Genetic and Pharmacological Reversibility of Phenotypes in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol. 2017:224:189-211. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_10.

Abstract

As autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is largely regarded as a neurodevelopmental condition, long-time consensus was that its hallmark features are irreversible. However, several studies from recent years using defined mouse models of ASD have provided clear evidence that in mice neurobiological and behavioural alterations can be ameliorated or even reversed by genetic restoration or pharmacological treatment either before or after symptom onset. Here, we review findings on genetic and pharmacological reversibility of phenotypes in mouse models of ASD. Our review should give a comprehensive overview on both aspects and encourage future studies to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms that might be translatable from animals to humans.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / genetics*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / pathology
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Phenotype