Analysis of self-other recognition in mice model for autism

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24700380
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurochemistry/Neuropharmacology
• Research Institution: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (2013-2014); Hiroshima University (2012)
• Principal Investigator: TAMADA Kota 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 脳科学総合研究センター, 研究員 (10550957)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉症 / 自他認識 / モデルマウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by less social interaction / communication or repetitive behaviors. Despite recent intensive researches, its molecular mechanism remains largely unclear. Recently, our research group succeeded to generate mice model (patDp/+) for ASD that have duplicated chromosome 7B to C region, corresponding to human chromosome 15q11-13 which is one of the responsible locus for ASD. In this study, we addressed the self-other recognition mechanism by using this model and tried to find causative molecule in the brain. Compared to WT mice, patDp/+ mice showed altered brain activity stimulated by the odor of other mice or self. PatDp/+ mice had decreased levels of a specific amino acid in the brain both in adult and postnatal developmental period. These results suggest that the imbalance of amino acids in brain might be a critical role in the social abnormalities found in ASD.

Free Research Field

神経科学