Characterization of gastrointestinal pathologies in the dystonia musculorum mouse model for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type VI

Dystonia musculorum (Dstdt) is a murine disease caused by recessive mutations in the dystonin (Dst) gene. Loss of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons, ataxia, and dystonic postures before death by postnatal day 18 (P18) is a hallmark feature. Recently we observed gas accumulation and discoloration in the small intestine and cecum in Dstdt mice by P15. The human disease resulting from dystonin loss‐of‐function, known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type VI (HSAN‐VI), has also been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. As neuronal dystonin isoforms are expressed in the GI tract, we hypothesized that dystonin loss‐of‐function in Dstdt‐27J enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons resulted in neurodegeneration associated with the GI abnormalities.