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Dynamin 2 (DNM2) as Cause of, and Modifier for, Human Neuromuscular Disease
Mo Zhao1, Nika Maani1, James J Dowling2,3,4,5
1Genetics and Genome Biology Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
Abstract:
Dynamin 2 (DNM2) belongs to a family of large GTPases that are well known for mediating membrane fission by oligomerizing at the neck of membrane invaginations. Autosomal dominant mutations in the ubiquitously expressed DNM2 cause 2 discrete neuromuscular diseases: autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy (ADCNM) and dominant intermediate Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT). CNM and CMT mutations may affect DNM2 in distinct manners: CNM mutations may cause protein hyperactivity with elevated GTPase and fission activities, while CMT mutations could impair DNM2 lipid binding and activity. DNM2 is also a modifier of the X-linked and autosomal recessive forms of CNM, as DNM2 protein levels are upregulated in animal models and patient muscle samples. Strikingly, reducing DNM2 has been shown to revert muscle phenotypes in preclinical models of CNM. As DNM2 emerges as the key player in CNM pathogenesis, the role(s) of DNM2 in skeletal muscle remains unclear. This review aims to provide insights into potential pathomechanisms related to DNM2-CNM mutations, and discuss exciting outcomes of current and future therapeutic approaches targeting DNM2 hyperactivity.
Insights
Dynamin 2 (DNM2) mutations cause neuromuscular diseases like centronuclear myopathy (CNM). Reducing DNM2 shows promise for treating CNM, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Neurology
Background:
- Dynamin 2 (DNM2) is a GTPase crucial for membrane fission.
- Mutations in DNM2 cause autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy (ADCNM) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT).
- DNM2 also modifies other CNM forms, with elevated levels observed in patients and models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathomechanisms of DNM2 mutations in centronuclear myopathy.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting DNM2 hyperactivity in CNM.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Dynamin 2 (DNM2) function and mutations.
- Analysis of preclinical models and patient data related to CNM and DNM2.
- Synthesis of current research on therapeutic interventions for DNM2-related disorders.
Main Results:
- CNM-associated DNM2 mutations may lead to hyperactivity, while CMT mutations might impair lipid binding.
- Reduced DNM2 levels have reversed muscle phenotypes in preclinical CNM models.
- DNM2 is identified as a key factor in CNM pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- DNM2 plays a critical role in skeletal muscle and CNM development.
- Targeting DNM2 hyperactivity presents a promising therapeutic avenue for CNM.
- Further research into DNM2's role could unlock new treatment strategies.
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