Fig. 7: Kdm3a deficient mice display learning and memory deficits and impaired repair function following brain injury.

A–C The Morris water maze was utilized to assess learning and memory functions in WT and KO mice. A Escape latency analysis indicates that WT mice demonstrate significantly better learning performance than KO mice at both 2 and 6 months of age during invisible platform learning trials. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (indicated as * for p < 0.05 and ** for p < 0.01) (n = 12–13). B Typical escape routes (swimming paths) of WT and KO mice on days 2 and 5 of the invisible platform learning trials are shown. Quantification of swimming distance reveals significant differences between WT and KO mice on day 5. Statistical significance was assessed using Student’s t test (indicated as ** for p < 0.01) (n = 12–13). C The time spent in the target quadrant after platform removal demonstrates impaired memory retention in KO mice compared to WT mice. Statistical significance was determined by Student’s t test (indicated as * for p < 0.05 and ** for p < 0.01) (n = 6–7). D The novel object recognition test indicates a significant decrease in the discrimination ratio in KO mice. Statistical significance was assessed using Student’s t test (indicated as ** for p < 0.01) (n = 6–7). E Escape latency analysis shows that Ctrl^cre mice perform significantly better in learning than cKO mice at both 3 and 6 months of age during invisible platform learning trials. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (indicated as * for p < 0.05 and ** for p < 0.01) (n = 6). F The time spent in the target quadrant after platform removal reveals impaired memory retention in cKO mice compared to Ctrl^cre mice. Statistical significance was assessed using Student’s t test (indicated as ** for p < 0.01) (n = 6). G Immunofluorescent images show a slight reduction in SOX2⁺/BrdU⁺ and TBR2⁺/BrdU⁺ cells in cKO mice compared to Ctrl^cre mice at 3 months before CCI, with no significant difference^. CCI significantly increases the number of SOX2⁺/BrdU⁺ and TBR2⁺/BrdU⁺ cells in Ctrl^cre mice, but not in cKO mice. Quantification data are represented as mean ± SEM (n = 3). Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (indicated as * for p < 0.05 and ** for p < 0.01).