Analyses of the function of Prrt3, an orphan family C metabotropic recptor

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Prrt3 is an orphan family C metabotropic receptor with a large N-terminus extracellular domain and 7 transmembrane regions. To approach the function of Prrt3, we made a gene knock-out (KO) mice. As the survival rate of KO homo was very low, we performed behavioral test battery analyses using KO hetero mice. KO hetero mice abnormality in the long term retention of spatial memory and fear- conditioning memory. We also analyzed the expression pattern of Prrt3 protein in the brain by specific antibodies, and observed specific staining in thalamus, cerebellar cortex, hippocampus and substantia nigra. By comparing the protein and mRNA expression patterns in the hippocampus, it was shown Prrt3 protein is localized not in neuronal cell bodies but in neurites. We also observed by western blotting using specific antibodies that truncated form of Prrt3 lacking the N-terminus extracellular region exist.