Biometrics

TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (ISSN 1537-744X)

Article Details

tag at del.icio.us Bookmark this Article Post a Comment Email a friend print document Home  
 
 
  Title: Fmr1 KO Mice as a Possible Model of Autistic Features  
  Authors:   Bernardet, Maude ; Crusio, Wim E.  
  Journal:   TheScientificWorldJOURNAL  
  Year:   2006  
  Volume:   6  
  Page Range:   1164-1176  
  Article Type:   Mini-Review Article  
  Handling Editor:   Michael Posner  
  Domains:    Neuroscience ,  Higher Level Brain Function ,  Psychiatry ,  Genes & Genomics  
  DOI:   10.1100/tsw.2006.220  
? Article clouds not enabled. Press the image to enable for this session.
  Synopsis:   There is currently no good animal model for autism, although such a model could potentially be very important in uncovering the biological bases of this disorder. Because many patients suffering from the Fragile X Syndrome are also autistic, we reviewed autistic features in a KO mouse model of this disorder. We conclude that this mouse shows much promise as a possible valid model for autism.  
  Keywords:   animal model, autism, autistic-like traits, behavior, Fmr1 KO mice  
     
 
      [Full Text PDF] [Related TSW Articles] [Export to EndNote] [Open Choice]  
     

 
      Abstract  
      Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder appearing before the age of 3, where communication and social interactions are impaired. It also entails stereotypic behavior or restricted interests. Although this disorder was first described in 1943, little is still known about its etiology and that of related developmental disorders. Work with human patients has provided many data on neuropathological and cognitive symptoms, but our understanding of the functional defects at the cellular level and how they come about remains sketchy. To improve this situation, autism research is in need of valid animal models. However, despite a strong hereditary component, attempts to identify genes have generally failed, suggesting that many different genes are involved. As a high proportion of patients suffering from the Fragile X Syndrome show many autistic symptoms, a mouse model of this disorder could potentially also serve as a model for autism. The Fmr1 KO mouse is a valid model of the Fragile X Syndrome and many data on behavioral and sensory-motor characteristics of this model have been gathered. We present here an assessment of autistic features in this candidate model. We conclude that Fmr1 KO mice display several autistic-like features, but more work is needed to validate this model.  
     
Related articles in:
 
     

 
     
Comments Received             Post Your Comment Post a Comment
 
      sort comments by: [date posted]   [author name]     
     

joan balayan

Posted 5th October 2006

 

This article gives information about the causes of autism. Reading the abstract seems interesting.


 
     
Post your comments about this paper
No need to register
All comment submissions are monitored. The editor reserves the right to amend or delete any comment. Please ensure your have provided your correct email address: You will receive an email with a link enabling you to edit your comment. Do not use this blog to order this article.
 
Your Full Name:
Your Contact Email:

Please ensure you have provided your correct email address

Comments:
  This Is CAPTCHA Image
For security reasons please enter
the numbers you see in the figure above:
   
 
         
     
tag at del.icio.us Bookmark this Article Post a Comment Email a friend print document Home