Abstract |
The transcription factor neuronal PAS domain-containing protein 4 (Npas4), which regulates the formation of inhibitory synapses on excitatory neurons, has been suggested as a candidate gene for neurological and psychiatric conditions such as bipolar depression, autism spectrum and cognitive disorders. A mouse model of Npas4 deficiency has been developed to investigate any role in these disorders. Behavioural characterisation of Npas4(-/-), Npas4(+/-) and Npas4(+/+) mice has been conducted using the open field, elevated zero maze (EZM), Y-maze, sociability test and forced swim test (FST) to investigate a range of behaviours. Npas4(-/-) mice spent more time in the open arm of the EZM than other genotypes, suggesting decreased anxiety-like behaviour. Npas4(+/-) mice, however, were more immobile in the FST than other genotypes, suggesting increased depression-like behaviour, and also showed impaired spatial recognition memory in the Y-maze. There were no differences between genotype in social behaviour. These results suggest that differential levels of Npas4 expression in the brain may regulate anxiety, depression and cognition related disorders.
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Authors | Emily J Jaehne, Thomas S Klarić, Simon A Koblar, Bernhard T Baune, Martin D Lewis |
Journal | Behavioural brain research
(Behav Brain Res)
Vol. 281
Pg. 276-82
(Mar 15 2015)
ISSN: 1872-7549 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 25549857
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
- Npas4 protein, mouse
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Topics |
- Animals
- Anxiety
(genetics, psychology)
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
(deficiency, genetics)
- Behavior, Animal
(physiology)
- Cognition
(physiology)
- Depression
(genetics, psychology)
- Heterozygote
- Homozygote
- Male
- Maze Learning
(physiology)
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Activity
(genetics)
- Recognition, Psychology
- Social Behavior
- Spatial Memory
(physiology)
- Swimming
(psychology)
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