A novel mouse model of CMT1B identifies hyperglycosylation as a new pathogenetic mechanism

Mutations in the Myelin Protein Zero gene (MPZ), encoding P0, the major structural glycoprotein of peripheral nerve myelin, are the cause of Charcot–Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 1B neuropathy, and most P0 mutations appear to act through gain-of-function mechanisms. Here, we investigated how misglycosylation, a pathomechanism encompassing several genetic disorders, may affect P0 function. Using in vitro assays, we showed that gain of glycosylation is more damaging for P0 trafficking and functionality as compared with a loss of glycosylation. Hence, we generated, via CRISPR/Cas9, a mouse model carrying the MPZ(D61N) mutation, predicted to generate a new N-glycosylation site in P0. In humans, MPZ(D61N) causes a severe early-onset form of CMT1B, suggesting that hyperglycosylation may interfere with myelin formation, leading to pathology. We show here that MPZ(D61N/+) mice develop a tremor as early as P15 which worsens with age and correlates with a significant motor impairment, reduced muscular strength and substantial alterations in neurophysiology. The pathological analysis confirmed a dysmyelinating phenotype characterized by diffuse hypomyelination and focal hypermyelination. We find that the mutant P0D61N does not cause significant endoplasmic reticulum stress, a common pathomechanism in CMT1B, but is properly trafficked to myelin where it causes myelin uncompaction. Finally, we show that myelinating dorsal root ganglia cultures from MPZ(D61N) mice replicate some of the abnormalities seen in vivo, suggesting that they may represent a valuable tool to investigate therapeutic approaches. Collectively, our data indicate that the MPZ(D61N/+) mouse represents an authentic model of severe CMT1B affirming gain-of-glycosylation in P0 as a novel pathomechanism of disease.