In vivo function of the ER-Golgi transport protein LMAN1 in photoreceptor homeostasis

Abstract

LMAN1 is a type I transmembrane protein that selectively transports its cargo proteins from ER to ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and Golgi. Lman1 is a direct target of the transcription factor NRL in mouse retina. Therefore, we examined the in vivo function of LMAN1 in retina. Although Lman1 −/− mouse eyes did not show abnormality in histology and electroretinogram analysis at 3 months, Lman1 −/− retina at 6 months showed a decrease in cis-Golgi markers J. D. GM130 and GRASP65. We also observed abnormal level and location of Rhodopsin in these mice. Taken together, LMAN1 may play a role in photoreceptor gene transport and homeostasis.