Investigating Cadm2 genetic variation in attention and motivation

CADM2 is a synaptic adhesion molecule associated with cognition and impulsivity. It is primarily expressed in the brain, especially in regions involved in executive function, addiction, motivation, and impulsivity control. Previous genetic studies have associated the CADM2 gene with different attentional and impulsivity traits. Continuous Performance Tests (CPT) are used to assess deficits in attentional function and impulse control in humans. This test has been used to study these deficits in different neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD. In the current study, we conducted the rodent version of CPT (rCPT) using touchscreen chambers. Our cohort of wildtype, heterozygous and knock-out Cadm2 mice were run on rCPT and a Progressive Ratio task to investigate how the impulsive and motivation related behaviours of these animals may differ. We discovered that Cadm2 genetic variation resulted in differences in these traits, with knock-out animals showing different outcomes compared to the wildtype and heterozygous mice.