Neuroserpin knockout mice lack an endogenous protease inhibitor that impacts synaptic function and behaviour via multiple substrates including proBDNF. This project characterizes the molecular, synaptic and behavioural consequences of neuroserpin deficiency and relates this to molecular changes in the brain of subjects with autism.
Impact
Our work describes the synaptic function and behaviour of these mice in detail and supports their use as a model of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Student Experience
My PhD student (graduated) had primary responsibility for the human tissue aspect of this project and is a co-author on one published paper resulting from this work. Several undergraduate students worked on the molecular analysis of mouse tissues as their thesis projects. My technician is continuing with new analyses.
Countries
Germany, Spain
Impact
Research
Institutional Partner(s)
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
Community Partner(s)
Industry Partner(s)
Key Outcomes
Publications
Sponsorship
Provincial Foreign
Sponsorship Details
Ontario Mental Health Foundation, DFG, Pro-Exzellenzia program, Werner-Otto-Foundation
