Animal Models List
- Autism Model in Mice Linked with Genetics- In this study, scientists genetically bred a group of mice that have the mouse equivalent of Autism. Since they already knew the mice's genetic makeup, they were able to find which genes were associated with Autistic behaviors. They are now using those mice to test for potential drugs to treat Autism.
- Citation: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) ScienceDaily. (15 April 2013). "Autism model in mice linked with genetics." Retrieved from: <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415182354.htm>.
- How a Single Gene Mutation Causes Autism- In this study, researchers from UNC School of Medicine read a report about a boy who had the UBE3A gene activated in him which resulted in Autism. When they copied this mutation into a mouse model, it's nuerons formed dendritic spines, which are associated with Autism. They then found out that mutations associated with Angelman Syndrome were located in the same chromosome region as the mutations in the UBE3A gene. This discovery could have implications for diagnosing people with this rare disorder.
- Citation: University of North Carolina Health Care System. ScienceDaily. (6 August 2015). "How a single genetic mutation causes autism." Retrieved from: <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150806121956.htm>.
Zebrafish Model for Autism (ASD)- Madiha S.
On May 27th, 2015, a group of researchers in the University of Miami used an animal model with zebrafish to find out how gene mutations play a role in Autism Spectrum Disorder. This group specifically focused on the genes SYNGAP 1 and SHANK 3, because these genes are linked to ASD. Their study was titled, "Two knockdown models of the autism genes SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 produce similar behavioral phenotypes associated with embryonic disruptions of brain morphogenesis." The group of researchers chose to do this model on zebrafish because the embryos are transparent, so it is easier to observe brain development. The model consisted of three groups, one where the SYNGAP1 gene was reduced, one where the SHANK3 gene was reduced, and one control group. In the control group, the fishes swam normally. However, in the groups where the genes were reduced, the fish swam strangely and slowly. They also showed many changes in their brain structure, and delayed brain development that was very similar to Autism in humans. Currently the group of scientist are trying to identify the environmental risk factors and testing potential treatments.
Citation:
Citation:
- University of Miami, ScienceDaily. (27 May, 2015). "Zebrafish model gives new insight on autism spectrum disorder."Retrieved from: <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150527113002.htm>.
Mouse Model for Autism - Phylicia B.
Recently, genome-wide association studies have identified many mutations or variations associated with ASD risk on many chromosome loci and genes. Identification of the biological roles of these mutations or variations is necessary to identify the mechanisms underlying ASD pathogenesis and to develop clinical treatments. At present, mice harboring genetic modifications of ASD-associated gene candidates are the best animal models to analyze hereditary factors involved in autism. In this report, the biological significance of ASD-associated genes is discussed by examining the phenotypes of mouse models with ASD-associated mutations or variations in mouse homologs, with a focus on mice harboring genetic modifications
Citation:
Citation:
- PubMed. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23159942
Rat Models for Autism - Bridget K.
Autism Speaks is working with SAGE Labs to create new rat models to investigate causes and treatments of ASD. This rat model has many advantages over the more commonly used mouse model, including: rats have a more social nature than mice; rats are better at performing cognition test; rats have larger brains than mice, making it easier for scientists to see differences. “Having another model species could accelerate our understanding of how genes associated with autism affect brain development and provide additional tools for identifying promising new drugs,” says Richard Paylor, Ph.D., professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor College of Medicine.
Citation:
Citation:
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-speaks-advances-animal-models
Citations for Page:
- University of Miami, ScienceDaily. (27 May 2015)."Zebrafish model gives new insight on autism spectrum disorder Retrieved from:<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150527113002.htm>.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) ScienceDaily (15 April 2013). "Autism model in mice linked with genetics." Retrieved from: <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130415182354.htm>
- University of North Carolina Health Care System. ScienceDaily. (6 August 2015). "How a single genetic mutation causes autism." Retrieved from: <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150806121956.htm>.
- PubMed. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2315994