Behavioral deficits and progressive neuropathology in progranulin-deficient mice: a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia

FASEB J. 2010 Dec;24(12):4639-47. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-161471. Epub 2010 Jul 28.

Abstract

Progranulin haploinsufficiency causes frontotemporal dementia with tau-negative, ubiquitin-positive neuronal inclusion pathology. In this study, we showed that progranulin-deficient mice displayed increased depression- and disinhibition-like behavior, as well as deficits in social recognition from a relatively young age. These mice did not have any deficit in locomotion or exploration. Eighteen-month-old progranulin-deficient mice demonstrated impaired spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze. In addition to behavioral deficits, progranulin-deficient mice showed a progressive development of neuropathology from 12 mo of age, including enhanced activation of microglia and astrocytes and ubiquitination and cytoplasmic accumulation of phosphorylated TDP-43. Thus, progranulin deficiency induced FTD-like behavioral and neuropathological deficits. These mice may serve as an important tool for deciphering underlying mechanisms in frontotemporal dementia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / genetics
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / metabolism*
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / pathology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / physiopathology*
  • Granulins
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / deficiency*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • Mice
  • Progranulins

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Granulins
  • Grn protein, mouse
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Progranulins