A team of Chinese and American scientists used it genetic modification technology to create the first known model of autism spectrum disorder in dogs to increase knowledge of this condition.

The researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 tool to modify the SHANK3 gene, whose mutations have been repeatedly found in people with autism, resulting in a line of beagle dogs that showed common behaviors in these types of disorders, such as anxiety and social anxiety. reports the South China Morning Post.

The Chinese members of the team, from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology company, recalled that until now studies to understand the molecular and neurological mechanisms of this condition had only used rodents and monkeys.

However, they specified that none of these species are ideal for this type of research: mice’s brains and behavior are too different from those of humans, while monkeys’ long reproductive cycles and low birth rate make it difficult and expensive. use in these studies.

The study, recently published in the journal Nature’s Molecular Psychiatry, argues that dogs may provide a more suitable research model given the complexity of their social interactions with humans and their shorter reproductive cycle.

Professor at the Beijing Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Zhang Yongqing told the paper that dogs’ interactions with humans are very similar to those between humans.

Although science has managed to better understand the genes associated with the autism spectrum, much progress still needs to be made in treating it, according to the expert.

Therefore, the study authors hope that dog models will be used to develop new drugs and social adjustment therapies to treat autism.

Social behavioral disorders

In the study, the scientists conducted behavioral tests, including an artificial intelligence analysis of the position and movement of the dogs’ tails – a fundamental marker of this species’ mood – and the observation of their interactions with other dogs and with people.

The dogs subjected to the genetic mutation “showed marked impairments in their social behavior, including withdrawal and fewer interactions with people,” the release said.

The study also found that when the dogs were more socially isolated and their tails were retracted or stiff and without exercise, levels of cortisol – a hormone linked to stress – in their blood were very high.

The researchers conclude from this study that They could develop more dog models in which other genes linked to autistic disorder are modifiedalthough, according to Professor Zhang, attempts to genetically edit those other genes have so far failed. (JO)