Characterization of a Novel Mouse Model of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors

描述(由申请人提供)：我们最近在近交系C58/J小鼠品系中发现了重复的运动行为。这种菌株强健地表现出重复的行为，如跳跃、翻转和编织。C58/J小鼠品系在目前使用的限制性重复行为(RRB)动物模型中是独一无二的，因为这些异常行为在断奶前自发出现，不需要药物侮辱或环境限制，如隔离安置，作为触发因素。此外，C58/J在基因和表型上与C57BL/6J非常相似，这使得这种常用的近交系可以作为适当的对照。这些特性使C58/J小鼠品系成为研究RRB的一个潜在的强大动物模型。为了进一步确定C58/J小鼠品系作为人类RRB模型的特征，我们将使用交叉培养程序来确定母性行为是否有助于RRB的出现。此外，我们还将确定慢性药物干预对成年C58/J小鼠刻板反应的疗效。最后，我们将使用磁共振成像来确定RRB的异常是否与大脑的结构变化有关。目前，还没有经过充分验证的RBB动物模型，RBB是自闭症的核心特征。该项目将对自闭症谱系障碍的研究领域产生积极影响，通过提供关于小鼠异常行为的神经生物学的信息，通过鉴定C58/J近交系是否确实是人类RRB的合适的临床前筛查，以及加强啮齿动物脑结构成像的新兴领域。公共卫生相关性：拟议的研究将评估C58/J近交系小鼠品系作为研究与自闭症相关的限制性、重复行为的新动物模型。这些目的将确定母亲的行为是否有助于新生儿或断奶后重复行为的出现，并评估药物对成年C58/J小鼠重复行为的疗效。最终目标是利用核磁共振技术识别C58/J小鼠大脑的结构差异。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We have recently identified repetitive motor behaviors in the inbred C58/J mouse strain. This strain robustly displays repetitive behaviors such as jumping, flipping and weaving. The C58/J mouse strain is unique among currently used animal models for restrictive, repetitive behaviors (RRB) because these aberrant behaviors emerge spontaneously during the pre-weaning period and do not require pharmacological insult or environmental restriction, such as isolate-housing, as a trigger. In addition, C58/J is genotypically and phenotypically very similar to C57BL/6J, allowing this commonly used inbred strain to serve as an appropriate control. These characteristics make the C58/J mouse strain a potentially powerful animal model in the study of RRB. In order to further characterize the C58/J mouse strain as a model for RRB in humans, we will use a cross-fostering procedure to establish whether maternal behavior contributes to the emergence of RRB. Additionally, we will determine the efficacy of chronic pharmacological intervention on stereotyped responses in adult C58/J mice. Lastly, we will determine whether aberrant RRB is associated with structural changes in brain, using magnetic resonance imaging. At the present time, there are no well- validated animal models of RBB, a core feature of autism. This project will positively impact the field of autism spectrum disorder research by providing information on the neurobiology of aberrant behaviors in mice and by identifying whether the C58/J inbred strain is indeed an appropriate pre-clinical screen for human RRB, as well as strengthening the emerging field of brain structural imaging in rodents. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The proposed studies will evaluate the C58/J inbred mouse strain as a novel animal model for the study of restricted, repetitive behaviors relevant to autism. The aims will determine whether maternal behavior contributes to the emergence of repetitive behaviors during the neonatal or post-weaning period, and evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological agents against repetitive behaviors in adult C58/J mice. The final goal is to identify structural differences in the brains of C58/J mice using MRI technology.