Targeted Inactivation of the Gene Encoding Gamma-Synuclein Affects Anxiety Levels and Investigative Activity in Mice

Gamma (γ) synuclein is a member of the family of synucleins, which are cytoplasmic, predominantly, neuronal, proteins found only in vertebrates. Significant quantities of γ-synuclein are found in the axons and presynaptic terminals of neurons located in brain areas responsible for forming emotions and memory. However, the involvement of γ-synucleins in controlling neuronal and synaptic processes underlying various types of behavior in humans and animals have not yet been studied. We provide the first demonstration that the absence of γ-synuclein increases orientational-investigative activity in a novel context and decreases the level of situational anxiety in animals.