Fig. 1: GLUD2 mutation aggravates the movement disorder in MPTP-treated mice.

a The GLUD2 gene sequences across humans and other primates are shown. Blue coloring highlights the high homology of the T1492 site. b The experimental design of this study is shown. AAV-GLUD2, AAV-GLUD2 T1492G, or AAV-GFP was stereotaxically injected into the SNpc, and 3 weeks later, mice were intraperitoneally administered saline or MPTP for 5 weeks. One day after the last MPTP/saline injection, behavioral tests were performed, after which time the mice were sacrificed. (c, d) The expression of AAV-GLUD2 and AAV-GLUD2 T1492G in the SNpc was verified by immunostaining with GFP and GFAP antibodies. e, f Total distances traveled and numbers of entries to the center zone in the open-field are shown for AAV-GFP, MPTP + AAV-GFP, MPTP + AAV-GLUD2, and MPTP + AAV-GLUD2 T1492G groups. g The grip strength test was used to examine the limb grip strength of mice. h The rotarod test was used to examine the motor coordination of mice. i The pole-climbing test was used to examine the bradykinesia of mice. j The grasping test was used to further examine the grip strength of mice. n = 10, 9, 12, and 9 for AAV-GFP, MPTP + AAV-GFP, MPTP + AAV-GLUD2, and MPTP + AAV-GLUD2 T1492G groups, respectively. Results are expressed as the mean ± SEM. ^**p < 0.01, ^*p < 0.05 vs. AAV-GFP group. ^##p < 0.01, ^#p < 0.05 vs. MPTP + AAV-GFP group. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVAs and Tukey tests for post-hoc comparisons.