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Lawson Master Thesis 2024 Final.pdf (1.1 MB)

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Sex-specific effects of autism associated behaviors after the selective deletion of Tsc1 from cerebellar Purkinje neurons

Lawson, Ryan J.
http://orcid.org/0009-0005-3056-3976
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1715704935213761

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science, Miami University, Biology.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is strongly linked to cerebellar anomalies. Recent studies have shown that decreases in cerebellar Purkinje cell firing rates and functional connectivity in the cerebella of mice contribute to behaviors associated with ASD. These behaviors include impairments in social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and motor coordination. The heterogeneity of behavioral phenotypes in individuals with ASD is not well understood, and findings from research investigating sex-specific differences in ASD are inconclusive and/or conflicting across studies. Transgenic animal models with targeted deletion of genes linked to ASD provide an opportunity to test for sex-specific differences in ASD phenotypes. Loss-of-function mutations in the tuberous sclerosis gene Tsc1 have been linked to the development of ASD-like behavioral phenotypes. Using well-established behavioral assays, we tested mice with targeted deletion of Tsc1, selectively in cerebellar Purkinje neurons, to determine if there are sex-specific differences in ASD-associated behaviors. We determined deletion of Tsc1 from Purkinje neurons resulted in less severe deficits in social approach preference in females, compared to males; although, no difference between sexes was found in motor coordination or repetitive self-grooming. These results indicate that targeted deletion of Tsc1 from cerebellar Purkinje neurons results in behavioral deficits that are distinct across sexes.
Joseph Ransdell (Advisor)
Kathleen Killian (Committee Member)
Anna Radke (Committee Member)
Joyce Fernandes (Committee Member)
Dawn Blitz (Committee Member)
44 p.
Biology
Tuberous sclerosis, Purkinje neurons, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sex-specific differences

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lawson, R. J. (2024). Sex-specific effects of autism associated behaviors after the selective deletion of Tsc1 from cerebellar Purkinje neurons [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1715704935213761

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lawson, Ryan. Sex-specific effects of autism associated behaviors after the selective deletion of Tsc1 from cerebellar Purkinje neurons. 2024. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1715704935213761.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lawson, Ryan. "Sex-specific effects of autism associated behaviors after the selective deletion of Tsc1 from cerebellar Purkinje neurons." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1715704935213761

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2024, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.