Fig. 5

Adult Arid1b^+/− have diminished physical size, strength and motor ability. a Adult Arid1b^+/− weigh less compared to Arid1b^+/+ adults and throughout behavioral testing. b In a forelimb grip strength assay, Arid1b^+/− showed decreased maximum forelimb force exerted, indicating reduced muscle strength. c, d Despite their smaller size, Arid1b^+/− showed normal stride length (c) and stride frequency (d) in fore and hind paws using DigiGait automated gait analysis, indicating normal ambulation and motor coordination of the limbs. e–h In open field exploration assay, horizontal, vertical and total activity were recorded for a 30-min period. Data are shown over time in 5-min bins. Arid1b^+/− were hypoactive with reduced horizontal activity (e), vertical activity (f) and total activity (g). h When summed over the 30-min session, Arid1b^+/− had less total activity compared to Arid1b^+/+, indicating a robust motor deficit. For a and b, Arid1b^+/+ N = 28, Arid1b^+/− N = 25, for c and d Arid1b^+/+ N = 21, Arid1b^+/− N = 19, for e–h Arid1b^+/+ N = 28, Arid1b^+/− N = 26. *p < .05 versus Arid1b^+/+ by repeated measures two-way ANOVA or student’s unpaired t test. ^†p < .09 versus Arid1b^+/+ by repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Error bars represent mean ± SEM