Haploinsufficiency of Dyrk1A in mice leads to specific alterations in the development and regulation of motor activity

DYRK1A is a protein kinase proposed to be involved in neurogenesis. Gene-targeting disruption of Dyrk1A in mice leads to decreased body and brain size, with no severe disturbance of behavior. In this study, the authors focused on the motor profile of Dyrk1A(+/-) mice. These mice presented impairment of neuromotor development with decreased activity, suggesting a physiological role of Dyrk1A in the maturation of the neuromotor system. In the adult, a marked hypoactivity and alteration of specific motor parameters were detected. These results are in agreement with the significant expression of Dyrk1A in structures related to motor function and support a role of Dyrk1A in the control of motor function.