The molecular and behavioral characterization of cav1.3 over-expressing mice

<p>Age-related cognitive decline refers to the memory impairment and difficulty learning new tasks that occurs during the normal process of aging. There are many possible changes that occur at the neuronal level that could account for age-related cognitive decline. One hypothesis suggests that a dysregulation of neuronal intracellular calcium concentration contributes to age-related cognitive deficits. Previous research suggests that an increase in neuronal L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs) occurs in the brain during aging. This increase could account for altered intracellular calcium concentration and lead to agerelated cognitive decline. A line of transgenic mice that over-express the LVGCC Ca_V1.3 in the forebrain was developed in order to investigate the relative contribution of this change to age-related cognitive decline. These animals were also characterized on both on a molecular and behavioral level. Molecular characterization revealed approximately 20% overexpression of Ca_V1.3 in the forebrain of transgenic animals, while neurobehavioral experiments indicate these mice have unimpaired motor function and exploratory behaviors. Based upon these results, this new line of mice will be an excellent model for studies of agerelated cognitive decline.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Slater, Jamie Nicole

Contributors dc:contributor

• Robert Winning, PhD, Chair
• Geoffrey G. Murphy, PhD, Project Supervisor
• Daniel Clemans, PhD

• aging
• mice behavior
• cognitive decline
• age-related behavior
• Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/389

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1757