Journal Article

FZJ-2026-04652

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png In-depth characterization of the CaV2.2-knockout mouse line

Wintz, K.FZJ* ; Schumacher, F. ; Pfeiffer, C. ; Schäfer, M.FZJ* ; Gering, I.FZJ* ; Schemmert, S. ; Willuweit, A.FZJ* ; Kutzsche, J. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2026
Springer Nature [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41598-026-60827-w  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-04652

Abstract: The voltage-gated calcium channel CaV2.2 is predominantly located in neuronal synapses, where it plays a role in pain signaling and neurotransmitter release. Furthermore, CaV2.2 is important during early central nervous system development, as it is subsequently replaced by other calcium channels. A number of mouse lines with disrupted CaV2.2 channels have been developed through the utilization of a gene-targeting vector. The CaV2.2-deficient mice primarily exhibited reduced anxiety-linked behavior and response to pain stimuli. In a previous study, we observed hyperactivity and seizures in CaV2.2-knockout mice. Given the absence of prior descriptions of these characteristics, an in-depth characterization was conducted. This characterization included longitudinal behavioral studies, as well as histological, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses. Irrespective of the frequency with which testing was conducted, a variety of behaviors were observed (e.g., hyperactivity and increased exploratory behavior) in comparison with wild-type mice. The frequency and severity of the performed tests demonstrated a positive correlation with the magnitude of the difference in molecular markers between CaV2.2-knockout and wild-type mice. Seizures were observed but were not common. These results suggest that the CaV2.2-knockout mouse lines are susceptible to repeated stress stimuli during experimental studies. The mice are characterized by hyperactivity, explorative behavior, and sometimes experience seizures.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturbiochemie (IBI-7)

Research Program(s):

1. 5244 - Information Processing in Neuronal Networks (POF4-524) (POF4-524)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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