A Neuroligin-3 Mutation Results in Abnormal Behaviour in Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder Liang Chen
Repetitive, obsessive, and restricted behaviours are usually seen in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with impaired social interaction. ASD is one of the common neurodevelopmental disorders that has been studied in many mouse models. The development of various regions of the brain is different in imaging tests of autistic individuals. Mutations in genes such as SHANK3, Neuroligin (NLGN), and Neurexin (NRXN) have been discovered and contribute to the cause of ASD. However, genetic mutations are not the only cause of ASD but also environmental factors, too. Individuals with autism experience a range of symptoms; therefore, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of ASD and it still remains unknown. A study conducted by Burrows et al. (2017) examines how the Neuroligin-3 R451C mutation (NL3R451C ) in mouse model of ASD changes behaviours in social interaction and mating. The R451C mutation in Neuroligin-3 was originally found in a Swedish pair of siblings with ASD and Burrows et al. specifically investigated the mutation and wild type (WT) in male mice. Mice were pseudorandomly assigned to either social housing or isolation housing. The researchers identified that NL3R451C mice from both housings had increased interest in mating and were more aggressive toward female mice, especially NL3R451C mice from social housing. Thus, NL3R451C mice provide useful insights concerning atypical behaviour in ASD.
23
