Zfp462 Deficiency Causes Anxiety-Like Behaviors With Excessive Self-Grooming in Mice

The study found that Zfp462 deficiency in mice caused developmental abnormalities and anxiety-like behaviors, such as excessive self-grooming and hair loss, due to reduced expression of Pbx1 and Hoxb8 proteins in the brain. Zfp462+/− mice, which survived prenatal death unlike Zfp462−/− mice, showed increased anxiety-like behaviors, spending more time in closed spaces and grooming excessively. Treatment with the anti-anxiety drug imipramine reduced these behaviors, indicating a potential therapeutic approach. The study, involving 16-18 mice, highlighted Zfp462's role in anxiety regulation and provided a genetic model for studying anxiety disorders and testing anti-anxiety medications.