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Intracellular trafficking of CLN3, the protein underlying the childhood neurodegenerative disease, Batten disease.

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from mutations in the CLN3 gene, which encodes a hydrophobic 438 amino acid protein of unknown function. Prior studies have shown that CLN3 is expressed in multiple tissues, with highest levels in brain and testis. Experiments using cells overexpressing CLN3 indicate that CLN3 is a lysosomal resident protein. However, studies to date have not addressed trafficking of endogenous CLN3. As such, the purpose of the present study was two-fold. First, to develop a culture model to allow evaluation of native CLN3 transport. Second, to utilize available epitope-specific antibodies to determine if CLN3 reaches the plasma membrane en route to the lysosome. Our data using a NCCIT (embryonic testicular carcinoma) cell model coupled with surface biotinylation and antibody trapping demonstrated that at least a proportion of CLN3 trafficks to the lysosome via the cell membrane. Moreover, inhibition of the micro3A subunit of the AP-3 adapter protein complex increased levels of CLN3 at the cell surface.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phenol sulfotransferases: candidate genes for Batten disease.

Batten disease (juvenile-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis; JNCL) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the cytosomal accumulation of autofluorescent proteolipopigments in neurons and other cell types. The Batten disease gene (CLN3) has not yet been identified, but has been mapped to a small region of human chromosome area 16p12.1-p11.2. We recently reported the fortuitous discovery that the cytosolic phenol sulfotransferase gene (STP) is located within this same interval of chromosome 16p. Since phenol sulfotransferase is expressed in neurons, can sulfate lipophilic phenolic compounds, and is mapped near CLN3, STP is considered as a candidate gene for Batten disease. YAC and cosmid cloning results have further substantiated the close proximity of STP and a highly related sulfotransferase (STM), encoding the catecholamine-preferring enzyme, to the CLN3 region of chromosome 16p. In this report, we summarize some of the recent progress in the identification of two phenol sulfotransferase genes (STP and STM) as positional candidate genes for Batten disease.

Arylsulfotransferase↗

CLN3 protein is targeted to neuronal synapses but excluded from synaptic vesicles: new clues to Batten disease.

Batten disease (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, JNCL), the most common neurodegenerative disease of childhood, is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene encoding a putative transmembrane protein. The function of CLN3 is currently unknown but it has been shown to localize in the endosomal/lysosomal compartments of non-neuronal cells. In addition, several other intracellular localizations have been proposed and the controversy of the reports suggests that CLN3 may have different intracellular localization in different cell types. Batten disease severely affects neuronal cells but leaves other organs clinically unaffected, and thus it is of utmost importance to approach the disease mechanism by studying the expression and localization of CLN3 in the brain and neuronal cells. We have analysed here CLN3 in the mouse brain using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis of subcellular fractions. As visual deterioration is the hallmark of Batten disease we have set up primary retinal cultures from the mouse and analysed both endogenous mouse CLN3 and Semliki Forest virus-mediated human CLN3 localization using immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. We demonstrate that CLN3 is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells, especially in the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of the adult mouse brain. Furthermore, our results indicate that in neurons CLN3 is not solely a lysosomal protein. It is localized in the synaptosomes but, interestingly, is not targeted to the synaptic vesicles. The novel localization of CLN3 directs attention towards molecular alterations at the synapses. This should yield important clues about the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Batten disease.

Animals↗

Rapid diagnostic test for the major mutation underlying Batten disease.

Batten disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder of childhood in western countries. A novel cDNA responsible for Batten disease has recently been identified. We have developed a rapid diagnostic solid phase minisequencing test to detect the major 1.02 kb deletion which is responsible for 81% of affected chromosomes in Batten disease worldwide. In Finland, 90% of Batten chromosomes carry the major deletion owing to the enrichment of the CLN3 gene in the isolated Finnish population.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

Selectively increased sensitivity of cerebellar granule cells to AMPA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in a mouse model of Batten disease.

Batten disease, a lysosomal storage disorder, is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene. The Cln3-knockout (Cln3-/-) mouse model of the disease exhibits many characteristic pathological features of the human disorder. Here, we show that Cln3-/- mice, similarly to Batten disease patients, have a deficit in cerebellar motor coordination. To explore the possible cellular cause of this functional impairment, we compared the vulnerability of wild type (WT) and Cln3-/- cerebellar granule cell cultures to different toxic insults. We have found that cultured Cln3-/- cerebellar granule cells are selectively more vulnerable to AMPA-type glutamate receptor-mediated toxicity than their WT counterparts. This selective sensitivity was also observed in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures. Our results suggest that lack of the CLN3 protein has a significant influence on the function of AMPA receptors in cerebellar granule neurons, and that AMPA receptor dysregulation may be a major contributor to the cerebellar dysfunction in Batten disease.

