Animal models for inherited peripheral neuropathies: Chances to find treatment strategies?

Mutations in four identified genes (peripheral myelin protein 22, P-0, conn exin 32, and the early growth response 2 zinc finger protein) are the cause for several forms of inherited peripheral neuropathies that are still incu rable disorders. Some forms of these disorders are well mimicked by enginee red or spontaneous rodent mutants that might be instrumental for developing treatment strategies. This review focusses on common pathways of pathogene sis of the disorders and emphasizes strategies that might be suitable to am eliorate disease expression. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.