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Rsk2 Knockout Affects Emotional Behavior in the IntelliCage
Matthias Fischer1, Victoria Cabello2, Sandy Popp3
1Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. Fischer_m2@ukw.de.
Behavior Genetics
|June 7, 2017
Summary
Ribosomal s6 kinase 2 (RSK2) deficiency in mice reduces anxiety and depression-like behaviors, impacting reward seeking. RSK2 influences both cognitive and emotional processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ribosomal s6 kinase 2 (RSK2) is a kinase in the ERK signaling pathway.
- Mutations in the RSK2 gene are linked to Coffin-Lowry syndrome, a cause of intellectual disability.
- RSK2 knockout (KO) mice exhibit learning and memory deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emotional behavioral phenotype of RSK2 KO mice.
- To explore the role of RSK2 in anxiety, depression, and reward-seeking behaviors.
- To analyze the impact of RSK2 deficiency on the monoaminergic system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the IntelliCage system for behavioral analysis.
- Conducted conventional behavioral tests.
- Performed High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) for molecular analysis.
Main Results:
- RSK2 KO mice displayed reduced anxiety and an anti-depressive, sucrose reward-seeking phenotype.
- Spontaneous activity was elevated in some tests.
- No deficits were observed in place learning, working memory, or motor impulsivity.
- Alterations in the monoaminergic system were detected.
Conclusions:
- RSK2 plays a significant role in regulating emotional behaviors, including anxiety and reward processing.
- The findings suggest RSK2's involvement extends beyond cognitive functions to emotional and reward-related behaviors.
- RSK2 deficiency impacts the monoaminergic system, contributing to observed behavioral changes.
