Deciphering the Role of in the Cerebellum.

Recent studies have demonstrated a new role for , a Krüppel-like transcription factor, in skeletal muscle, specifically relating to mitochondrial function. Thus, it was of interest to analyze additional tissues that are highly reliant on optimal mitochondrial function such as the cerebellum and to decipher the role of in the functional and structural properties of this brain region. (magnetic resonance imaging and localized spectroscopy, behavior analysis) and (histology, spectroscopy analysis, enzymatic activity) techniques were applied to comprehensively assess the cerebellum of wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. Histology analysis and assessment of locomotion revealed no significant difference in KO mice. Diffusion and texture results obtained using MRI revealed structural changes in KO mice characterized as defects in the organization of axons. These modifications may be explained by differences in the levels of specific metabolites (-inositol, lactate) within the KO cerebellum. Loss of expression also led to changes in mitochondrial activity as reflected by a significant increase in the activity of citrate synthase, complexes I and IV. In summary, this study has provided evidence that plays an important role in energy production and mitochondrial function in the cerebellum.