The invention concerns the identification of a novel family of CTL (Choline Transporter Like) genes, in particular hCTL1 and hCTL2, involved in the metabolism and/or transport of choline in cells such as the intestinal tract cells, nervous cells, in particular motoneurons, sensitive neurons, neurons of the nucleus dorsalis of the spinal cord and oligodendrocytes. The invention opens up new prospects in particular for the treatment of familial dysautonomia, and Tangier disease. More generally, the identification of CTL genes enables to develop new strategies for treating diseases of the nervous system, in particular neurodegenerative, demyelenating diseases, particularly Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and Huntington disease.
CHOLINE TRANSPORTER LIKE (CTL) MEMBRANE PROTEINS INVOLVED IN CHOLINE TRANSPORT