Motor neuropathy-associated mutation impairs Seipin functions in neurotransmission.

Gain-of-toxic-function mutations in Seipin (Asparagine 88 to Serine (N88S) and Serine 90 to Leucine (S90L) mutations, both of which disrupt the N-glycosylation) cause autosomal dominant motor neuron diseases. However, the mechanism of how these missense mutations lead to motor neuropathy is unclear. Here, we analyze the impact of disruption of N-glycosylation of Seipin on synaptic transmission by over-expressing mutant Seipin in cultured cortical neurons via lentiviral infection.

Neonatal overnutrition in mice exacerbates high-fat diet-induced metabolic perturbations.

Neonatal overnutrition results in accelerated development of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic defects in adulthood. To understand whether the increased susceptibility was associated with aggravated inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism, we studied metabolic changes and insulin signaling in a chronic postnatal overnutrition (CPO) mouse model. Male Swiss Webster pups were raised with either three pups per litter to induce CPO or ten pups per litter as control (CTR) and weaned to either low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD.

Seipin regulates excitatory synaptic transmission in cortical neurons.

Heterozygosity for missense mutations in Seipin, namely N88S and S90L, leads to a broad spectrum of motor neuropathy, while a number of loss-of-function mutations in Seipin are associated with the Berardinelli-Seip congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2, BSCL2), a condition that is characterized by severe lipoatrophy, insulin resistance, and intellectual impairment. The mechanisms by which Seipin mutations lead to motor neuropathy, lipodystrophy, and insulin resistance, and the role Seipin plays in central nervous system (CNS) remain unknown. The goal of this study is to understand the functions of Seipin in the CNS using a loss-of-function approach, i.