Pitx3 deficiency promotes age-dependent alterations in striatal medium spiny neurons.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The classical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) are tightly linked to the gradual loss of dopamine within the striatum. Concomitantly, medium spiny neurons (MSNs) also experience morphological changes, such as reduced dendritic complexity and spine density, which may be potentially associated with motor dysfunction as well. Thus, MSNs may serve as the emerging targets for PD therapy besides the midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Results

To comprehensively examine pathological alterations of MSNs longitudinally, we established a TH ^Cre/ Pitx3 ^fl/fl (Pitx3^cKO ) mouse model that developed canonical PD features, including a significant loss of SNc DAergic neurons and motor deficits. During

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9490232 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature