Tent2, also known as PAPD4/GLD2, is a terminal nucleotidyltransferase involved in the post-transcriptional mechanism of RNA tailing, adding non-templated nucleotides to the 3' ends of RNA molecules. This process is crucial for regulating RNA stability and function, and Tent2 is associated with pathways related to miRNA processing and synaptic transmission [1,2]. Genetic models, such as knockout mice, are valuable for studying its functions.

A Tent2 knockout mouse model revealed increased excitability in hippocampal neurons, decreased anxiety, and improved fear extinction in these mice. At the molecular level, changes in miRNAs monoadenylation were observed in the Tent2 KO mouse hippocampus, while the mRNAs total poly(A) tail length was unaffected. Transcripts related to synaptic transmission were downregulated in the hippocampus of Tent2 knockout mice, explaining the behavioral and electrophysiological alterations. This indicates that Tent2-dependent miRNA tailing is linked to the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission [2].

In conclusion, Tent2 plays an essential role in miRNA tailing, which is crucial for maintaining the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the hippocampus. The Tent2 KO mouse model has contributed to understanding its role in neurological-related disease areas, such as anxiety-related behaviors and synaptic transmission-associated disorders.