title: Mutation of the GM2 activator protein in a feline model of GM2 gangliosidosis.
abstract: The G(M2) activator protein is required for successful degradation of G(M2) ganglioside by the A isozyme of lysosomal beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52). Deficiency of the G(M2) activator protein leads to a relentlessly progressive accumulation of G(M2) ganglioside in neuronal lysosomes and subsequent fatal deterioration of central nervous system function. G(M2) activator deficiency has been described in humans, dogs and mice. This manuscript reports the discovery and characterization of a feline model of G(M2) activator deficiency that exhibits many disease traits typical of the disorder in other species. Cats deficient in the G(M2) activator protein develop clinical signs at approximately 14 months of age, including motor incoordination and exaggerated startle response to sharp sounds. Affected cats exhibit central nervous system abnormalities such as swollen neurons, membranous cytoplasmic bodies, increased sialic acid content and elevated levels of G(M2) ganglioside. As is typical of G(M2) activator deficiency, hexosaminidase A activity in tissue homogenates appears normal when assayed with a commonly used synthetic substrate. When the G(M2) activator cDNA was sequenced from normal and affected cats, a deletion of 4 base pairs was identified as the causative mutation, resulting in alteration of 21 amino acids at the C terminus of the G(M2) activator protein.
authors.affiliation: Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5525, USA. martidr@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Douglas R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Nancy R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kennamer
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: Arlene N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Dodson
authors.forename: Atoska S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gentry
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Rolsma
authors.forename: Henry J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D002415:Cats; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D049289:G(M2) Activator Protein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005678:G(M2) Ganglioside / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D020143:Gangliosidoses, GM2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006596:Hexosaminidases / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D010375:Pedigree; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D049289:G(M2) Activator Protein; D005678:G(M2) Ganglioside; D006596:Hexosaminidases; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid