Deficiency in FTSJ1 Affects Neuronal Plasticity in the Hippocampal Formation of Mice

Abstract

The role of the tRNA methyltransferase FTSJ1 in the brain is largely unknown. We analyzed whether FTSJ1-deficient mice (KO) displayed altered neuronal plasticity. We explored open field behavior (10 KO mice (aged 22–25 weeks)) and 11 age-matched control littermates (WT) and examined mean layer thickness (7 KO; 6 WT) and dendritic spines (5 KO; 5 WT) in the hippocampal area CA1 and the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, long-term potentiation (LTP) within area CA1 was investigated (5 KO; 5 WT), and mass spectrometry (MS) using CA1 tissue (2 each) was performed. Compared to controls, KO mice showed a significant reduction in the mean thickness of apical CA1 layers. Dendritic spine densities were also altered in KO mice. Stable LTP could be induced in the CA1 area of KO mice and remained stable at for at least 1 h, although at a lower level as compared to WTs, while MS data indicated differential abundance of several proteins, which play a role in neuronal plasticity. FTSJ1 has an impact on neuronal plasticity in the murine hippocampal area CA1 at the morphological and physiological levels, which, in conjunction with comparable changes in other cortical areas, might accumulate in disturbed learning and memory functions.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Intrinsic FTSJ1 Favors Tumor Progression and Attenuates CD8+ T Cell Infiltration

“…FTSJ1 is a member of the methyltransferase superfamily and is involved in ribosomal RNA processing and modification. FTSJ1 plays an important role in brain development and mutation of FTSJ1 is related to intellectual disability [12][13][14][15]. The role of FTSJ1 in cancer is elusive.…”

“…Research has revealed the generation of diverse transcription variants through alternative splicing. Conditions linked to this gene are connected to cognitive impairment [12][13][14][15]. The impact of mutations or abnormalities in FTSJ1 on the efficiency of codon-specific translation and the plasticity of brain neurons has been confirmed through genetically modified mouse models [13,15].…”