Valosin-containing protein and the pathogenesis of frontotemporal dementia associated with inclusion body myopathy

Acta Neuropathol. 2007 Jul;114(1):55-61. doi: 10.1007/s00401-007-0224-7. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

Abstract

Frontotemporal dementia with inclusion body myopathy and Paget's disease of bone (IBMPFD) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the gene valosin-containing protein (VCP). The CNS pathology is characterized by a novel pattern of ubiquitin pathology distinct from sporadic and familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions without VCP mutations. Yet, the ubiquitin-positive inclusions in IBMPFD also stain for TAR DNA binding protein, a feature that links this rare disease with the pathology associated with the majority of sporadic FTD as well as disease resulting from different genetic alterations. VCP, a member of the AAA-ATPase gene family, associates with a plethora of protein adaptors to perform a variety of cellular processes including Golgi assembly/disassembly and regulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the mechanism whereby mutations in VCP lead to CNS, muscle, and bone disease is largely unknown. In this report, we review current literature on IBMPFD, focusing on the pathology of the disease and the biology of VCP with respect to IBMPFD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Dementia / complications
  • Dementia / genetics*
  • Dementia / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / metabolism
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology*
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / complications
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / genetics
  • Myositis, Inclusion Body / pathology
  • Osteitis Deformans / complications
  • Osteitis Deformans / genetics
  • Osteitis Deformans / pathology
  • Valosin Containing Protein

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • VCP protein, human
  • Valosin Containing Protein