title: Behavioral and Neuroanatomical Phenotypes in Mouse Models of Autism.
abstract: In order to understand the consequences of the mutation on behavioral and biological phenotypes relevant to autism, mutations in many of the risk genes for autism spectrum disorder have been experimentally generated in mice. Here, we summarize behavioral outcomes and neuroanatomical abnormalities, with a focus on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of postmortem mouse brains. Results are described from multiple mouse models of autism spectrum disorder and comorbid syndromes, including the 15q11-13, 16p11.2, 22q11.2, Cntnap2, Engrailed2, Fragile X, Integrinβ3, MET, Neurexin1a, Neuroligin3, Reelin, Rett, Shank3, Slc6a4, tuberous sclerosis, and Williams syndrome models, and inbred strains with strong autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes, including BTBR and BALB. Concomitant behavioral and neuroanatomical abnormalities can strengthen the interpretation of results from a mouse model, and may elevate the usefulness of the model system for therapeutic discovery.
authors.affiliation: Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3H7, Canada, jacob@mouseimaging.ca.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ellegood
authors.forename: Jacqueline N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Crawley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D000091042:Reelin Protein; D012307:Risk Factors; D012919:Social Behavior