Tetratricopeptide repeat domain ۹A knockout induces social anxiety and impairs offense behaviors in female mice

Objective(s): The involvement of tetratricopeptide repeat domain ۹A (TTC۹A) in anxiety-like behaviors through estrogen action has been reported in female mice, this study further investigated its effects on social anxiety and aggressive behaviors.Materials and sMethods: Using female Ttc۹a knockout (Ttc۹a-/-) mice, the role of TTC۹A in anxiety was investigated in non-social and social environments through home-cage emergence and social interaction tests, respectively, whereas aggressive behaviors were examined under the female intruder test. Results: We observed significant social behavioral deficits with pronounced social and non-social anxiogenic phenotypes in female Ttc۹a-/- mice. When tested for aggressive-like behaviors, we found a reduction in offense in Ttc۹a-/- animals, suggesting that TTC۹A deficiency impairs the offense responses in female mice. Conclusion: Future study investigating mechanisms underlying the social anxiety-like behavioral changes in Ttc۹a-/- mice may promote the understanding of social and anxiety disorders. 

Keywords:

Aggression , Anxiety , Behavioral tests , Social behavior , Tetratricopeptide repeat domain ۹A (TTC۹A)