The dyslexia-associated gene DCDC2 is required for spike-timing precision in mouse neocortex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Variants in dyslexia-associated genes, including DCDC2, have been linked to altered neocortical activation, suggesting that dyslexia associated genes might play as yet unspecified roles in neuronal physiology.

Methods

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to compare the electrophysiological properties of regular spiking pyramidal neurons of neocortex in Dcdc2 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice. Ribonucleic acid sequencing and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were performed to identify and characterize changes in gene expression in Dcdc2 KOs.

Results

Neurons in KOs showed increased excitability and decreased temporal precision in action potential firing. The RNA sequencing screen revealed that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subu

SUBMITTER: Che A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4025976 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature