TFG mutation induces haploinsufficiency and drives axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease by causing neurite degeneration

Abstract

Aims

TFG‐related axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a late‐onset, autosomal dominant, hereditary motor, and sensory neuropathy characterized by slowly progressive weakness and atrophy of the distal muscles. The objective of this study was to determine the common pathogenic mechanism of TFG‐related CMT type 2 (CMT2) caused by different mutations and establish a direct association between TFG haploinsufficiency and neurodegeneration.

Methods

Three individuals carrying the TFG p.G269V mutation but with varying disease durations were studied. The effect of the p.G269V mutation was confirmed by analyzing protein samples extracted from the blood of two individuals. The functional consequences of both CMT2 mutant gene products were evaluated in vitro. The effect of TFG deficiency in the nervous system was examined using zebrafish models and cultured mouse neurons.

Results

Overexpression of p.G269V TFG failed to enhance soluble TFG levels by generating insoluble TFG aggregates. TFG deficiency disrupted neurite outgrowth and induced neuronal apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro and further impaired locomotor capacity in zebrafish, which was consistent with the phenotype in patients. Wnt signaling was activated as a protective factor in response to TFG deficiency.

Conclusion

CMT2‐related TFG mutation induces TFG haploinsufficiency within cells and drives disease by causing progressive neurite degeneration.

Abstract

TFG mutation in certain domain induces CMT2 by a TFG haploinsufficiency mechanism. The insufficient TFG expression then induces progressive neurite degeneration and causes CMT2‐liked motor disturbance in zebrafish models, which highlighted the critical role of TFG dosage in the maintenance of the neuronal system, and this process is companied by the activation of Wnt signaling.