Overexpression of Ndr2 disturbs hippocampal circuitry and function

The Ndr (nuclear Dbf2-related) family members are highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases, which function in many cellular processes extending from cytokinesis to neurite outgrowth. In humans, the NDR2 gene is located in a microduplication hotspot on chromosome 12p that is associated with intellectual disabilities in several individuals. To address a putative contribution of Ndr2 overexpression to such cognitive dysfunctions we generated conditional transgenic mice overexpressing Ndr2 in postmigratory forebrain neurons. Proteomic analysis identifies several interaction partners of transgenic Ndr2 relevant to MF maturation. including the leucin-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2).