Vrk1 partial Knockdown in Mice Results in Reduced Brain Weight and Mild Motor Dysfunction, and Indicates Neuronal VRK1 Target Pathways

Mutations in Vaccinia-related kinase 1 (VRK1) have emerged as a cause of severe neuronal phenotypes in human, including brain developmental defects and degeneration of spinal motor neurons, leading to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) or early onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Vrk1 gene-trap partial Knockout (KO) mice (Vrk1^GT3/GT3), which express decreased levels of Vrk1, are sterile due to impaired gamete production. Here, we examined whether this mouse model also presents neuronal phenotypes. We found a 20–50% reduction in Vrk1 expression in neuronal tissues of the Vrk1^GT3/GT3 mice, leading to mild neuronal phenotypes including significant but small reduction in brain mass and motor (rotarod) impairment. Analysis of gene expression in the Vrk1^GT3/GT3 cortex predicts novel roles for VRK1 in neuronal pathways including neurotrophin signaling, axon guidance and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS. Together, our studies of the partial KO Vrk1 mice reveal that even moderately reduced levels of Vrk1 expression result in minor neurological impairment and indicate new neuronal pathways likely involving VRK1.