Loss of CAMK2G affects intrinsic and motor behavior but has minimal impact on cognitive behavior

Introduction: The gamma subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CAMK2G) is expressed throughout the brain and is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Research on the role of CAMK2G is limited and attributes different functions to specific cell types.

Methods: To further expand on the role of CAMK2G in brain functioning, we performed extensive phenotypic characterization of a Camk2g knockout mouse.

Results: We found different CAMK2G isoforms that show a distinct spatial expression pattern in the brain. Additionally, based on our behavioral characterization, we conclude that CAMK2G plays a minor role in hippocampus-dependent learning and synaptic plasticity. Rather, we show that CAMK2G is required for motor function and that the loss of CAMK2G results in impaired nest-building and marble burying behavior, which are innate behaviors that are associated with impaired neurodevelopment.

Discussion: Taken together, our results provide evidence for a unique function of this specific CAMK2 isozyme in the brain and further support the role of CAMK2G in neurodevelopment.