Animals↗

Retinal pathology and function in a Cln3 knockout mouse model of juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (batten disease).

Batten disease or JNCL, is the juvenile form of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. Since retinal degeneration is an early consequence of Batten disease, we examined the eyes of Cln3 knockout mice (1-20 months of age), along with heterozygotes and appropriate controls, to determine whether or not the Cln3 defect would lead to characteristic retinal degeneration and visual loss. Accumulation of autofluorescent material and intracellular inclusions were markedly increased in Cln3 knockout retinal ganglion cells, as well as most other nuclear layers. Nerve fiber density was also significantly decreased in Cln3 knockout retinae. Apoptosis was observed in the photoreceptor layer of Cln3 knockout. However, the degree of retinal degeneration up to age 20 months was not extensive. Fundus examinations of Cln3 knockout mice showed no significant abnormalities, while electroretinograms remained robust through 11 months of age. In summary, it appears that accumulation of autofluorescent material, carbohydrate storage material, as well as apoptotic cell death are retinal manifestations of the Cln3 defect that do not appear to extinguish retinal function in this mouse model of Batten disease.

Aging↗

Targeted disruption of the Cln3 gene provides a mouse model for Batten disease. The Batten Mouse Model Consortium [corrected].

Batten disease, a degenerative neurological disorder with juvenile onset, is the most common form of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Mutations in the CLN3 gene cause Batten disease. To facilitate studies of Batten disease pathogenesis and treatment, a murine model was created by targeted disruption of the Cln3 gene. Mice homozygous for the disrupted Cln3 allele had a neuronal storage disorder resembling that seen in Batten disease patients: there was widespread and progressive intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent material that by EM displayed a multilamellar rectilinear/fingerprint appearance. Inclusions contained subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Mutant animals also showed neuropathological abnormalities with loss of certain cortical interneurons and hypertrophy of many interneuron populations in the hippocampus. Finally, as is true in Batten disease patients, there was increased activity in the brain of the lysosomal protease Cln2/TPP-1. Our findings are evidence that the Cln3-deficient mouse provides a valuable model for studying Batten disease.

Animals↗

Genetic analysis of Batten disease.

Batten disease, or neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis (CLN) comprises a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigment in neurones. The three main childhood varieties--infantile (CLN1), late-infantile (CLN2) and juvenile (CLN3)--manifest autosomal recessive inheritance. The basic biochemical defect remains unknown. The strategy of positional cloning is being pursued to elucidate the molecular basis of Batten disease. The infantile disease locus (CLN1) has been mapped by linkage analysis to human chromosome 1p32, and the juvenile disease locus (CLN3) to human chromosome 16p12. In each case marker loci in strong linkage disequilibrium with the disease loci have been identified. Locus heterogeneity between classical late-infantile CLN (CLN2) and both CLN1 and CLN3 has been demonstrated. Work is in progress to clone CLN1 and CLN3 and to map CLN2. Identification of linked markers has provided a new approach to prenatal diagnosis. The methodology exists for positional cloning of these genes and elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of the ceroid lipofuscinoses.

Child↗

Biosynthesis and intracellular targeting of the CLN3 protein defective in Batten disease.

Batten disease (juvenile-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, JNCL), the most common neurodegenerative disorder of childhood, is caused by mutations in a recently identified gene ( CLN3 ) localized to chromosome 16p11.2-12.1. To elucidate the biosynthesis and localization of the CLN3 protein, we expressed CLN3 cDNA in COS-1 and HeLa cell lines. In vitro translation, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analyses detected an approximately 43 kDa polypeptide. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that the CLN3 protein is synthesized as an N -glycosylated single-chain polypeptide, which was not detected in growth medium. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the CLN3 protein is localized to the lysosomal compartment. These results provide evidence that Batten disease can be classified as a member of lysosomal diseases.

Biological Transport↗

Homogeneous polymerase chain reaction nucleobase quenching assay to detect the 1-kbp deletion in CLN3 that causes Batten disease.

