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To die or not to die, does it change the function? Behavior of transgenic mice reveals a role for developmental cell

Laure Rondi-Reig1, Jean Mariani

  • 1Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, Lab. Développement et Vieillissement du Sysème Nerveux (DVSN), Université P&M Curie, Paris, France. laure.rondi-reig@college-de-france.fr

Brain Research Bulletin
|February 6, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Altering programmed cell death in mice by overexpressing the bcl-2 gene resulted in extra neurons and impaired learning and anxiety behaviors. This offers insights into developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Perturbations in developmental neuronal death, leading to excess neurons, are linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Programmed cell death is crucial for normal brain development.
  • Understanding this process is key to addressing developmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of developmental programmed cell death using a novel transgenic mouse model.
  • To determine the behavioral consequences of reduced neuronal death during development.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of Hu-bcl-2 transgenic mice overexpressing the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene.
  • Detailed behavioral analysis of Hu-bcl-2 mice, assessing vision, motor skills, anxiety, and learning.
  • Neuroanatomical examination to identify regions with supernumerary neurons.

Main Results:

  • Hu-bcl-2 mice exhibited a decrease in developmental neuronal death, resulting in supernumerary neurons in specific brain regions.
  • Behavioral testing revealed normal vision, general activity, and motor skills in these mice.
  • Significant deficits were observed in complex behaviors, specifically anxiety and learning abilities.

Conclusions:

  • Overexpression of bcl-2 reduces developmental neuronal death, leading to excess neurons and specific behavioral impairments.
  • Hu-bcl-2 mice serve as a valuable model for studying the link between neuronal development and neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • These findings highlight the critical role of programmed cell death in shaping complex cognitive functions.

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