Background of the antigen
Myotubularin and the myotubularin-related proteins (MTMR1-9) belong to a highly conserved family of eukaryotic phosphatases. They are protein tyrosine phosphatases that utilize inositol phospholipids, rather than phosphoproteins, as substrates. MTMR family members hydrolyze both Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) and PtdIns(3,5)P2. MTMR2 interacts with MTMR5, an inactive family member that increases the enzymatic activity of MTMR2 and dictates its subcellular localization. Mutations in MTMR2 cause autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4B1 (CMT4B1), which is characterized by reduced nerve conduction velocities, focally folded myelin sheaths and demyelination. MTMR3 and MTMR4 can either interact with each other or self associate. MTMR6 regulates the activity of the calcium-activated potassium channel 3.1. MTMR9 regulates the activity of MTMR7 and MTMR8.
