The chloride antiporter CLCN7 is a modifier of lysosome dysfunction in FIG 4 and VAC14 mutants

by Xu Cao, Guy M. Lenk, Vedrana Mikusevic, Joseph A. Mindell, Miriam H. Meisler

The phosphatase FIG 4 and the scaffold protein VAC14 function in the biosynthesis of PI(3,5)P₂, a signaling lipid that inhibits the lysosomal chloride transporter ClC-7. Loss-of-function mutations of FIG 4 and VAC14 reduce PI(3,5)P₂ and result in lysosomal disorders characterized by accumulation of enlarged lysosomes and neurodegeneration. Similarly, a gain of function mutation of CLCN7 encoding ClC-7 also results in enlarged lysosomes. We therefore tested the ability of reduced CLCN7 expression to compensate for loss of FIG 4 or VAC14. Knock-out of CLCN7 corrected lysosomal swelling and partially corrected lysosomal hyperacidification in FIG 4 null cell cultures. Knockout of the related transporter CLCN6 (ClC-6) in FIG 4 null cells did not affect the lysosome phenotype. In the Fig 4 null mouse, reduction of ClC-7 by expression of the dominant negative CLCN7 variant p.Gly215Arg improved growth and neurological function and increased lifespan by 20%. These observations demonstrate a role for the CLCN7 chloride transporter in pathogenesis of FIG 4 and VAC14 disorders. Reduction of CLCN7 provides a new target for treatment of FIG 4 and VAC14 deficiencies that lack specific therapies, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 4J and Yunis-Varón syndrome.