Back to Search Start Over

Murine cathepsin F deficiency causes neuronal lipofuscinosis and late-onset neurological disease.

Authors :
Tang CH
Lee JW
Galvez MG
Robillard L
Mole SE
Chapman HA
Source :
Molecular and cellular biology [Mol Cell Biol] 2006 Mar; Vol. 26 (6), pp. 2309-16.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

Cathepsin F (cat F) is a widely expressed lysosomal cysteine protease whose in vivo role is unknown. To address this issue, mice deficient in cat F were generated via homologous recombination. Although cat F-/- mice appeared healthy and reproduced normally, they developed progressive hind leg weakness and decline in motor coordination at 12 to 16 months of age, followed by significant weight loss and death within 6 months. cat F was found to be expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS). cat F-/- neurons accumulated eosinophilic granules that had features typical of lysosomal lipofuscin by electron microscopy. Large amounts of autofluorescent lipofuscin, characteristic of the neurodegenerative disease neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), accumulated throughout the CNS but not in visceral organs, beginning as early as 6 weeks of age. Pronounced gliosis, an indicator of neuronal stress and neurodegeneration, was also apparent in older cat F-/- mice. cat F is the only cysteine cathepsin whose inactivation alone causes a lysosomal storage defect and progressive neurological features in mice. The late onset suggests that this gene may be a candidate for adult-onset NCL.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0270-7306
Volume :
26
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Molecular and cellular biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
16508006
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1128/MCB.26.6.2309-2316.2006