Plxna2-flox Mouse

Plxna2, encoding Plexin A2, is a transmembrane protein belonging to the plexin-A family of semaphorin co-receptors. It plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes such as neuronal axon guidance, immune response, angiogenesis, and organ development [1,3,5]. It is involved in neural pathways and may regulate microglia polarization [1,3].

In genetic studies, Plxna2 -/- mice display defective associative learning, sociability, and sensorimotor gating, suggesting its role in neuropsychiatric disorders [2,4]. In an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient, rare recessive single-nucleotide variants in Plxna2 were identified, along with abnormal subcellular delocalization of PlxnA2 protein, indicating its potential as a candidate gene in ASD [1]. In ischemic stroke rat models, Plxna2 knockdown promoted M2 microglia polarization through mTOR/STAT3 signaling, accelerating functional recovery [3].

In conclusion, Plxna2 is essential for neural development and immune-related processes. Gene knockout mouse models have revealed its significance in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as ASD, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia, as well as in ischemic stroke, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these disease areas [1,2,3,4,6].