Effects of Early-Life Tactile Experience Enrichment on Autistic-Like Behaviors and Synaptic Alterations in Shank3 Mutant Mice
Brief intro:
- Author: Mingyue Liu, Guaiguai Ma, Yangming Zhang, Kezi Li, Fei Li, Tao Peng, Congcong Qin, Violeta G López-Huerta, Mario A Arias-Garcia, Wenting Wang, Dayun Feng, Shengxi Wu, Baolin Guo
- Journal: Fundamental Research
- Doi: https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2025.09.011
- Publication Date: 2025/9/20
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to limited treatment options. While non-pharmacological approaches based on sensory stimulation have shown promise in clinical practice, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study explored the therapeutic potential of tactile experience enrichment (TEE) during specific developmental windows in Shank3 KO mice, a model of ASD. We found that pre-weaning TEE robustly rescued core behavioral deficits, including social interaction and repetitive grooming, whereas juvenile TEE only improved social behavior. RNA sequencing of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral striatum (DLS) revealed TEE-induced alterations in synaptic gene expression, including the upregulation of the Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) pathway, which may modulate synaptic maturation. Furthermore, pre-weaning TEE restored dendritic spine density and morphology, along with synaptic transmission, in both the ACC and DLS. These findings indicate that early tactile enrichment, particularly during the pre-weaning period, can effectively alleviate core ASD-related behaviors in Shank3 KO mice by modulating synaptic structure and function, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for ASD.
About PackGene
PackGene Biotech is a world-leading CRO and CDMO, excelling in AAV vectors, mRNA, plasmid DNA, and lentiviral vector solutions. Our comprehensive offerings span from vector design and construction to AAV, lentivirus, and mRNA services. With a sharp focus on early-stage drug discovery, preclinical development, and cell and gene therapy trials, we deliver cost-effective, dependable, and scalable production solutions. Leveraging our groundbreaking π-alpha 293 AAV high-yield platform, we amplify AAV production by up to 10-fold, yielding up to 1e+17vg per batch to meet diverse commercial and clinical project needs. Moreover, our tailored mRNA and LNP products and services cater to every stage of drug and vaccine development, from research to GMP production, providing a seamless, end-to-end solution.
