Syn1, the most abundant member of the synapsin family of neuronal phophoproteins, is associated with neurotransmitter release and synaptogenesis. Synapsin I localizes to presynaptic terminals. Synapsin proteins are associated with autism. The synapsin I knockout allele has a PGK-neo cassette replacing exon 1 of the Syn1 gene. Homozygous mice exhibit a delay in the outgrowth of presynaptic neurites, axonal elongation and synapse formation in hippocampal neurons. Beginning at two months of age, mice experience spontaneous seizures. Homozygous mice are viable and fertile with no reported reproductive deficiency.

Homozygous synapsin I knockout mice exhibit seizures, delayed axonal outgrowth and delayed synapse formation. These mice may be useful in studying the role of synapsin I in neurodevelopment.

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