MFSD8 Membrane Protein Introduction

Introduction of MFSD8

Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 8 (MFSD8) is also known as Ceroid-lipofuscinosis neuronal protein 7 (CLN7), which is responsible for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 7 (NCL7) in humans. Neuronal waxy lipofuscinosis (NCLs) is a group of hereditary, neurodegenerative diseases characterized by chromosomal recessive and lysosomal accumulation. It is mainly caused by enzyme deficiency or transmembrane protein deficiency, leading to the accumulation of lipids in various tissues. At least 13 genetic forms are currently recognized (CLN 1-8 and CLN 10-14); all diseases except for CLN4 are recessive. Mutations in the MFSD8 are found to be the basis for the late-infant NCL (vLINCL). MFSD8 gene encodes putative lysosomal transporter MFSD8 with a topology of 12 transmembrane domains, showing its localization to the lysosomal membrane. MFSD8 has a specific lysosomal sorting motif and two N-glycosylation sites, and it is inactivated by proteolytic cleavage.

Function of MFSD8 Membrane Protein

Pathologically, MFSD8 contributes to neuronal waxy lipofuscinosis (NCLs), which display an accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in neurons and neurodegeneration. NCLs causes some impaired end-organ function, including cognitive and motor function loss, myoclonus, and the central nervous system of intractable seizures. Mutations in MFSD8 are found to cause a variant of late-infantile NCL (vLINCL,). The vLINCL is genetically heterogeneous and five major potential genes have been identified to date. The NCL7 disease produced by mutations in the MFSD8 gene has a fairly homogeneous phenotype, with 15% patients having an atypical episode or long course of disease; the onset usually occurs between 2 and 11 years (mean onset is 5 years), and the clinical manifestations of late infants include motor and cognitive decline, seizures, visual loss, ataxia. MFSD8 shows a high frequency of mutations that are expected to result in abnormal gene product expression (78.6%).

Fig.1 The topological prediction plot of MFSD8 shows the location of the pathogenic missense mutation. (Khan, 2017)

Application of MFSD8 Membrane Protein in Literature

1. Donsante A and Boulis N.M. Progress in gene and cell therapies for the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2018, 18(7): 755-764. PubMed ID: 29936867
   
   

   This article discusses the prospects of (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) NCL gene therapy, particularly those that can systematically deliver and treat brain and peripheral tissues.

2. Benitez B.A and Sands M.S. Primary fibroblasts from CSPα mutation carriers recapitulate hallmarks of the adult-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Scientific Reports. 2017, 7(1): 6332. PubMed ID: 28740222
   
   

   This article shows that aggregation-dependent disruption of ALP function is a relevant pathogenic mechanism of AD-ANCL, and the use of AFSM or CSPα aggregation is a biomarker for drug screening purposes.

3. Yao X., et al. Gene Therapy of Adult Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses with CRISPR/Cas9 in Zebrafish. Human Gene Therapy. 2017, 28(7): 588-597. PubMed ID: 28478735
   
   

   The study provides a gene therapy strategy for the treatment of neurogenetic diseases through the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

4. Ghosh A., et al. Gemfibrozil, food, and drug administration-approved lipid-lowering drug, increases longevity in mouse model of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2017, 141(3): 423-435. PubMed ID: 28199020
   
   

   This article reinforces the neuroprotective effects of gemfibrozil, which may have therapeutic implications for improving the quality of life of patients with LINCL.

5. Canafoglia L., et al. Electroclinical spectrum of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses associated with CLN6 mutations. Neurology. 2015, 85(4): 316-24. PubMed ID: 26115733
   
   

   This article reveals that multifocal myoclonic jerks and seizures are a key feature in the patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, but myoclonic seizures are an early and prominent sign in the teenage/adult form only and the childhood-onset form is characterized by initial and severe cognitive impairment coupled with electroretinogram and EEG attenuation.

MFSD8 Preparation Options

Membrane protein studies have advanced significantly over the past few years. Based on our versatile Magic™ membrane protein production platform, we could offer a series of membrane protein preparation services for worldwide customers in reconstitution forms as well as multiple active formats. Aided by our versatile Magic™ anti-membrane protein antibody discovery platform, we also provide customized anti-MFSD8 antibody development services.

• Magic™ Membrane Protein Production Platform
• Magic™ Anti-Membrane Protein Antibody Discovery Platform

During the past years, Creative Biolabs has successfully generated many functional membrane proteins for our global customers. We are happy to accelerate the development of our clients’ programs with our one-stop, custom-oriented service. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Khan K N, et al. (2017). Specific Alleles of CLN7/MFSD8, a Protein That Localizes to Photoreceptor Synaptic Terminals, Cause a Spectrum of Nonsyndromic Retinal Dystrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 58(7): 2906-2914.

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