Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kathryn White, Dr Vanessa Hogan, Dr Philip Nichols
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
Opa3 mRNA is expressed in all tissues examined to date, but currently the function of the OPA3 protein is unknown. Intriguingly, various mutations in the OPA3 gene lead to two similar diseases in humans: autosomal dominant inherited optic atrophy and cataract (ADOAC) and a metabolic condition; type 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (MGA). Early onset bilateral optic atrophy is a common characteristic of both disorders; retinal ganglion cells are lost and visual acuity is impaired from an early age. In order to investigate the function of the OPA3 protein, we have generated a novel ENU-induced mutant mouse carrying a missense mutation in the OPA3 gene. The heterozygous mutation in exon 2, causes an amino acid change p.L122P (c.365T>C), which is predicted to alter tertiary protein structure. In the heterozygous state, the mice appear uncompromised however; in the homozygous state mice display some of the features of MGA. Visual function is severely reduced, consistent with significant loss of retinal ganglion cells and degeneration of axons in the optic nerve. In the homozygous optic nerve, there was evidence of increased mitochondrial activity, as demonstrated by the increased presence of mitochondrial marker Cytochrome C Oxidase (COX) histochemistry. Mice homozygous for the opa3L122P mutation also display a severe multi-systemic disease characterized by reduced lifespan (majority dying before 4 months), decreased weight, dilated cardiomyopathy, extrapyramidal dysfunction and gross neuro-muscular defects. All of these defects are synonymous with the phenotypic characteristics of Type III MGA found in humans. This model will be of major importance for future studies of the specific function of the OPA3 gene. © The Author (2008). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Davies VJ, Powell KA, White KE, Yip W, Hogan V, Hollins AJ, Davies JR, Piechota M, Brownstein DG, Moat SJ, Nichols PP, Wride MA, Boulton ME, Votruba M
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Brain
Year: 2008
Volume: 131
Issue: 2
Pages: 368-380
ISSN (print): 0006-8950
ISSN (electronic): 1460-2156
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/brain/awm333
DOI: 10.1093/brain/awm333
PubMed id: 18222992
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
