Mechanisms of disease: a molecular genetic update on hereditary axonal neuropathies.
Hereditary axonal peripheral neuropathies comprise a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that are clinically subsumed under the name of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease type 2 (CMT2). Historically, two classes of CMT have been differentiated: demyelinating forms of CMT (CMT1), in which nerve conduction velocities are decreased, and the axonal CMT2 forms, in which nerve conduction velocities are preserved. Recently, a number of genes that are defective in patients with the main forms of CMT2 have been identified. The molecular dissection of cellular functions of the related gene products has only just begun, and detailed pathophysiological models are still lacking. The known CMT2-related genes represent key players in these pathways, however, and are likely to provide powerful tools for identifying targets for future therapeutic intervention.
Züchner
Stephan
S
Department of Psychiatry, Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. szuchner@chg.duhs.duke.edu
Vance
Jeffery M
JM
D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology*; D002607:Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D011992:Endosomes / Q000502:physiology; D015417:Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000473:pathology; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D012313:RNA