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Comprehensive Behavioral Phenotyping of a 16p11.2 Del Mouse Model for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

ABSTRACT: The microdeletion of copy number variant 16p11.2 is one of the most common genetic mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Here, we describe our comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of the 16p11.2 deletion line developed by Alea Mills on a C57BL/6J and 129S1/SvImJ F1 background (Del^m ). Male and female Del^m mice were tested in developmental milestones as preweanlings (PND2-PND12), and were tested in open field activity, elevated zero maze, rotarod, novel object recognition, fear conditioning, social approach, and other measures during post-weaning (PND21), adolescence (PND42), and adulthood (>PND70). Developmentally, Del^m mice show distinct weight reduction that persists into adulthood. Del^m males also have reduced grasp reflexes and limb strength during development, but no other reflexive deficits whereas Del^m females show limb strength deficits and decreased sensitivity to heat. In a modified version of a rotarod task that measures balance and coordinated motor activity, Del^m males, but not females, show improved performance at high speeds. Del^m males and females also show age-specific reductions in anxiety-like behavior compared with WTs, but neither sex show deficits in a social preference task. When assessing learning and memory, Del^m males and females show age-specific impairments in a novel object or spatial object recognition, but no deficits in contextual fear memory. This work extends the understanding of the behavioral phenotypes seen with 16p11.2 deletion by emphasizing age and sex-specific deficits; important variables to consider when studying mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that causes repetitive behavior and impairments in social interaction and communication. Here, we assess the effects of one of the most common genetic alterations in ASDs, a deletion of one copy of 29 genes, using a mouse model. These animals show differences in behavior between males and females and across ages compared with control animals, including changes in development, cognition, and motor coordination. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1670-1684. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

SUBMITTER: Lynch JF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7990053 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent form of mental retardation caused by genetic abnormalities in humans. This has been successfully modeled in mice to generate the Ts65Dn mouse, a genetic model of DS. This transgenic mouse model shares a number of physical and functional abnormalities with people with DS, including changes in the structure and function of neuronal circuits. Significant abnormalities in noradrenergic (NE-ergic) afferents from the locus coeruleus to the hippocampus, as well as deficits in NE-ergic neurotransmission are detected in these animals. In the current study we characterized in detail the behavioral phenotype of Ts65Dn mice, in addition to using pharmacological tools for identification of target receptors mediating the learning and memory deficits observed in this model of DS. We undertook a comprehensive approach to mouse phenotyping using a battery of standard and novel tests encompassing: (i) locomotion (Activity Chamber, PhenoTyper, and CatWalk), (ii) learning and memory (spontaneous alternation, delayed matching-to-place water maze, fear conditioning, and Intellicage), and (iii) social behavior. Ts65Dn mice showed increased locomotor activity in novel and home cage environments. There were significant and reproducible deficits in learning and memory tests including spontaneous alternation, delayed matching-to-place water maze, Intellicage place avoidance and contextual fear conditioning. Although Ts65Dn mice showed no deficit in sociability in the 3-chamber test, a marked impairment in social memory was detected. Xamoterol, a ?1-adrenergic receptor (?1-ADR) agonist, effectively restored the memory deficit in contextual fear conditioning, spontaneous alternation and novel object recognition. These behavioral improvements were reversed by betaxolol, a selective ?1-ADR antagonist. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that this mouse model of Down syndrome displays cognitive deficits which are mediated by an imbalance in the noradrenergic system. In this experimental model of Down syndrome a selective activation of ?1-ADR does restore some of these behavioral deficits. Further mechanistic studies will be needed to investigate the failure of noradrenergic system and the role of ?1-ADR in cognitive deficit and pathogenesis of DS in people. Restoring NE neurotransmission or a selective activation of ?1)-ADR needs to be further investigated for the development of any potential therapeutic strategy for symptomatic relief of memory deficit in DS. Furthermore, due to the significant involvement of noradrenergic system in the cardiovascular function further safety and translational studies will be needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of this approach.

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Comprehensive Behavioral Phenotyping of a 16p11.2 Del Mouse Model for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

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