A Transgenic Mouse Model to Selectively Identify α₃ Na,K-ATPase Expressing Cells in the Nervous System

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The α3 Na+,K+-ATPase (α3NKA) is crucial for neuronal function, and its deficiency is linked to movement disorders.
• Limited knowledge of α3NKA brain expression and difficulty identifying expressing cells hinder research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tool for visualizing and studying α3NKA-expressing cells in the brain.
• To facilitate electrophysiological studies of α3NKA-dependent neuronal function.

Main Methods:

• Generated transgenic mice using the mouse α3 subunit gene (Atp1a3) promoter to drive ZsGreen1 fluorescent protein expression.
• Examined ZsGreen1 fluorescence distribution in brain sections.
• Performed patch-clamp recordings on ZsGreen1-positive neurons in fresh brain slices.

Main Results:

• ZsGreen1 fluorescence was detected in the brain, particularly in neuronal cell bodies in the brainstem, cerebellum, and thalamus, but not in the liver, astrocytes, or white matter.
• Fluorescence intensity varied across brain regions, being weaker in cortical areas.
• ZsGreen1-positive neurons in unfixed brain sections were suitable for patch-clamp electrophysiology.

Conclusions:

• The α3NKA-ZsGreen1 transgenic mouse is an effective model for studying α3NKA distribution in the brain.
• This model provides a valuable resource for investigating the role of α3NKA in neuronal function and associated movement disorders.