title: The BTBR T+ tf/J mouse model for autism spectrum disorders-in search of biomarkers.
abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) form a common group of neurodevelopmental disorders appearing to be under polygenic control, but also strongly influenced by multiple environmental factors. The brain mechanisms responsible for ASD are not understood and animal models paralleling related emotional and cognitive impairments may prove helpful in unraveling them. BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) mice display behaviors consistent with the three diagnostic categories for ASD. They show impaired social interaction and communication as well as increased repetitive behaviors. This review covers much of the data available to date on BTBR behavior, neuroanatomy and physiology in search for candidate biomarkers, which could both serve as diagnostic tools and help to design effective treatments for the behavioral symptoms of ASD.
authors.affiliation: Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, 1993 East-west Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
authors.forename: Ksenia Z
authors.initials: KZ
authors.lastname: Meyza
authors.forename: Erwin B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Defensor
authors.forename: Ashley L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Corley
authors.forename: Brandon L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Roger L H
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Pobbe
authors.forename: Valerie J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Bolivar
authors.forename: D Caroline
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Blanchard
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Blanchard
mesh_terms: D000819:Animal Communication; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010641:Phenotype; D012919:Social Behavior
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers