Introduction: Mutations in the valosin-containing protein gene cause hereditary inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia. More recently, these mutations have been linked to 2% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. A knock-in mouse model offers the opportunity to study VCP-associated pathogenesis. Methods: The VCPR155H/+ knock-in mouse model was assessed for muscle strength and immunohistochemical, Western blot, apoptosis, autophagy, an…
Read moreIntroduction: Mutations in the valosin-containing protein gene cause hereditary inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia. More recently, these mutations have been linked to 2% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. A knock-in mouse model offers the opportunity to study VCP-associated pathogenesis. Methods: The VCPR155H/+ knock-in mouse model was assessed for muscle strength and immunohistochemical, Western blot, apoptosis, autophagy, and microPET/CT imaging analyses. Results: VCPR155H/+ mice developed significant progressive muscle weakness, and the quadriceps and brain developed progressive cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43, ubiquitin-positive inclusion bodies, and increased LC3-II staining. MicroCT analyses revealed Paget-like lesions at the ends of long bones. Spinal cord demonstrated neurodegenerative changes, ubiquitin, and TDP-43 pathology of motor neurons. Conclusions: VCPR155H/+ knock-in mice represent an excellent preclinical model for understanding VCP-associated disease mechanisms and future treatments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
