UCN3-deficient mice displayed altered social approach in the social maze test by normal novel object preference; conversely, optogenetic activation of medial amygdala UCN3 neurons increased preference for novel mice (Shemesh et al., 2016).
Molecular Function
This gene encodes a member of the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature peptide hormone, which is secreted by pancreatic beta and alpha cells. This hormone is an endogenous ligand for corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 and may regulate insulin secretion in response to plasma glucose levels. In the brain, the encoded protein may be responsible for the effects of stress on appetite.
External Links
References
Type
Title
Type of Disorder
Associated Disorders
Author, Year
Primary
Ucn3 and CRF-R2 in the medial amygdala regulate complex social dynamics.
Ucn3 null mice have impaired social behavior and selective inactivation of Ucn3 expressing neurons of the medial amygdala increases social interaction in mice.
References
Type
Title
Author, Year
Primary
Ucn3 and CRF-R2 in the medial amygdala regulate complex social dynamics.
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
Ucn3 gene is knocked out homozygously iin the germline Details are not reported in Shemesh et al, PMID: 27428651.
Allele Type: Targeted(knockout)
Strain of Origin: Genetic Background: C57Bl/6*129
ES Cell Line: Mutant ES Cell Line: Model Source: PMID: 27428651
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
DREADD system was used to inhibit medial amygdalar (MeA)Ucn3 positive neurons subchronically to study the role of Ucn3 positive MeA neurons in social interaction with familiar mice. Ucn3-Cre mice were injected bilaterally in the medial amygdala with the conditional (cre activated) inhibitory DREADD virus (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM4D-mCherry). Following 2 weeks of recovery the mice were tested in a social behavior task for 7d days. The designer drug CNO (clozapine-N-oxide) was administered through drinking water starting the fourth day of testing to the test group (not to the control group).
Allele Type: Strain of Origin: Genetic Background: C57Bl/6*FVB/N*ICR
ES Cell Line: Mutant ES Cell Line: Model Source: PMID: 27428651
Description: Ucn3 null mice have no preference for a novel mouse over a familiar mouse and spend increased time interacting with the familiar mouse compared to wildtype. authors indicate the role of ucn3 in modulating interaction with familiar conspecifics
Exp Paradigm: NA
Description: Chemogenetic inhibition of ucn3 +ve mea neurons increases social interaction (no. of approaches) towards mice in the same hierarchical grop (dominance hierarchy) while maintaining the social hierarchy
Exp Paradigm: NA
