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Keywords

Valproic Acid, Optic Tectum, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The mammalian superior colliculus (SC) and its non-mammalian homolog–the optic tectum (OT)–are midbrain structures that integrate multimodal sensory inputs and guide involuntary movements in response to relevant environmental cues. Recent work has drawn strong connections between the functions of the SC/OT and behavioral deficits observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), thus implicating this structure as a possible site affected in ASD. Since fetal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been associated with increased prevalence of ASD in humans, and ASD-like phenotypes in animal models, we exposed embryonic zebrafish to VPA to investigate the connection between ASD and OT development. In this process, we confirmed that VPA exposure alters larval behavior in a manner consistent with increased anxiety and an increased preference for a dark background. Additionally, through the use of scRNA-seq, we determined that VPA alters genes associated with ASD and increases the proportion of immature neurons within the OT. In summary, our work provides insight into the dynamics of OT development and begins to shed light on the relationship between the OT, VPA, and ASD.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2024-03-21

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Senior

Valproic Acid Alters Larval Behavior and Neuronal Composition Within the Optic Tectum of Zebrafish

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