TheSyn2 gene is a member of the synapsin family of neuronal phophsoproteins, which are associated with neurotransmitter release and synaptogenesis. Synapsin proteins are associated with autism. Synapsin II localizes to presynaptic terminals. The synapsin II knockout allele has a PGK-neo cassette replacing exon 1 of the Syn2 gene. Homozygous mice exhibit decreased brain weight, impaired lamellipodia formation, abnormal neurite formation, aberrant actin filament distribution, delayed axon differentiation, altered cytoskeletal formation, and to a lesser extent than the synapsin I KO, delayed synapse formation. Beginning at two months of age, mice experience spontaneous seizures. Homozygous mice are viable and fertile with no reported reproductive deficiency.

Homozygous synapsin II knockout mice exhibit seizures and retarded axon formation. These mice may be useful in studying the role of synapsin II in neurodevelopment.

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