Behavioral phenotypes and neuronal biomarkers in F1 mutant macaque model of SHANK3-associated autism spectrum disorders.

Heterozygous SHANK3+/- macaques exhibit autism-like behaviors, altered brain connectivity, and impaired learning, highlighting key biomarkers for Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

• Why it matters: Understanding the full spectrum of behavioral and neural changes in SHANK3-related autism is crucial for developing targeted therapies, as previous studies were limited by small sample sizes and mosaicism.
• What they did: Researchers generated a larger F1 cohort of SHANK3+/- macaques and conducted comprehensive behavioral, physiological, and cognitive assessments, including EEG and multi-task evaluations, to identify autism-related phenotypes.
• The result: Findings reveal diverse behavioral and neural biomarkers, such as sleep disturbances, social deficits, and learning impairments, providing valuable tools for testing potential treatments for PMS and autism.