We aimed to investigate whether DISC1 differentially modulates brain function during executive and memory processing, and morphology in regions relevant for depression and anxiety disorders (affective disorders).
NRG1×DISC1 mutant mice were generated and adult mice from each genotype were assessed for pain sensitivity (hot plate and tail flick tests), anxiety (light-dark box), and stress-induced hypothermia.
Expression of mutant DISC1 in astrocytes decreased neural progenitor proliferation and dendrite growth of newborn neurons, and produced elevated anxiety, attenuated social behaviors, and impaired hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.