Open AccessBehavioral characterization of P311 knockout mice
Author(s) -
Taylor Gregory A.,
Rodriguiz Ramona M.,
Greene Robert I.,
Daniell Xiaoju,
Henry Stanley C.,
Crooks Kristy R.,
Kotloski Robert,
Tessarollo Lino,
Phillips Lindsey E.,
Wetsel William C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
genes, brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1601-183X
pISSN - 1601-1848
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2008.00420.x
Subject(s) - fear conditioning , neuroscience , psychology , hippocampus , amygdala , morris water navigation task , knockout mouse , developmental psychology , biology , gene , biochemistry
P311 is an 8‐kDa protein that is expressed in many brain regions, particularly the hippocampus, cerebellum and olfactory lobes, and is under stringent regulation by developmental, mitogenic and other physiological stimuli. P311 is thought to be involved in the transformation and motility of neural cells; however, its role in normal brain physiology is undefined. To address this point, P311‐deficient mice were developed through gene targeting and their behaviors were characterized. Mutants displayed no overt abnormalities, bred normally and had normal survival rates. Additionally, no deficiencies were noted in motor co‐ordination, balance, hearing or olfactory discrimination. Nevertheless, P311‐deficient mice showed altered behavioral responses in learning and memory. These included impaired responses in social transmission of food preference, Morris water maze and contextual fear conditioning. Additionally, mutants displayed altered emotional responses as indicated by decreased freezing in contextual and cued fear conditioning and reduced fear‐potentiated startle. Together, these data establish P311 as playing an important role in learning and memory processes and emotional responses.