathy in ways that are poorly understood. We have investigated Alaskan Malamute dogs with neuropathy caused by a missense mutation in NDRG1. In affected animals, nerve levels of NDRG1 protein were reduced by more than 70% (p< 0.03). Nerve fibers were thinly myelinated, loss of large myelinated fibers was pronounced and teased fiber preparations showed both demyelination and remyelination. Inclusions of filamentous material containing actin were present in adaxonal Schwann cell cytoplasm and Schmidt-Lanterman clefts. This condition strongly resembles the human Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4D. However, the focally folded myelin with adaxonal infoldings segregating the axon found in this study are ultrastructural changes not described in the human disease. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis revealed a profound loss of peripheral nerve lipids. Our data suggest that the low levels of mutant NDRG1 is insufficient to support Schwann cells in maintaining myelin homeostasis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNeuromuscular Disorders
Volume31
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)56-68
ISSN0960-8966
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

    Research areas

  • Alaskan Malamute, Canine, CMT, Greyhound, N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1, Polyneuropathy

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