Behavioral Phenotypes and Neurobiological Mechanisms in the Shank1 Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Translational Perspective.

Behavioral Phenotypes and Neurobiological Mechanisms in the Shank1 Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Translational Perspective.
Behav Brain Res. 2017 Sep 26;:
Authors: Sungur AÖ, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by early-onset deficits in social behavior and communication across multiple contexts, together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is among the most heritable neuropsychiatric conditions with heritability estimates higher than 80%, and while available evidence points to a complex set of genetic factors, the SHANK (also known as ProSAP) gene family has emerged as one of the most promising candidates. Several genetic Shank mouse models for ASD were generated, including Shank1 knockout mice. Behavioral studies focusing on the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD included assays for detecting ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes in the following domains: (I) social behavior, (II) communication, and (III) repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. In addition, assays for detecting behavioral phenotypes with relevance to comorbidities in ASD were performed, including but not limited to (IV) cognitive functioning. Here, we summarize and discuss behavioral and neuronal findings obtained in the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD. We identify open research questions by compar...

Source: Behavioural Brain Research - September 26, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Sungur AÖ, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M Tags: Behav Brain Res Source Type: research