Rescue of cerebellar granule cells from death in weaver NR1 double mutants

The weaver mutation results in the extensive death of midline cerebellar gr anule cells. The mutation consists of a single base pair substitution of th e gene encoding the G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium chann el protein, GIRK2. The functional consequences of this mutation are still i n dispute. In this study we demonstrate the in vivo and in vitro rescue of weaver granule cells when NR1 NMDA subunits are eliminated in weaver NR1 do uble mutants. This rescue of weaver granule cells provides evidence that wv GIRK2 alone is not sufficient to cause granule cell death.