We investigated N471D WASH complex subunit strumpellin (Washc5) knock-in and Washc5 knock-out mice as models for hereditary spastic paraplegia type 8 (SPG8). We generated heterozygous and homozygous N471D Washc5 knock-in mice and subjected them to a comprehensive clinical, morphological and laboratory parameter screen, and gait analyses. Brain tissue was used for proteomic analysis. Furthermore, we generated heterozygous Washc5 knock-out mice. WASH complex subunit strumpellin expression was determined by qPCR and immunoblotting. Homozygous N471D Washc5 knock-in mice showed mild dilated cardiomyopathy, decreased acoustic startle reactivity, thinner eye lenses, increased alkaline phosphatase and potassium levels and increased white blood cell counts. Gait analyses revealed multiple aberrations indicative of locomotor instability. Similarly, the clinical chemistry, haematology and gait parameters of heterozygous mice also deviated from the values expected for healthy animals, albeit to a lesser extent. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue depicted consistent upregulation of BPTF and downregulation of KLHL11 in heterozygous and homozygous knock-in mice. WASHC5-related protein interaction partners and complexes showed no change in abundancies. Heterozygous Washc5 knock-out mice showing normal WASHC5 levels could not be bred to homozygosity. While biallelic ablation of Washc5 was prenatally lethal, expression of N471D mutated WASHC5 led to several mild clinical and laboratory parameter abnormalities, but not to a typical SPG8 phenotype. The consistent upregulation of BPTF and downregulation of KLHL11 suggest mechanistic links between the expression of N471D mutated WASHC5 and the roles of both proteins in neurodegeneration and protein quality control, respectively.

Mutations in WASHC5 (also known as KIAA0196) cause autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) type SPG8. WASHC5, commonly called strumpellin, is a core component of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog (WASH) complex that activates actin nucleation at endosomes. Although various other cellular roles for strumpellin have also been described, none account for how SPG8-associated mutations lead to HSP. Here, we identified protein interactors of the WASH complex by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry and assessed the functions of strumpellin in cultured cells using both overexpression and RNA interference along with cell-spreading assays to investigate cell adhesion. We uncovered a decrease in CAV1 protein abundance as well as endosomal fission defects resulting from pathogenic SPG8 mutations. CAV1, a key component of caveolae, interacted with strumpellin in cells, and strumpellin inhibited the lysosomal degradation of CAV1. SPG8-associated missense mutations in strumpellin did not rescue endosomal tubulation defects, reduction in CAV1 protein abundance, or integrin-mediated cell adhesion in strumpellin-deficient cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the WASH complex maintained CAV1 and integrin protein amounts by inhibiting their lysosomal degradation through its endosomal actin nucleation activity. In addition, the interaction of strumpellin with CAV1 stimulated integrin recycling, thereby promoting cell adhesion. These findings provide a molecular link between WASHC5 mutations and impairment of CAV1- and integrin-mediated cell adhesion, providing insights into the cellular pathogenesis of SPG8.

Spastic paraplegia type 8 (SPG8) is an autosomal-dominant form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (AD-HSP) caused by a mutation in the KIAA0196 gene. SPG8 accounts for 1% of less of all AD-HSP and the genotype-phenotype correlation remains poorly understood. We report the first clinical and genetic description of SPG8 disease in Italian patients. We identified four new mutations in KIAA0196 gene. These variants were identified using a multigene targeted resequencing HSP panel. We took this opportunity to review the pertinent literature. Age at disease onset was in the third or fourth decade of life. Stiffness of the lower limb with spastic gait, walking impairment, and decreased vibration sense were common early symptoms. Subjects of two families had bladder control abnormalities. Unlike previous reported cases, Italian SPG8 subjects have pure form of spastic paraparesis without cranial nerve involvement, and onset is in adult life. By a clinical point of view, it is hard to differentiate SPG8 from the SPG4, in which bladder and vibration sense dysfunctions are frequent signs. The differential diagnosis with other forms of AD-HSPs seems relatively easier if one considers the early-onset manifestations in SPG3A and the peripheral nervous system and cerebellar involvement seen in SPG31.