RRC ID 31957
Author Gregor A, Kramer JM, van der Voet M, Schanze I, Uebe S, Donders R, Reis A, Schenck A, Zweier C.
Title Altered GPM6A/M6 dosage impairs cognition and causes phenotypes responsive to cholesterol in human and Drosophila.
Journal Hum Mutat
Abstract Glycoprotein M6A (GPM6A) is a neuronal transmembrane protein of the PLP/DM20 (proteolipid protein) family that associates with cholesterol-rich lipid rafts and promotes filopodia formation. We identified a de novo duplication of the GPM6A gene in a patient with learning disability and behavioral anomalies. Expression analysis in blood lymphocytes showed increased GPM6A levels. An increase of patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells carrying membrane protrusions supports a functional effect of this duplication. To study the consequences of GPM6A dosage alterations in an intact nervous system, we employed Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. We found that knockdown of Drosophila M6, the sole member of the PLP family in flies, in the wing, and whole organism causes malformation and lethality, respectively. These phenotypes as well as the protrusions of patient-derived lymphoblastoid cells with increased GPM6A levels can be alleviated by cholesterol supplementation. Notably, overexpression as well as loss of M6 in neurons specifically compromises long-term memory in the courtship conditioning paradigm. Our findings thus indicate a critical role of correct GPM6A/M6 levels for cognitive function and support a role of the GPM6A duplication for the patient's phenotype. Together with other recent findings, this study highlights compromised cholesterol homeostasis as a recurrent feature in cognitive phenotypes.
Volume 35(12)
Pages 1495-505
Published 2014-12-1
DOI 10.1002/humu.22697
PMID 25224183
MeSH Animals Cholesterol / physiology* Cognition Disorders / genetics* Drosophila melanogaster / genetics Drosophila melanogaster / physiology Gene Dosage* Gene Duplication Humans In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence Locomotion Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics* Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics* Phenotype Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Sexual Behavior, Animal
IF 4.124
Times Cited 15
WOS Category GENETICS & HEREDITY
Resource
Drosophila 7540-R2 7540-R1