Studies from University of Texas in the area of autism described
2007 NOV 12 -- "Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impairments in social behaviors that are sometimes coupled to specialized cognitive abilities. A small percentage of ASD patients carry mutations in genes encoding neuroligins, which are postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules," scientists in the United States report. "We introduced one of these mutations into mice: the Arg(451)- > Cys(451) (R451C) substitution in neuroligin-3. R451C mutant mice showed impaired social interactions but enhanced spatial learning abilities. Unexpectedly, these behavioral changes were accompanied by an increase in inhibitory synaptic transmission with no apparent effect on excitatory synapses. Deletion of neuroligin-3, in contrast, did not cause such changes, indicating that the R451C substitution represents a gain-of-function mutation," wrote K. Tabuchi and colleagues, University of Texas. The researchers concluded: "These data suggest that increased inhibitory synaptic transmission may contribute to human ASDs and that the R451C knockin mice may be a useful model for studying autism-related behaviors." Tabuchi and colleagues published their study in Science (Neuroligin-3 mutation implicated in autism increases inhibitory synaptic transmission in mice. Science, 2007;318(5847):71-76). For additional information, contact T.C. Sudhof, University of Texas, SW Med Center, Dept. of Neuroscience, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. The publisher's contact information for the journal Science is: American Association Advancement Science, 1200 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA. Keywords: United States, Dallas, Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Neurology, University of Texas. This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
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