Central nervous system pathology in MFP2 deficiency: Insights from general and conditional knockout mouse models

Multifunctional protein-2 (MFP2), also known as D-bifunctional protein, is a central enzyme of the peroxisomal β-oxidation pathway. Defects in this enzyme are associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders encompassing developmental and degenerative pathologies. In order to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these neuropathologies, mouse models with general and cell type selective loss of MFP2 were generated. In this review the distinct anomalies in the CNS of adult Mfp2 knockout mice are discussed, in particular the cerebellar degeneration and neuroinflammation. The potential underlying mechanisms are considered with regard to the cellular origin and biochemical causes. Finally, the similarities and differences between the CNS phenotypes of mice lacking MFP2 and mice with peroxisome biogenesis disorders are assessed.