Sex-biased effect of sodium leak channel NALCN deletion in striatal Drd2 spiny projection neurons

Abstract

The sodium leak channel NALCN is an important modulator of neuronal excitability, yet its specific role in striatal medium-sized spiny neurons remains largely unexplored. In this study, considering that Nalcn transcripts are enriched in the dorsal and ventral striatum of Drd2-SPNs, we investigated the functional impact of NALCN deletion in Drd2-expressing SPNs in both male and female mice. Electrophysiological recordings revealed significant sex differences, with male SPNs exhibiting altered membrane properties and increased excitability, while females showed more subtle changes. Interestingly, eticlopride-induced intracellular signaling was selectively enhanced in female SPNs lacking NALCN. Behaviorally, male mice exhibited reduced motivation in food-seeking tasks and impaired discrimination of threat cues. Our findings uncover an important, sex-specific role for NALCN in regulating striatal function and behavior and underscore its significance in maintaining normal striatal function.