High impact information on Grik4

• The VMAT2-deficient KA1 mice are also more vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in terms of nigral dopamine cell death [1].
• In an attempt to gain knowledge of the possible functions of kainate receptors, we have used in situ hybridization to examine the regional and cellular expression patterns of glutamate receptor subunits GluR5-7, KA1 and KA2 in the adult mouse basal ganglia, known to play a pivotal role in the translation of motivation into actions [2].
• Developmental profile of kainate receptor subunit KA1 revealed by Cre expression in YAC transgenic mice [3].
• During early brain development, expression from the YAC-carried KA1-Cre transgene was observed in all major brain areas, predicting a function for KA1 in the developing central nervous system [3].
• To determine the spatio-temporal expression in brain of the high-affinity kainate receptor subunit KA1, we generated transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase from the KA1 gene on a chromosomally integrated 550 kb yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) [3].

Anatomical context of Grik4

• In the adult brain, KA1-Cre transgene expression was restricted mainly to hippocampal CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells, an adult expression pattern characteristic for the endogenous KA1 alleles [3].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of Grik4

• Activity of the KA1 gene promoter during brain development was visualized by Cre immunohistochemistry, and by X-gal staining of beta-galactosidase induced by Cre recombinase in double transgenic KA1-Cre/lacZ indicator mice [3].

References