Shank3 mutant mice display autistic-like behaviours and striatal dysfunction

João Peça, Cátia Feliciano, Jonathan T. Ting, Wenting Wang, Michael F. Wells, Talaignair N. Venkatraman, Christopher D. Lascola, Zhanyan Fu and Guoping Feng ()
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João Peça: Duke University Medical Center
Cátia Feliciano: Duke University Medical Center
Jonathan T. Ting: Duke University Medical Center
Wenting Wang: Duke University Medical Center
Michael F. Wells: Duke University Medical Center
Talaignair N. Venkatraman: and Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center
Christopher D. Lascola: Duke University Medical Center
Zhanyan Fu: Duke University Medical Center
Guoping Feng: Duke University Medical Center

Nature, 2011, vol. 472, issue 7344, 437-442

Abstract: Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a range of disorders that share a core of neurobehavioural deficits characterized by widespread abnormalities in social interactions, deficits in communication as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. The neurological basis and circuitry mechanisms underlying these abnormal behaviours are poorly understood. SHANK3 is a postsynaptic protein, whose disruption at the genetic level is thought to be responsible for the development of 22q13 deletion syndrome (Phelan–McDermid syndrome) and other non-syndromic ASDs. Here we show that mice with Shank3 gene deletions exhibit self-injurious repetitive grooming and deficits in social interaction. Cellular, electrophysiological and biochemical analyses uncovered defects at striatal synapses and cortico-striatal circuits in Shank3 mutant mice. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for SHANK3 in the normal development of neuronal connectivity and establish causality between a disruption in the Shank3 gene and the genesis of autistic-like behaviours in mice.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/nature09965

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