CTRP10 is required for optimal motor function.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• CTRP10 (C1QL2) is a secreted C1q family protein found in the central nervous system, primarily in neurons and oligodendrocytes.
• Altered CTRP10 expression is linked to psychiatric disorders, addiction, and depression.
• CTRP10 marks specific excitatory neurons involved in proprioception and motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of CTRP10 in controlling mouse behaviors.
• To determine if CTRP10 deficiency leads to adverse behavioral impacts.

Main Methods:

• Generated constitutive knockout (KO) mice lacking CTRP10.
• Assessed various behavioral tasks including exploratory behavior, memory tests, sensorimotor gating, grip strength, rotarod, beam walk, and running wheel.
• Performed transcriptomic and functional analyses on the cerebellum and motor cortex.

Main Results:

• CTRP10 KO mice exhibited normal exploratory behaviors, memory, and sensorimotor gating.
• Female KO mice showed impaired motor coordination and fine motor skills, though motor learning remained intact.
• Transcriptomic analysis revealed altered pathways in the cerebellum and motor cortex related to synaptic organization, cell signaling, and mitochondrial respiration.
• Reduced mitochondrial respiration was observed in the motor cortex of KO mice.

Conclusions:

• CTRP10 plays a novel role in the central nervous system.
• Genetic evidence indicates CTRP10 is required for optimal gross and fine motor function.
• Deficits in motor function are likely due to altered synaptic organization and mitochondrial respiration pathways.