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Impaired sociability and cognitive function in Nrcam-null mice.
Sheryl S Moy1, Randal J Nonneman, Nancy B Young
1Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center, CB#7146, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. ssmoy@med.unc.edu
Behavioural Brain Research
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Neuronal Cell Adhesion Molecule (NRCAM) impacts social behavior and learning. Nrcam-null mice show deficits in sociability and reversal learning, suggesting NRCAM
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neuronal Cell Adhesion Molecule (NRCAM) is crucial for neural development and circuitry organization.
- Human genetic studies link NRCAM to autism susceptibility.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive rigidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of NRCAM in social behavior, learning, and sensorimotor gating using Nrcam-null mice.
- To model autism-related behavioral phenotypes, including social deficits and cognitive rigidity.
- To assess sex-dependent effects of Nrcam deficiency on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of Nrcam-null mice and wild-type controls in behavioral assays.
- Assays included sociability (three-chambered choice task), social novelty preference, and reversal learning.
- Control measures included anxiety tests (elevated plus maze, open field), motor coordination, and olfactory tests.
Main Results:
- Nrcam-null mice exhibited sex-dependent behavioral alterations.
- Male Nrcam-null mice showed significantly decreased sociability, without changes in anxiety or motor coordination.
- Both male and female Nrcam-null mice displayed reversal learning deficits; female mice also showed impaired spatial learning acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Loss of NRCAM function leads to behavioral changes relevant to autism spectrum disorder symptoms.
- NRCAM plays a role in mediating sociability, spatial learning, and cognitive flexibility.
- These findings highlight NRCAM as a significant genetic factor in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
