Modelling a pathological GSX2 variant that selectively alters DNA binding reveals hypomorphic mouse brain defects.

ABSTRACT: Gsx2 is a homeodomain transcription factor critical for development of the ventral telencephalon and hindbrain in mouse. Loss of Gsx2 function results in severe basal ganglia dysgenesis and defects in the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS) of the hindbrain, together with respiratory failure at birth. De Mori et al. (2019) reported two patients with severe dystonia and basal ganglia dysgenesis that encode distinct recessive GSX2 variants, including a missense variant within the homeodomain (GSX2Q251R). Hence, we modelled the homologous Gsx2 mutation (i.e. Gsx2Q252R) in mouse, and our biochemical analysis revealed that this variant selectively altered DNA binding. Moreover, mice carrying the Gsx2Q252R allele exhibited basal ganglia dysgenesis, albeit to a lesser extent than did Gsx2 null mice.

SUBMITTER: Tweedie L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11876842 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature