Nrg3-flox Mouse

Nrg3, short for Neuregulin 3, is a ligand of ERBB4, belonging to the Neuregulin gene family. These genes encode EGF-containing ligands that bind to ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases, forming a crucial signalling network in multiple biological processes. NRG3 is involved in neuronal function, mammary gland development, and is associated with various diseases [1,3].

In schizophrenia patients, while the NRG3 rs10748842 allele and genotype show no difference between patients and controls, the C allele carriers have lower attention and total scores related to cognitive deficit, suggesting its role in cognitive deficits, especially attention performance in chronic schizophrenia [1]. In canine glioma, miR-190a negatively regulates the NRG3/ERBB4 signalling cascade, which contributes to cell growth, indicating it as a potential therapeutic target [2]. In Alzheimer's disease, multiple SNPs in NRG3 are associated with the risk and age at onset of the disease [4]. In nicotine withdrawal, NRG3-ERBB4 signalling in the ventral hippocampus contributes to anxiety-related behaviors [5]. In Rambouillet rams, SNPs in NRG3 are associated with angular limb deformity, potentially involved in osteochondrosis pathogenesis [6]. In muscle heterotopic ossification, denervation-induced NRG3 aggravates the condition via the ErbB4/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway [7].

In conclusion, NRG3 plays essential roles in multiple biological processes and is associated with various diseases including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and canine glioma. Through studies on gene polymorphisms and signalling pathways, NRG3 has been shown to impact cognitive function, tumour growth, and disease onset. These findings contribute to understanding the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and may provide potential therapeutic targets.