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Disrupting the transmembrane domain interface between PMP22 and MPZ causes peripheral neuropathy
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Disrupting the transmembrane domain interface between PMP22 and MPZ causes peripheral neuropathy

Natalya Pashkova, Tabitha A. Peterson, Christopher P. Ptak, Stanley C. Winistorfer, Debbie Guerrero-Given, Naomi Kamasawa, Christopher A. Ahern, Michael E. Shy and Robert C. Piper
iScience, Vol.27(11), 110989
11/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110989
PMCID: PMC11700639
PMID: 39759075

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Abstract

PMP22 and MPZ are abundant myelin membrane proteins in Schwann cells. The MPZ adhesion protein holds myelin wraps together across the intraperiod line. PMP22 is a tetraspan protein belonging to the Claudin superfamily. Loss of either MPZ or PMP22 causes severe demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy, and duplication of PMP22 causes the most common form of CMT, CMT1A. Yet, the molecular functions provided by PMP22 and how its alteration causes CMT are unknown. Here we find MPZ and PMP22 form a specific complex through interfaces within their transmembrane domains. We also find that the PMP22 A67T patient variant that causes a loss-of-function (Hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies) phenotype maps to this interface, and blocks MPZ association without affecting localization to the plasma membrane or interactions with other proteins. These data define the molecular basis for the MPZ∼PMP22 interaction and indicate this complex fulfills an important function in myelinating cells. [Display omitted] •MPZ and PMP22 form a complex, through their transmembrane domains•A loss-of-function PMP22 variant blocks MPZ association.•Blocking MPZ association has no effect on trafficking or other PMP22 interactions

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