Mice With Mohawks Help Scientists Study Autism

Mr. T should be proud. Mice sporting the actor and wrestler's distinct hairdo are helping scientists investigate the genetic secrets of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a new study reports.

According to the study, published in the journal Nature, hair tufts styled in a Mohawk-like fashion on the heads of some lab mice indicated that over-grooming was occurring. Mice tend to groom one another, keeping their coats clean but generally unfashionable. However, over-grooming among mice can result in some unusual looks, and the receptive nature of overgrowing is a strong indicator of a mental condition.

Tracing this behavior in mice, New York University (NYU) researchers believe they have successfully linked autistic motor behavior to very specific and genetically determined biological pathways for the first time in history, the university medical center reports.

Researchers discovered that genetically "knocking out" production of a protein called Cntnap4 - a protein found in unusually low levels in the over-grooming mice - affected two highly specialized neurotransmitters in the brain: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine.

GABA helps control brain impulses and regulate motor action, while dopamine is a hormonal stimulant that produces pleasing sensations. In animals without the protein, GBA signaling is suppressed, while dopamine over stimulates the brain.

The NYU team exposed young mice with healthy Cntnap4 proteins to adult mice both with and without the protein. Those who lacked the protein groomed the young mice until they sported Mohawk-like hairdos, while the genetically healthy mice did not.

Study author Dr. Gordon Fishell said in a NYU press release that these results help better identify the genetic route of autistic behavior.

"There have been many candidate genes implicated in contributing to autism, but animal and human studies to identify their action have so far not led to any therapies," he said. "Our research suggests that reversing the disease's effects in signaling pathways like GABA and dopamine are potential treatment options."

The study was published in Nature on May 25.