May function in a signal transduction pathway responsible for ganglioside-induced neurite differentiation. May also have a role in protecting myelin membranes against free radical-mediated damage.

Highly expressed in whole brain and spinal cord. Predominant expression in central tissues of the nervous system not only in neurons but also in Schwann cells.

Defects in GDAP1 are the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4A (CMT4A) [MIM:214400]. CMT4A is a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common inherited disorder of the peripheral nervous system. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is classified in two main groups on the basis of electrophysiologic properties and histopathology: primary peripheral demyelinating neuropathy or CMT1, and primary peripheral axonal neuropathy or CMT2. Demyelinating CMT neuropathies are characterized by severely reduced nerve conduction velocities (less than 38 m/sec), segmental demyelination and remyelination with onion bulb formations on nerve biopsy, slowly progressive distal muscle atrophy and weakness, absent deep tendon reflexes, and hollow feet. Autosomal recessive forms of demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are by convention designated CMT4. CMT4A is a severe form characterized by early age of onset and rapid progression leading to inability to walk in late childhood or adolescence.
Defects in GDAP1 are the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease axonal recessive with vocal cord paresis (CMT2RV) [MIM:607706]. CMT2RV is a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease characterized by the association of axonal neuropathy with vocal cord paresis.
Defects in GDAP1 are the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2K (CMT2K) [MIM:607831]. CMT2K is an axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Axonal CMT neuropathies are characterized by signs of axonal regeneration in the absence of obvious myelin alterations, normal or slightly reduced nerve conduction velocities, and progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy. CMT2K onset is in early childhood (younger than 3 years). This phenotype is characterized by foot deformities, kyphoscoliosis, distal limb muscle weakness and atrophy, areflexia, and diminished sensation in the lower limbs. Weakness in the upper limbs is observed in the first decade, with clawing of the fingers. Inheritance can be autosomal dominant or recessive.
Defects in GDAP1 are the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease recessive intermediate type A (CMTRIA) [MIM:608340]. CMTRIA is a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease characterized by clinical and pathologic features intermediate between demyelinating and axonal peripheral neuropathies, and motor median nerve conduction velocities ranging from 25 to 45 m/sec.

Belongs to the GST superfamily.
Contains 1 GST C-terminal domain.
Contains 1 GST N-terminal domain.

Cytoplasm.