Learning and Locomotor Behavior in Shank3B and L7-Tsc1 Mouse Models of Autism

Abstract

Autism is a prevalent and highly heterogeneous condition that affects functioning in multiple domains of life. Animal models of autism are useful in studying behaviors resulting from direct manipulation of genes associated with autism in humans. The present study investigated cognitive and locomotor behaviors in the L7-Tsc1 mutant and Shank3B knockout autism mouse models. These two genotypes and a cohort of wild-type mice were included in an array of behavioral experiments, including an open field test, dyadic social interaction, and an evidence accumulation task. Behavioral clusters were extracted from the locomotor data and analyzed in conjunction with evidence accumulation task learning trajectory and behavioral learning state occupancy. Results showed preliminary trends of learning trajectory differences and behavioral cluster occupancy between autism and wild-type groups. These results highlight the importance of advancing the understanding of the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum.