Objective: To construct wild-type and mutant pEGFP SPAST vectors and to explore the molecular mechanism of hereditary spastic paraplegia.
Methods: Mutant SPAST vector was constructed using overlap PCR method following construction of wild-type SPAST vector. Wild-type and mutant constructs were transfected to COS7 cells and subcellular localization of spastin was observed. Co-localizations of spastin and microtubule, spastin and mitochondria were viewed by immunofluorescence staining.
Results: Wild-type spastin is localized in plasma, and mutant spastin did not change its cellular localization. Wild-type and mutant spastins did not co-localize with microtubules and mitochondria by immunofluorescence analysis.
Conclusion: Wild-type and mutant SPAST constructs were successfully generated. Mutant spastin did not change its localization in cells. Spastin does not co-localize with microtubules and mitochondria. This study may facilitate further studies on molecular mechanism of hereditary spastic paraplegia.