This systems neuroscience project uses unique experimentation and manipulation of mice to uncover new insights into social behavioural patterns in mice. Shank3 mutant mice have recently been established as a relevant model of ASD by Dr. Monteiro of the host institution (UPORTO). This model recapitulates the obvious social behavioural variations often seen in patients with ASD. However, behavioural manifestations in rodents may be myriad, far beyond the social interaction deficits and motor stereotypes. 

We conduct a more complete analysis of microbehavioural variations in this mouse model, particularly under treatment with for instance oxytocin. This is thought to reflect more naturalistically the human version of ASD and its treatment. The doctoral candidate characterises a new sophisticated and physiologically relevant animal model of autism spectrum disorder and assesses the behavioural impact of new experimental treatments, such as oxytocin, by applying state-of-the-art probabilistic machine learning for analysis of naturalistic behaviour.

The results will provide new insights on whether the inclusion of the multitude of microbehavioural variations in the mouse model of ASD is a more naturalistic representation of the human condition of ASD. Moreover, a broader understanding of treatment effects of oxytocin will also result from the experiments performed by the DC.