Figure 3.

Behavioral characteristics of different Cul3 knockout mouse models. Animal models of ASD with Cul3 knockout (KO) in different brain regions display varying behavioral phenotypes. CRISPR/Cas9 whole brain Cul3-KO mice exhibit hyperactivity, cognitive impairment, and social deficits. CMV-Cre; Cul3^f/+ whole brain Cul3-KO mice show ASD-like social and cognitive impairments, as well as motor coordination deficits. Mice with Cul3 conditional knockout (cKO) in forebrain excitatory neurons demonstrate ASD-like social and sensory-gating impairment. Mice with Cul3-cKO in basal forebrain cholinergic neurons exhibit ASD-like social and sensory gating phenotypes, along with significant cognitive impairment. Mice with Cul3-cKO in forebrain projection neurons or astrocytes display social interaction disorders and anxiety-like behaviors. mPFC-specific knockdown induces ASD-like social deficits, while striatum-specific knockdown causes repetitive stereotyped behavior. OFT, open field test; EPM, elevated plus mazes; NOR, novel object recognition.