Developing an Assay to Monitor Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Type 7 Flipping Activity in the Lipid Matrix

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Type 7 (CLN7) is a Transporter localised to the lysozyme. Genetic mutations associated with CLN7 lead to Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis. The function of CLN7 is also poorly characterised. Our collaborators recently obtained some highly indicative data from the proteomic analysis of CLN7 knockout mouse models that suggests lysophosphoglycerol (LPG) and/or phosphoglycerol (PG) as a likely candidates for transport by CLN7. We require a direct biochemical assay confirming lipid flipping of either LPG or PG to support a publication and thus propose to use Neutron reflectometry on samples of CLN7 reinstituted into supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) to track the flipping of PG or LPG from one side of the membrane to the other.