Comprehensive Analysis of Two Shank3 and the Cacna1c Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder

To expand, analyze and extend published behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we present a study of three ASD genetic mouse models: Fengs Shank3tm2Gfng model, hereafter Shank3/F, Jiangs Shank3tm1Yhj model, hereafter Shank3/J, and the Cacna1c deletion model. The Shank3/F and Shank3/J models mimick gene mutations associated with Phelan-Mcdermid syndrome and the Cacna1c model recapitulates the deletion underlying Timothy syndrome. The current study utilizes both standard and novel, computer-vision based behavioral tests, the same methdology used in our previously published companion report on the Cntnap2 null and 16p11.2 deletion models. Overall, some but not all beh