Summary: A new study shows that Beagle dogs with mutations in the autism-linked Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities similar to those seen in humans with ASD. Using behavioral tests, eye-tracking, and brain recordings, researchers found that these dogs paid less attention to faces—especially the eye region—and showed delays in brain responses to facial cues.
The mutant dogs also failed to distinguish between different types of faces, a key feature of social cognition. These findings not only highlight the role of Shank3 in face-related social behavior but also introduce a novel canine model for autism research.
Key Facts:
- Reduced Face Attention: Shank3 mutant dogs showed less interest in human and canine faces.
- Brain Response Delays: Face-specific brain signals (N1) were weakened and delayed.
- Impaired Categorization: Mutant dogs struggled to distinguish between face types.
Source: Chinese Academy of Science
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene—a high-risk gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—exhibit face processing abnormalities similar to those observed in human ASD patients.
The research, published on April 3 in Science Advances, was led by Prof. ZHANG Yongqing from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Prof. HAN Shihui from Peking University.
ASD is a complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social impairments and repetitive behaviors. Human social interactions heavily rely on the ability to accurately process facial information, and abnormalities in this cognitive function are considered a key contributor to the social deficits seen in ASD patients.
Although numerous ASD-associated risk genes have been identified, it remains unclear whether specific genetic mutations can directly cause impairments in face processing.
To investigate this question, the research team developed a face-based social preference test to assess face recognition behavior in Shank3 mutant dogs compared to their wild-type counterparts.
The results showed that mutant dogs exhibited a reduced preference for facial stimuli and lacked the typical inclination toward conspecific faces—faces of the same species—indicating deficits in face-related social behavior.
To further examine visual attention to faces, the researchers employed eye-tracking technology. They confirmed that Shank3 mutant dogs showed significantly reduced attention to faces, with a notable decrease in gaze directed at the eye region of human faces.
The team also used electrocorticography (ECoG) to record brain activity, revealing that Shank3 mutant dogs exhibited both a diminished amplitude and delayed response in the face-specific N1 brainwave component, which typically occurs around 100 milliseconds after presentation of facial stimuli.
In another experiment, the researchers explored the dogs’ ability to categorize different types of faces—such as by species and breed—using the repetition suppression paradigm, a widely accepted method in human studies.
Wild-type dogs were able to distinguish between facial categories, showing an earlier response to faces of other species and a later response to conspecific faces. In contrast, Shank3 mutant dogs displayed deficits in face categorization.
This study provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, which may contribute to social impairments. Additionally, it establishes a novel experimental model for future research into the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying ASD.
About this ASD and genetics research news
Author: ZHANG Yongqing
Source: Chinese Academy of Science
Contact: ZHANG Yongqing – Chinese Academy of Science
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Autism-like atypical face processing in Shank3 mutant dogs” by ZHANG Yongqing et al. Science Advances
Abstract
Autism-like atypical face processing in Shank3 mutant dogs
Atypical face processing is a neurocognitive basis of social deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a candidate cognitive marker for the disease. Although hundreds of risk genes have been identified in ASD, it remains unclear whether mutations in a specific gene may cause ASD-like atypical face processing.
Dogs have acquired exquisite face processing abilities during domestication and may serve as an effective animal model for studying genetic associations of ASD-like atypical face processing.
Here, we showed that dogs with Shank3 mutations exhibited behavioral and attentional avoidance of faces, contrasting with wild-type controls.
Moreover, neural responses specific to faces (versus objects) recorded from the electrodes over the temporal cortex were significantly decreased and delayed in Shank3 mutants compared to wild-type controls.
Cortical responses in the frontal/parietal region underlying categorization of faces by species/breeds were reduced in Shank3 mutants.
Our findings of atypical face processing in dogs with Shank3 mutations provide a useful animal model for studying ASD mechanisms and treatments.
