Characterization of the Engrailed mutant mice as experimental models for Parkinson's disease

Engrailed genes are homeodomain-containing transcription factors necessary for the development and maintenance of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Deletion in the Engrailed genes has been shown to affect the survival of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons both during development and in the adult. Here we describe for the first time a significant reduction in striatal dopamine levels in En1+/-;En2+/- mice compared with their En2+/- littermates, accompanied by a modest reduction in the number of nigral DA neurons. Our results strengthen previous evidence indicating Engrailed genes as survival factors for mature dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, our data suggest a role for these transcription factors in the maintenance of synaptic dopaminergic neurotransmission in adult neurons.