Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) is a GTPase dynamin-like protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane, encoded in the nuclear genome by the MFN2 gene located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 1. MFN2 protein is involved in several intracellular pathways, but is mainly involved in a network that has an essential role in several mitochondrial functions, including fusion, axonal transport, interorganellar communication and mitophagy. Mutations in the gene encoding MFN2 are associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), a neurological disorder characterized by a wide clinical phenotype that involves the central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we present the clinical, genetic and neuropathological features of human diseases associated with MFN2 mutations. We also report proposed pathogenic mechanisms through which MFN2 mutations likely contribute to the development of neurodegeneration. MFN2-related disorders may occur more frequently than previously considered, and they may represent a paradigm for the study of the defective mitochondrial dynamics that seem to play a significant role in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases; thus they may also lead to the identification of related therapeutic targets.

MFN2-related neuropathies: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives / G. Stuppia, F. Rizzo, G. Riboldi, R. Del Bo, M. Nizzardo, C. Simone, G.P. Comi, N. Bresolin, S. Corti. - In: JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES. - ISSN 0022-510X. - 356:1-2(2015 Sep 15), pp. 7-18. [10.1016/j.jns.2015.05.033]

MFN2-related neuropathies: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives

F. Rizzo
Secondo
;
G. Riboldi;R. Del Bo;M. Nizzardo;C. Simone;G.P. Comi;N. Bresolin
Penultimo
;
S. Corti
Ultimo
2015

Abstract

Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) is a GTPase dynamin-like protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane, encoded in the nuclear genome by the MFN2 gene located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 1. MFN2 protein is involved in several intracellular pathways, but is mainly involved in a network that has an essential role in several mitochondrial functions, including fusion, axonal transport, interorganellar communication and mitophagy. Mutations in the gene encoding MFN2 are associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), a neurological disorder characterized by a wide clinical phenotype that involves the central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we present the clinical, genetic and neuropathological features of human diseases associated with MFN2 mutations. We also report proposed pathogenic mechanisms through which MFN2 mutations likely contribute to the development of neurodegeneration. MFN2-related disorders may occur more frequently than previously considered, and they may represent a paradigm for the study of the defective mitochondrial dynamics that seem to play a significant role in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative diseases; thus they may also lead to the identification of related therapeutic targets.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2A; Clinical and genetic features; Mitochondrial network; Mitofusin 2; Neurodegeneration; Pathogenetic mechanisms
Settore MED/26 - Neurologia
Settore MED/03 - Genetica Medica
15-set-2015
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/295283
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