Abstract
The endolysosomal system and autophagy are essential components of macromolecular turnover in eukaryotic cells. The low-abundance signaling lipid PI(3,5)P2 is a key regulator of this pathway. Analysis of mouse models with defects in PI(3,5)P2 biosynthesis has revealed the unique dependence of the mammalian nervous system on this signaling pathway. This insight led to the discovery of the molecular basis for several human neurological disorders, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Yunis-Varon syndrome. Spontaneous mutants, conditional knockouts, transgenic lines, and gene-trap alleles of Fig4, Vac14, and Pikfyve (Fab1) in the mouse have provided novel information regarding the role of PI(3,5)P2in vivo. This review summarizes what has been learned from mouse models and highlights the utility of manipulating complex signaling pathways in vivo.