Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Brain Region-Specific Expression Levels of Synuclein Genes in an Acid Sphingomyelinase Knockout Mouse Model: Correlation with Depression-/Anxiety-Like Behavior and Locomotor Activity in the Absence of Genotypic Variation
oleh: Razvan-Marius Brazdis, Iulia Zoicas, Johannes Kornhuber, Christiane Mühle
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2024-08-01 |
Deskripsi
Accumulating evidence suggests an involvement of sphingolipids, vital components of cell membranes and regulators of cellular processes, in the pathophysiology of both Parkinson’s disease and major depressive disorder, indicating a potential common pathway in these neuropsychiatric conditions. Based on this interaction of sphingolipids and synuclein proteins, we explored the gene expression patterns of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein in a knockout mouse model deficient for acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), an enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide, and studied associations with behavioral parameters. Normalized <i>Snca</i>, <i>Sncb</i>, and <i>Sncg</i> gene expression was determined by quantitative PCR in twelve brain regions of sex-mixed homozygous (ASM−/−, <i>n</i> = 7) and heterozygous (ASM+/−, <i>n</i> = 7) ASM-deficient mice, along with wild-type controls (ASM+/+, <i>n</i> = 5). The expression of all three synuclein genes was brain region-specific but independent of ASM genotype, with β-synuclein showing overall higher levels and the least variation. Moreover, we discovered correlations of gene expression levels between brain regions and depression- and anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity, such as a positive association between <i>Snca</i> mRNA levels and locomotion. Our results suggest that the analysis of synuclein genes could be valuable in identifying biomarkers and comprehending the common pathological mechanisms underlying various neuropsychiatric disorders.