Targeted disruption of the mouse npal3 gene leads to deficits in behavior, increased ige levels, and impaired lung function

P. Grzmil*, J. Konietzko, D. Boehm, S. M. Hoelter, A. Aguilar, A. Javaheri, S. Kalaydjiev, T. Adler, I. Bolle, I. Adham, C. Dixkens, S. Wolf, H. Fuchs, V. Gailus-Durne, W. Wurst, M. Ollert, D. Busch, H. Schulz, M. Hrabe De Angelis, P. Burfeind

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (NIPA) proteins are highly conserved receptors or transporters. Translocation of NIPA genes were found in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, and loss-of-function of the NIPA1 gene was identified in hereditary spastic paraplegia. The family of NIPA-like domain containing (NPAL) proteins is closely related to the NIPA proteins, but to date nothing is known about their function. Here, we could demonstrate that both human NPAL3 and mouse Npal3 are ubiquitously expressed and encode highly conserved proteins. To further elucidate the function of the Npal3 gene, knockout (Npal3 -/-) mice were generated. Intensive phenotypic analyses revealed that disruption of the Npal3 gene results in a pleiotropic phenotype. The function of the nervous system was impaired in both mutant males and females which could be demonstrated in behavioral tests. In addition, in Npal3 mutants the number of NK cells was decreased and changes in IgM, IgG 2, and IgA were observed, indicating that the immune system is also affected. Interestingly, increased IgE levels as well as impaired lung functions were observed in mutant males but not in mutant females. It should be noted that the human NPAL3 gene is located at 1p36.12→p35.1, and atopic diseases were previously linked to this genomic region. Thus, the Npal3 -/- mice could serve as a valuable model system for studying atopic diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)186-200
Number of pages15
JournalCytogenetic and Genome Research
Volume125
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atopic disease
  • Behavior
  • Immune system
  • Npal3 knockout mice
  • Phenotypic analyses

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Targeted disruption of the mouse npal3 gene leads to deficits in behavior, increased ige levels, and impaired lung function'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this