DENDRITIC MORPHOLOGY IN MICE WITH DEFECTIVE CLEAVAGE OF THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER-LINKED PROTEIN NEUROLIGIN-1

Author

• Sohini Lahiri

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Maldonado, Monica

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of diverse neuropsychiatric ailments, with a broad spectrum of severity, characterized by social deficits, absence or delay in language development, and a pattern of restricted and repetitive behaviors. The focus of this thesis is to study the SD3 mouse model of ASD, in which normal cleavage of the NLGN1 isoform is prevented. NLGNs are synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs), which play a role in the generation and function of synapses and induction of electrical signals, as in the recruitment of molecular components and maturation, as well as the induction of electrical signals. Assessment of dendritic neuron length, surface area, or overall complexity were found to not be statistically different in SD3 mice compared to wild type controls. SD3 mice did show reduced dendritic neuron volume, which may be a manifestation of reduced synaptic transmission and impairment in neuronal signal strength.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Lahiri, Sohini, "DENDRITIC MORPHOLOGY IN MICE WITH DEFECTIVE CLEAVAGE OF THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER-LINKED PROTEIN NEUROLIGIN-1" (2019). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 430.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/430

Extent

25 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00081