Batten disease is an autosomal recessive disorder also known as juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. The most common mutation for this disease is an approximately 1-kbp deletion in the CLN3 gene, which accounts for about 80 to 85% of the mutation load. We developed a rapid assay for this mutation using the PCR to produce amplicons that are detected by nucleobase quenching of the fluorescent signal from a probe labeled with a fluorescent dye. The probe overlaps the deletion breakpoint and is completely base paired to the mutant amplicon. However, three bases at the 5' end of the probe do not base pair with the wild-type amplicon. The alleles are distinguished by the different melting temperatures of the probe amplicon hybrids. Comparison of this new method with an allele-specific PCR and gel electrophoresis-based method showed 100% concordance in determination of the genotype for 30 specimens (11 homozygous mutant, 8 heterozygotes, and 11 homozygous normal). PCR followed by allele-specific melting curve analysis using nucleobase quenching has utility as a rapid method for detection of the most common mutation that causes Batten disease.

Female↗

Decreased plasma carnitine and trimethyl-L-lysine levels associated with lysosomal accumulation of a trimethyl-L-lysine containing protein in Batten disease.

Batten disease, or juvenile neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis, is an autosomal-recessive hereditary disorder that leads to blindness, severe neurological degeneration, and premature death. The disease is characterized by massive accumulation of lysosomal storage bodies in most tissues. A significant constituent of the storage material is a protein that appears to be almost identical to a small hydrophobic inner mitochondrial membrane protein, subunit c of ATP synthase. The protein isolated from the storage bodies contains an epsilon-N-trimethyl-L-lysine (TML) residue at amino acid position 43. The presence of TML in the stored protein suggests that one of the lysine residues in subunit c is normally trimethylated, and this trimethylation may act as a signal to initiate degradation of the protein. Free TML produced by the degradation of TML-containing proteins is the first intermediate in the carnitine biosynthetic pathway. It is possible that trimethylated subunit c is a major source of the free TML used in carnitine biosynthesis. If this is the case, one would predict that the genetic defect resulting in the accumulation of TML containing subunit c would also reduce systemic levels of free TML and carnitine. To evaluate this possibility, plasma TML and carnitine levels were measured in affected human subjects, heterozygous carriers, and normal controls. Both TML and carnitine levels were significantly depressed in the affected individuals. This suggests that subunit c is normally a major source of TML for carnitine biosynthesis. In Batten disease, failure to degrade the TML-containing form of subunit c is probably responsible for the reduction in plasma TML and carnitine levels.

Adult↗

Isolation of a novel gene underlying Batten disease, CLN3. The International Batten Disease Consortium.

Batten disease (also known as juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) is a recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder of childhood characterized by progressive loss of vision, seizures, and psychomotor disturbances. The Batten disease gene, CLN3, maps to chromosome 16p12.1. The so-called 56 chromosome haplotype defined by alleles at the D16S299 and D16S298 loci is shared by 73% of Batten disease chromosomes. Exon amplification of a cosmid containing D16S298 has yielded a candidate gene that is disrupted by a 1 kb genomic deletion in all patients carrying the 56 chromosome. Two separate deletions and a point mutation altering a splice site in three unrelated families have confirmed the candidate as the CLN3 gene. The disease gene encodes a novel 438 amino acid protein of unknown function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CLN3L, a novel protein related to the Batten disease protein, is overexpressed in Cln3-/- mice and in Batten disease.

Batten disease is a severe autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease which results from mutations in CLN3. Although the gene was cloned in 1995, the tissue distribution and subcellular localization of the CLN3 protein (CLN3P) remains inconclusive. We have demonstrated the presence of a novel 33 kDa protein in both normal human and wild-type mouse brain. This 33 kDa protein, which is overexpressed in brains of patients with Batten disease and in Cln3-/- mouse brain, binds to the antibody raised against the peptide sequence of CLN3P and results in aberrant CLN3P localization studies. We expressed a novel 33 kDa protein that is highly similar to CLN3P. We showed that the 33 kDa protein is identical to that recognized in Batten disease and Cln3-/- brain. These studies strongly suggest the presence of an alternative CLN3-like (CLN3L) product in Batten disease. Previous studies of CLN3P tissue distribution and intracellular localization will require extensive reanalysis in order to determine the true expression of CLN3P.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Bone marrow transplantation in late infantile Batten disease and juvenile Batten disease.

Two patients, one each with LINCL and JNCL, underwent BMT in an attempt to alter the course of their disease. The LINCL patient received two transplants, one when asymptomatic, which was rapidly rejected, and a second BMT at age 3 years 9 months when the EEG had become abnormal. He has deteriorated in the following 2 years and now has only a few words, limited vision and feeding difficulties. Only two major seizures have occurred, but minor seizures are frequent. Although he is less severely affected than his sister at the same age, it is difficult to know if BMT has had any effect. The most significant difference is the relative mildness of seizure activity. The JNCL patient, transplanted at 8 years, when her visual problems had already started, is still in mainstream school, has good speech and good quality of life at age 9 1/2 years. No regression has been found, but EEG changes are now present and her vision has further deteriorated. The effect of BMT, if any, will not become apparent for several years in the more slowly progressive JNCL.

