Abnormal Social Interactions in aMutant of an Autism Candidate Gene:.

Abstract

Social interactions are typically impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, for which the genetic underpinnings are very complex. Social interactions can be modeled by analysis of behaviors, including social spacing, sociability, and aggression, in simpler organisms such as. Here, we examined the effects of mutants of the autism-related gene() on fly social and non-social behaviors. Startled-induced negative geotaxis is affected by a loss of functionmutation. Social space and aggression are also altered in a sex- and social-experience-specific manner inmutant flies. In light of the conserved roles that neuroligins play in social behavior, our results offer insight into the regulation of social behavior in other organisms, including humans.