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Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
Animal models of autism spectrum disorders: information for neurotoxicologists
Alycia K Halladay1, David Amaral, Michael Aschner
1Autism Speaks, 2 Park Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, United States. ahalladay@autismspeaks.org
Abstract:
Recent findings derived from large-scale datasets and biobanks link multiple genes to autism spectrum disorders. Consequently, novel rodent mutants with deletions, truncations and in some cases, overexpression of these candidate genes have been developed and studied both behaviorally and biologically. At the Annual Neurotoxicology Meeting in Rochester, NY in October of 2008, a symposium of clinicians and basic scientists gathered to present the behavioral features of autism, as well as strategies to model those behavioral features in mice and primates. The aim of the symposium was to provide researchers with up-to-date information on both the genetics of autism and how they are used in differing in vivo and in vitro animal models as well as to provide a background on the environmental exposures being tested on several animal models. In addition, researchers utilizing complementary approaches, presented on cell culture, in vitro or more basic models, which target neurobiological mechanisms, including Drosophila. Following the presentation, a panel convened to explore the opportunities and challenges of using model systems to investigate genetic and environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders. The following paper represents a summary of each presentation, as well as the discussion that followed at the end of the symposium.
Insights
Researchers are developing animal models to study autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genetics and environmental factors. These models, including rodents and primates, help investigate neurobiological mechanisms and potential interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Large-scale datasets and biobanks have identified numerous genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- Novel animal models, including rodent mutants, are being created to study these candidate genes.
- Understanding the genetic and environmental factors in ASD is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize findings on the behavioral features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- To present strategies for modeling ASD behavioral features in mice and primates.
- To discuss the use of in vivo, in vitro, and Drosophila models for investigating ASD genetics and environmental exposures.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings linking genes to autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- Behavioral and biological studies of novel rodent mutants with genetic alterations.
- Presentations and discussions from a symposium of clinicians and basic scientists on ASD modeling.
Main Results:
- Multiple genes have been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through large-scale genetic studies.
- Various animal models, including rodents, primates, and Drosophila, are being utilized to study ASD.
- Research is exploring both genetic and environmental factors contributing to ASD.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are essential tools for investigating the complex genetic and environmental interactions in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- Complementary approaches, including cell culture and in vitro models, target key neurobiological mechanisms.
- Further research using diverse model systems is needed to understand and potentially treat ASD.
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