Locomotor differences in mice expressing wild-type human α-synuclein

Neurobiology of Aging
Genesys GiraldoChristopher J Janus

Abstract

Parkinson's disease manifests as a progressive movement disorder with underlying degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, consequent depletion of dopamine levels, and the accumulation of Lewy bodies in the brain. Because α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein is the major component of Lewy bodies, mouse models expressing wild-type or mutant SNCA/α-Syn genes provide a useful tool to investigate canonical characteristics of the disease. We evaluated a mouse model (denoted M20) that expresses human wild-type SNCA gene. The M20 mice showed abnormal locomotor behavior and reduced species-specific home cage activity. However, the direction of behavioral changes was task specific. In comparison with their control littermates, the M20 mice exhibited shorter grip endurance, and longer times to traverse elevated beams, but they descended the vertical pole faster and stayed longer on the accelerated rod than the control mice. The M20 mice were also impaired in burrowing and nest building activities. These results indicate a possible role of α-Syn in motor coordination and the motivation to perform species-specific behaviors in the presymptomatic model of synucleinopathy.

Citations

Dec 22, 2019·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Hye Ryeong LimChang Man Ha
Nov 18, 2020·Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society·Alexia PolissidisLeonidas Stefanis
Oct 27, 2018·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Fanny FaivreMichel Barrot

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