Oxytocin improves maternal licking behavior deficits in autism-associated Shank3 mutant dogs.

ABSTRACT: Impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior are key features observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SHANK3 is a high-confidence ASD risk gene that encodes an abundant scaffolding protein in the postsynaptic density. In wild-type (WT) domestic dogs, maternal behaviors such as licking and nursing (largely milk feeding) of puppies are most commonly observed. To address whether SHANK3 plays a role in social behaviors especially maternal behaviors, we analyzed Shank3 mutant dogs generated by CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. We found that Shank3 mutant dams exhibited a fewer and shorter licking behavior, as well as reduced nursing frequency when compared with WT dams. Additionally, a significant decrease in blood oxytocin (OXT) concentration was detected in Shank3 mutant da

SUBMITTER: Lyu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11885833 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature