Animal models of autism

Autism has been the focus of worldwide research efforts for the past 10 years to pinpoint susceptibility genes and to reveal the underlying pathological mechanisms leading to the complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Animal models of autism could give valuable hints toward the understanding of the molecular, cellular and pathomorphological processes involved. The review summarizes animal models of autism known to date in view of their potential to mirror the complex networking of genes responsible for the autism phenotype.

Section editor:Wolfgang Wurst – Institute of Developmental Genetics, GSF Research Centre, Neuherberg, Germany