Targeted disruption of Huntingtin-associated protein-1 (Hap1) results in postnatal death due to depressed feeding behavior

Chan, Edmond Y W and Nasir, Jamal and Gutekunst, Claire-Anne and Coleman, Sarah and Maclean, Alan and Maas, Alex and Metzler, Martina and Gertsenstein, Marina and Ross, Christopher A and Nagy, Andràs and Hayden, Michael R (2002) Targeted disruption of Huntingtin-associated protein-1 (Hap1) results in postnatal death due to depressed feeding behavior. Human Molecular Genetics, 11 (8). pp. 945-959. ISSN 0964-6906 (https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/11.8.945)

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Abstract

HAP-1 is a huntingtin-associated protein that is enriched in the brain. To gain insight into the normal physiological role of HAP-1, mice were generated with homozygous disruption at the Hap1 locus. Loss of HAP-1 expression did not alter the gross brain expression levels of its interacting partners, huntingtin and p150glued. Newborn Hap1(-/-) animals are observed at the expected Mendelian frequency suggesting a non-essential role of HAP-1 during embryogenesis. Postnatally, Hap1(-/-) pups show decreased feeding behavior that ultimately leads to malnutrition, dehydration and premature death. Seventy percent of Hap1(-/-) pups fail to survive past the second postnatal day (P2) and 100% of Hap1(-/-) pups fail to survive past P9. From P2 until death, Hap1(-/-) pups show markedly decreased amounts of ingested milk. Hap1(-/-) pups that survive to P8 show signs of starvation including greatly decreased serum leptin levels, decreased brain weight and atrophy of the brain cortical mantel. HAP-1 is particularly enriched in the hypothalamus, which is well documented to regulate feeding behavior. Our results demonstrate that HAP-1 plays an essential role in regulating postnatal feeding.

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