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Article
Abnormal social interactions in a Drosophila mutant of an autism candidate gene: Neuroligin 3
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Ryley T. Yost, Western University
  • J. Wesley Robinson, Western University
  • Carling M. Baxter, McMaster University
  • Andrew M. Scott, McMaster University
  • Liam P. Brown, Western University
  • M. Sol Aletta, Western University
  • Ramtin Hakimjavadi, Western University
  • Asad Lone, Western University
  • Robert C. Cumming, Western University
  • Reuven Dukas, McMaster University
  • Brian Mozer, Office of Research Integrity
  • Anne F. Simon, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2020
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.3390/ijms21134601
Abstract

Social interactions are typically impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, for which the genetic underpinnings are very complex. Social interactions can be modeled by analysis of behaviors, including social spacing, sociability, and aggression, in simpler organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we examined the effects of mutants of the autism-related gene neuroligin 3 (nlg3) on fly social and non-social behaviors. Startled-induced negative geotaxis is affected by a loss of function nlg3 mutation. Social space and aggression are also altered in a sex-and social-experience-specific manner in nlg3 mutant flies. In light of the conserved roles that neuroligins play in social behavior, our results offer insight into the regulation of social behavior in other organisms, including humans.

Citation Information
Ryley T. Yost, J. Wesley Robinson, Carling M. Baxter, Andrew M. Scott, et al.. "Abnormal social interactions in a Drosophila mutant of an autism candidate gene: Neuroligin 3" International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 21 Iss. 13 (2020) p. 1 - 20
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert-cumming/8/