Assessing the Behavioral Effects of Conditional SERCA2 Deletion in central GABAergic Neurons

Assessing the Behavioral Effects of Conditional SERCA2 Deletion in central GABAergic Neurons

Presenter(s)

Hayden Nathaniel Ott

Comments

Presentation: 2:20-2:40, Kennedy Union 207

Description

The regulation of calcium (Ca2+), a critical ionic messenger, has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes including gene transcription, muscle contraction, and neurotransmitter release. The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), an intracellular regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis that functions by sequestering Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is a particular molecule of interest. Previous research has implicated dysfunction of SERCA regulation as a contributor to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we sought to further understand the role of SERCA2 in behavior through the creation of a novel transgenic mouse line that is characterized by conditional deletion of SERCA2 in the brain’s γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic inhibitory neurons. Male and female mice of this line then underwent a behavioral battery assessing motor function, anxiety and depressive-like behaviors. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of SERCA's role in behavior and the mechanisms contributing to complex neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Publication Date

4-17-2024

Project Designation

Honors Thesis

Primary Advisor

Pothitos Pitychoutis

Primary Advisor's Department

Biology

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship; Practical Wisdom; Vocation

Assessing the Behavioral Effects of Conditional SERCA2 Deletion in central GABAergic Neurons

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