Adolescent↗

Elevation of Hook1 in a disease model of Batten disease does not affect a novel interaction between Ankyrin G and Hook1.

Hook1 is a member of a family of microtubule-binding proteins. Studies on the Drosophila homolog of Hook1 have suggested a role in the maturation and trafficking of internalized proteins to the late endosome. A weak interaction between Hook1 and the lysosomal/late endosomal protein, CLN3, was recently reported. Mutations in CLN3 result in the neurological disorder Batten disease. Here we show a novel interaction between Hook1 and Ankyrin G, an adaptor protein that binds the spectrin-actin cytoskeleton and targets proteins to the peripheral membrane. Although we demonstrate co-localization of Hook1 and Ankyrin G, Hook1 also localizes to additional regions of the cell devoid of Ankyrin G where it likely interacts with other proteins. There is no disruption of the Hook1-Ankyrin G interaction or localization in tissue derived from a Cln3-knockout mouse despite a nearly threefold increase in the expression of Hook1. However, mutation of CLN3 could lead to alterations in the functioning and positioning of organelles and membrane proteins through this Hook1-Ankyrin G interaction.

Animals↗

pdf1, a palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 Ortholog in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: a yeast model of infantile Batten disease.

Infantile Batten disease is a severe neurodegenerative storage disorder caused by mutations in the human PPT1 (palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1) gene, which encodes a lysosomal hydrolase that removes fatty acids from lipid-modified proteins. PPT1 has orthologs in many species, including lower organisms and plants, but not in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains a previously uncharacterized open reading frame (SPBC530.12c) that encodes the S. pombe Ppt1p ortholog fused in frame to a second enzyme that is highly similar to a previously cloned mouse dolichol pyrophosphatase (Dolpp1p). In the present study, we characterized this interesting gene (designated here as pdf1, for palmitoyl protein thioesterase-dolichol pyrophosphate phosphatase fusion 1) through deletion of the open reading frame and complementation by plasmids bearing mutations in various regions of the pdf1 sequence. Strains bearing a deletion of the entire pdf1 open reading frame are nonviable and are rescued by a pdf1 expression plasmid. Inactivating mutations in the Dolpp1p domain do not rescue the lethality, whereas mutations in the Ppt1p domain result in cells that are viable but abnormally sensitive to sodium orthovanadate and elevated extracellular pH. The latter phenotypes have been previously associated with class C and class D vacuolar protein sorting (vps) mutants and vacuolar membrane H(+)-ATPase (vma) mutants in S. cerevisiae. Importantly, the Ppt1p-deficient phenotype is complemented by the human PPT1 gene. These results indicate that the function of PPT1 has been widely conserved throughout evolution and that S. pombe may serve as a genetically tractable model for the study of human infantile Batten disease.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Defective intracellular transport of CLN3 is the molecular basis of Batten disease (JNCL)

Batten disease [juvenile-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL)], the most common progressive encephalopathy of childhood, is caused by mutations in a novel lysosomal membrane protein (CLN3) with unknown function. In this study, we have confirmed the lysosomal localization of the CLN3 protein by immunoelectron microscopy by co-localizing it with soluble and membrane-associated lysosomal proteins. We have analysed the intracellular processing and localization of two mutants, 461-677del, which is present in 85% of CLN3 alleles and causes the classical JNCL, and E295K [corrected], which is a rare missense mutation associated with an atypical form of JNCL. Pulse-chase labelling and immunoprecipitation of the two mutant proteins in COS-1-cells indicated that 461-677del is synthesized as an approximately 24 kDa truncated polypeptide, whereas the maturation of E295K [corrected] resembles that of the wild-type CLN3 polypeptide. Transient expression of the two mutants in BHK cells showed that 461-677del is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas E295K [corrected] was capable of reaching the lysosomal compartment. The CLN3 polypeptides were expressed further in mouse primary neurons where the wild-type CLN3 protein was localized both in the cell soma and in neuronal extensions, whereas the 461-677del mutant was arrested in the cell soma. Interestingly, co-localization of the wild-type CLN3 and E295K [corrected] proteins with a synaptic vesicle marker indicates that the CLN3 protein might participate in synaptic vesicle transport/transmission. The data presented here provide clear evidence for a cellular distinction between classical and atypical forms of Batten disease both in neural and non-neural cells.

Amino Acid Substitution↗