Research findings from the group of Prof. Mahak Sharma in collaboration with Prof. Rajesh Ramachandran and Dr. Tripta Bhatia
The neuropathy-linked protein TECPR2 is a Rab5 effector that regulates cargo recycling from early endosomes
This study, published in Nature Communications (2025) by Sankalita Paul et al., identifies the cellular function of TECPR2 (Tectonin-β-propeller repeat containing protein 2), a protein whose mutation is linked to a form of Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN), a severe neurodegenerative disorder.
This work provides a mechanistic understanding of how TECPR2 regulates the formation of specialized membrane subdomains that govern the fate of critical receptors, offering vital insights into the molecular etiology of HSAN.
(DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65568-4)
Figure: Summary of TECPR2 functional analyses in zebrafish.
A Yeast two-hybrid interaction of zebrafish Tecpr2 and the R1234W mutant with Rab5.
B Developmental expression profile of tecpr2 mRNA.
C In situ hybridization showing spatial tecpr2 expression during embryogenesis.
D, E Dose-dependent effects of tecpr2 morpholino on embryo survival (24 hpf) and hatching (72 hpf), with rescue by WT but not R1234W mRNA.
F Morphological defects in tecpr2 morphants and partial rescue outcomes.
G Representative NMJ staining in control, tecpr2 morphants, and rescue conditions.
H, I Quantification of α-BTX and SV2 areas from NMJ imaging.