Human Molecular Genetics Advance Access published online on November 21, 2008
Human Molecular Genetics, doi:10.1093/hmg/ddn396
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Interactions between the juvenile Batten disease gene, CLN3, and the Notch and JNK signalling pathways
MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, New Hunt's House, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
* Corresponding Author. guy.tear{at}kcl.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0)20 7848 6539, Fax: +44 (0)20 7848 6550
Received September 26, 2008; Revised November 19, 2008; Accepted November 19, 2008
Mutations in the gene CLN3 are responsible for the neurodegenerative disorder Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (JNCL) or Batten Disease. CLN3 encodes a multi-spanning and hydrophobic transmembrane protein whose function is unclear. As a consequence, the cell biology that underlies the pathology of the disease is not well understood. We have developed a genetic gain-of-function system in Drosophila to identify functional pathways and interactions for CLN3. We have identified previously unknown interactions between CLN3 and the Notch and JNK signalling pathways and have uncovered a potential role for the RNA splicing and localisation machinery in regulating CLN3 function.