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Prof. Hugo J. Bellen: "The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis 8 protein VAPB is cleaved, secreted, and acts as a ligand for Eph receptors

Wann 18.03.2009
Wo FRIAS Hörsaal, Alberstraße 19
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Hugo J Bellen, DVM, PhD
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

Bellen Lab

 

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 8 Protein VAPB Is Cleaved, Secreted, and Acts as a Ligand for Eph Receptors

VAP proteins (human VAPB/ALS8, Drosophila VAP33, and C. elegans VPR-1) are homologous proteins with an amino-terminal major sperm protein(MSP) domain and a transmembrane domain. The MSP domain is named for its similarity to the C. elegans MSP protein, a sperm-derived hormone that binds to the Eph receptor and induces oocyte maturation. A point mutation (P56S) in the MSP domain of human VAPB is associated with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis are poorly understood. I will present data that the MSP domains of VAP proteins are cleaved and secreted ligands for Eph receptors. The P58S mutation in VAP33 leads to a failure to secrete the MSP domain as well as ubiquitination, accumulation of inclusions in the endoplasmic reticulum, and an unfolded protein response. I propose that VAP MSP domains are secreted and act as diffusible hormones for Eph receptors. This work provides insight into mechanisms that may impact the pathogenesis of ALS.