Although Nrg1(+/-) mice have been used as a model for schizophrenia, the decrease in social activity observed in these mice in Ehrlichman et al., 2009 mimic the social deficits observed in autistic patients.
Molecular Function
The protein encoded by this gene is a membrane glycoprotein that that mediates cell-cell signaling and plays a critical role in the growth and development of multiple organ systems. Dysregulation of this gene has been linked to diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BPD).
External Links
References
Type
Title
Type of Disorder
Associated Disorders
Author, Year
Primary
Neuregulin 1 transgenic mice display reduced mismatch negativity, contextual fear conditioning and social interactions.
Mice had impairments in a subset of behavioral and electrophysiological tasks relevant to the negative/cognitive symptom domains of schizophrenia that are thought to be influenced by glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.
References
Type
Title
Author, Year
Primary
Neuregulin 1 transgenic mice display reduced mismatch negativity, contextual fear conditioning and social interactions.
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Heterozygous
Mutation:
Exon 6 of Nrg1 gene is fused to beta-galactosidase which results in deletion of EGF like domains of all 3 major types of Nrg1.
Allele Type: Targeted (Knock Out)
Strain of Origin: Not specified
Genetic Background: C57BL/6/129
ES Cell Line: Not specified
Mutant ES Cell Line: Not Specified
Model Source: Not Specified
Event related potential (erp) in electroencephalography (eeg)1
Decreased
Description: Decreased mismatch negativity in response to novel stimuli as demonstrated by a positive difference wave from 50-100 ms
Exp Paradigm: Erp recording of novelty task
Description: Decreased acoustic startle response after treatment with amphetamine
Exp Paradigm: Measurement of startle response in response to acoustic stimuli delivered by a white noise generator after treatment with amphetamines
Description: Decreased pre-pulse inhibition to acoustic stimuli after treatment with amphetamine
Exp Paradigm: Measurement of inhibition of startle response after presentation of a non-startling pre-pulse after amphetamine treatment
Description: Decreased social interaction demonstrated by lower levels of approach toward stimulus mice and direct sniffing
Exp Paradigm: Social approach test in three chambered apparatus
Cued or contextual fear conditioning: memory of context1
Decreased
Description: Decreased contextual fear conditioning indicated by reduction in freezing
Exp Paradigm: Contextual fear conditioning test using footshocks
