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Time: 10:00-11:30 on Thu., Dec. 2, 2021

Venue: Biomedicine Hall,E203

Speaker: Dr. Zhonghua Lu

Host: Dr.Yichang Jia

Title: Phenotyping of SHANK3 Mutant Rodent and Primate Models and Development of Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract：

Mutation of the SHANK3 gene is one of the most common genetic causes for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in human patients. Using genetically modified rodent and nonhuman primate (NHP) models that carry mutations in the SHANK3 genes, we have characterized their behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenotypes. SHANK3 mutant macaque monkeys display profound sleep disturbances, motor deficits and increased repetitive behaviors, as well as abnormalities in social behavior and learning. We also found that Shank3 mutant mice have altered fear responses towards predator olfactory cues, suggesting developmental defects in neural circuits processing innate sensory information. Taken together, studies using these animal models have demonstrated a critical role for SHANK3 in core autistic-like behavioral dysfunctions across different animal species. In addition, we are developing AAV-based gene therapy strategies to treat core symptoms using SHANK3 mutant rodent and NHP models. 

Biography：

路中华，现为中国科学院深圳先进技术研究院脑认知与脑疾病研究所基因编辑脑疾病动物模型研究中心主任；广东省脑连接图谱重点实验室副主任；深圳市神经发育分子生物学重点实验室主任。兼任中国神经科学学会理事、青年工作委员会委员。 

主要研究方向包括非人灵长类和啮齿类脑疾病动物模型的开发和疾病机制解析，遗传性脑疾病干预技术的开发，神经环路示踪技术的开发和应用等。在Nature、Science、Nature Neuroscience、PNAS等国际一流学术期刊发表论文二十余篇。