Trim46 knockout impaired neuronal architecture and caused hypoactive behavior in rats

Background

Tripartite motif (TRIM46) is a relatively novel protein that belongs to tripartite motif family. TRIM46 organizes parallel microtubule arrays on the axons, which are important for neuronal polarity and axonal function. TRIM46 is highly expressed in the brain, but its biological function in adults has not yet been determined.

Results

Trim46 knockout (KO) rat line was established using CRISPR/cas9. Trim46 KO rats had smaller hippocampus sizes, fewer neuronal dendritic arbors and dendritic spines, and shorter and more distant axon initial segment. Furthermore, the protein interaction between endogenous TRIM46 and FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) in brain tissues was determined; Trim46 KO increased hippocampal FKBP5 protein levels and decreased hippocampal protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha1 (GABRA1) and glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 1 (NMDAR1) protein levels. Trim46 KO rats exhibited hypoactive behavioral changes such as reduced spontaneous activity, social interaction, sucrose preference, impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI), and short-term reference memory.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the significant impact of Trim46 KO on brain structure and behavioral function. This study revealed a novel potential association of TRIM46 with dendritic development and neuropsychiatric behavior, providing new insights into the role of TRIM46 in the brain.