The Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome associated gene Rogdi encodes a novel presynaptic protein

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 17;7(1):15791. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-16004-1.

Abstract

Mutations in the human homolog of the Drosophila gene Rogdi cause Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome. This disorder is characterised by amelogenesis imperfecta, as well as severe neurological symptoms including epilepsy and psychomotor delay. However, little is known about the protein encoded by Rogdi, and hence the pathogenic mechanisms underlying Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome have remained elusive. Using immunofluorescence of rat cultured hippocampal neurons and brain sections we find that Rogdi is enriched at synaptic sites. In addition, recombinant GFP-Rogdi expressed in cultured neurons was efficiently targeted to presynaptic sites, where it colocalised with the presynaptic scaffolding protein Bassoon and the synaptic vesicle markers Synaptophysin, Synapsin-1, VAMP2/Synaptobrevin and Mover. Our data indicate that GFP-Rogdi harbours efficient signals for presynaptic targeting, and that Rogdi is a presynaptic protein. Thus, the neurological symptoms associated with Kohlschütter-Tönz syndrome may arise from presynaptic dysfunction.

MeSH terms

  • Amelogenesis Imperfecta / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dementia / genetics*
  • Dendrites / metabolism
  • Epilepsy / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / pathology
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • ROGDI protein, human
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Rogdi protein, rat
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Kohlschutter Tonz syndrome