Effect of the social environment on olfaction and social skills in WT and a mouse model of autism

Abstract

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex, polygenic and heterogenous neurodevelopmental conditions, imposing a substantial economic burden. ASD genetics is influenced by the environment, specifically the social experience during the critical neurodevelopmental period. Despite the efficacy of early behavioral interventions targeting specific behaviors in some autistic children, there is currently no sustainable treatment for the two core symptoms: deficits in social interaction and communication, and stereotyped or restrained behaviors or interests. In this study, we investigated the impact of the social environment on both wild-type and Shank3 knockout mice, a mouse model that reproduces core autism-like symptoms. Our findings revealed that wild-type mice raised in an enriched social environment maintained social interest towards new conspecifics across multiple trials. Additionally, we observed that 2 hours of social isolation induced social deficits, while chronic social isolation enhanced social interaction and olfactory neuron responses in wild-type animals. Notably, chronic social isolation restored both social novelty and olfactory deficits and normalized self-grooming behavior in Shank3 knockout mice. These results provide novel insights for the implementation of behavioral interventions and inclusive classroom programs for children with ASD.