Novel Object Exploration as a Potential Assay for Higher Order Repetitive Behaviors in Mice.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Genetics

Background:

• Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Higher-order RRBs, including perseverative and sequencing behaviors, are difficult to model in mice.
• Existing mouse models primarily assess lower-order RRBs (motor stereotypies), limiting research into higher-order components and potential interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel object exploration (NOE) assay for modeling higher-order RRBs in mice.
• To assess the face validity of the NOE assay for higher-order RRBs relevant to human ASD.

Main Methods:

• The NOE assay utilizes a standard open-field arena with four novel objects.
• Mice freely explore the arena, and the sequence of object investigation is recorded.
• Analysis identifies patterned exploration sequences and object preferences.

Main Results:

• Inbred mouse strains exhibit distinct exploration patterns in the NOE assay.
• Strains with higher levels of lower-order RRBs also demonstrate increased patterned exploration.
• These findings suggest the NOE assay captures behaviors relevant to higher-order RRBs.

Conclusions:

• The novel object exploration assay demonstrates good face validity for higher-order RRBs in mouse models of ASD.
• This assay may serve as a valuable tool for future research into novel therapeutics for ASD.
• Further studies using the NOE assay could advance understanding and treatment of complex RRBs in autism.