α-Synuclein knockout mice have cognitive impairments
► We investigated the role of α-synuclein in learning which involves both working and spatial memory. ► Mice that lack α-synuclein gene demonstrate impairments of working memory and spatial learning. ► Target inactivation of α-synuclein gene simulates some aspects of pathogenesis of α-synucleinopath...
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Published in | Behavioural brain research Vol. 231; no. 1; pp. 226 - 230 |
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Main Authors | , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Netherlands
Elsevier B.V
16.05.2012
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | ► We investigated the role of α-synuclein in learning which involves both working and spatial memory. ► Mice that lack α-synuclein gene demonstrate impairments of working memory and spatial learning. ► Target inactivation of α-synuclein gene simulates some aspects of pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathy.
α-Synuclein is a member of the synuclein family of cytoplasmic, predominantly neuron-specific proteins. Considerable amount of α-synuclein is found in axons and presynaptic terminals of neurons located in brain areas responsible for emotions and memory. In the present study we have carried out behavioral evaluation of spatial and working long-term memory of α-synuclein knockout mice. Our data shows that α-synuclein knockout mice have reduced learning ability in tests requiring both working and spatial memory. For the first time we have demonstrated that α-synuclein is necessary for these types of learning. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0166-4328 1872-7549 |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.03.026 |