Impairment of sensorimotor gating in mice deficient in the cell adhesion molecule L1 or its close homologue, CHL1
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Published on: May 12, 2015
Andrey Irintchev1, Michael Koch, Leila K Needham
1Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universität Hamburg, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Mutations in the gene encoding the cell adhesion molecule L1 or its close homologue, CHL1 (close homologue of L1), cause brain dysfunction in both humans and mice. Here we report that prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is impaired in mice deficient in either L1 or CHL1. This newly identified feature may provide a basis for using these mice as models for sensorimotor gating impairment found in some neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Insights
Deficiency in cell adhesion molecules L1 or CHL1 impairs sensorimotor gating. Mice lacking L1 or CHL1 show deficits in prepulse inhibition, offering models for neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mutations in L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and its homologue CHL1 are linked to human and murine brain dysfunction.
- Cell adhesion molecules play critical roles in neural development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of L1 and CHL1 in sensorimotor gating.
- To evaluate the utility of L1- and CHL1-deficient mice as models for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Main Methods:
- Assessing prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response in mice genetically deficient in L1 or CHL1.
- Comparing PPI performance between knockout mice and wild-type controls.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking either L1 or CHL1 exhibited significantly impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response.
- This impairment suggests a deficit in sensorimotor gating in these mutant mice.
Conclusions:
- L1 and CHL1 are crucial for normal sensorimotor gating.
- L1- and CHL1-deficient mice represent valuable models for studying sensorimotor gating deficits relevant to neuropsychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
