Behavioral and synaptic circuit analysis in models of neuropsychiatric disorders: Dissecting the in vivo role of the postsynaptic density proteins nArgBP2 and Shank3 using genetic engineered mice

Abstract

Dissertation presented to obtain the Ph.D degree in BiologyUnderstanding how discrete genes affect neuronal biology, synaptic function and, ultimately, behavior is a major goal in neuroscience. Not surprisingly, genes believed to be involved in human psychiatric and developmental brain disorders garner the most attention due to the likelihood that their disruption will promote salient changes in neurobiological functions. They also promise to nurture further understanding of relevant biomedical questions. Using the mouse as a model organism accelerates this discovery process because the species is amenable to manipulation at the genetic level, allowing for the orthologous recreation of human mutations. Simultaneously, our understanding of murine behavioral outputs can now be linked to particular endophenotypes reminiscent of human disorders.(...)Apoio financeiro da FCT e do FSE no âmbito do Quadro Comunitário de Apoio (SFRH/BD/15855-2005