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Kif15 deficiency contributes to depression-like behavior in mice
Junpei Wang1, Qifeng Tu1, Siming Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
Metabolic Brain Disease
|May 31, 2023
Summary
Kinesin-12 (Kif15) deficiency in female mice led to depressive behaviors, decreased BDNF, and altered brain protein expression, suggesting Kif15 as a potential target for depression research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric disorders are globally prevalent.
- Kinesins, molecular motors, are crucial for intracellular transport and linked to neurological diseases.
- Kinesin-12 (Kif15) influences microtubule transport, but its role in mood regulation was unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Kif15 deficiency on mood and related molecular mechanisms in mice.
- To explore Kif15's role in neuronal transport and its potential link to neuropsychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Generated Kif15 knockout (Kif15-/-) mice using CRISPR/Cas9.
- Conducted behavioral tests to assess mood-related phenotypes.
- Analyzed gene and protein expression (BDNF, Interleukins, AnkG, PSD95) in brain tissues and cultured neurons.
Main Results:
- Kif15-/- female mice displayed significant depressive characteristics.
- Decreased Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and altered Interleukin-6/1β expression were observed in Kif15-/- brains.
- Changes in Ankyrin-G (AnkG) expression and impaired postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) distribution in neurites were noted.
Conclusions:
- Kif15 deficiency induces depression-like behaviors in female mice.
- Kif15 plays a role in regulating BDNF, inflammatory cytokines, and neuronal structural proteins, potentially via microtubule transport.
- Kif15 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for depression and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
