Fgf9 Y162C Mutation Alters Information Processing and Social Memory in Mice

In this study, we examined the role ofFgf9 in different brain functions by analyzing the behavior ofFgf9Y162C mutant mice, anFgf9 allele without the confounding systemic effects of otherFgf9 genetic models. Here, we show that this mutation caused altered locomotor and exploratory reactivity to novel, mildly stressful environments. In addition, mutants showed heightened acoustic startle reactivity as well as impaired social discrimination memory. Notably, there was a substantial decrease in the level of adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis with no difference in hippocampal neurogenesis. Collectively, our findings indicate a role for theFgf9Y162C mutation in information processing and perception of aversive situations as well as in social memory. Thus, genetic alterations inFgf9 could increase vulnerability to developing neuropsychiatric disease, and we propose theFgf9Y162C mutant mice as a valuable tool to study the predictive etiological aspects.

Source: Molecular Neurobiology - July 10, 2017 Category: Neurology Source Type: research