Influence of maternal zinc supplementation on the development of autism-associated behavioural and synaptic deficits in offspring Shank3-knockout mice.

ABSTRACT: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterised by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviours. Multiple ASD-associated mutations have been identified in the Shank family of proteins that play a critical role in the structure and plasticity of glutamatergic synapses, leading to impaired synapse function and the presentation of ASD-associated behavioural deficits in mice. Shank proteins are highly regulated by zinc, where zinc binds the Shank SAM domain to drive synaptic protein recruitment and synaptic maturation. Here we have examined the influence of maternal dietary zinc supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the development of ASD-associated behavioural and synaptic changes in the offspring Shank3 knockout (Shank3^-/-) mice. Behavioural and electrop

SUBMITTER: Vyas Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7409418 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature