4.0 Animal Models Module

The Animal Models module of SFARI Gene examines data from animal models used in laboratory research to elucidate the mechanisms of action of ASD risk genes. Through rigorous curation of primary scientific research, the Animal Models module provides integrated coverage of the latest discoveries at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels in ASD.

4.1   New Features in SFARI Gene 3.0

The contents of the Animal Models module have been updated to eliminate redundancies, better categorize data according to the different model types (genetic, induced, rescue, inbred, and the newly included CNV models), and ensure the latest information is available to researchers. The newest features of the Animal Models module include:


4.2   Quick Search and Advanced Search

Data from the Animal Models module can be found by using the full site search in the top navigation or the Quick Search or Advanced Search tools. The Quick Search tool can be found above the tables on each module page. The tables are dynamic, updating the information displayed as the user types. The Advanced Search tool, located on the Tools page of SFARI Gene, searches the entirety of the database, and provides additional filtering options to further refine the information found in the search.


4.3   Genetic Models

Genetic animal models are studies on animals selected because of the existence of a mutation in a particular gene. In SFARI Gene, genetic animal models can be viewed by selecting the Genetic filtering button. Every genetic module curated into the database contains the following information:

In the tabs below, users can find a list of all reports related to the model, as well as links for more information about:

Genetic Model Details
Under the Genetic Models tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following construct details about the individual models curated in the database:

Genetic Phenotypic Profile
Using the toggles under the Genetic Models tab, users can explore the models’ phenotypic profiles. (This information can also be revealed by clicking the “Phenotypic Profile” button at the bottom of each entry.) Expanding the entries will provide users with phenotypic information about the models, including:

For more information on collected phenotypes, please see the Phenotypic Profiles section of the User Guide.

Rescue Models
Under the Rescue Models tab, users can find information on rescues performed on the model that have been curated into SFARI Gene. Listed information includes:

Associated CNVs
This tab displays information about any human CNVs found to be associated with the model, including:


4.4   CNV Models

CNV models are studies on animals in which a specific CNV has been generated. In SFARI Gene, CNV animal models can be viewed by selecting the CNV filtering button. Every individual CNV model curated into the database contains the following information:

In the tabs below, users can find a list of all reports related to the model, as well as links for more information about:

CNV Models
Under the CNV Models tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following details about the individual models curated in the database:

CNV Phenotypic Profile
Using the toggles under the CNV Models tab, users can explore the models’ phenotypic profiles. (This information can also be revealed by clicking the “Phenotypic Profile” button at the bottom of each entry.) Expanding the entries will provide users with phenotypical information about the models, including:

For more information on collected phenotypes, please see the Phenotypic Profiles section of the User Guide.

Associated Human CNVs
This tab displays information about any human CNVs found to be associated with the model, including:


4.5   Rescue Models

Rescue animal models are studies on animals that have received either pharmaceutical, genetic, or cell transplant treatments during the course of the study. These treatments have the effect of ameliorating one or more of the associated phenotypes. In SFARI Gene, rescue animal models can be viewed by selecting the Rescue filtering button. Every individual rescue model curated into the database contains the following information:

In the tabs below, users can find a list of all reports related to the model, as well as links for more information about:

Rescue Models
Under the Rescue Models tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following details about the rescue paradigms used in the models curated in the database:

Phenotypic Profile
Using the toggles under the Rescue Models tab, users can explore the models’ phenotypic profiles. (This information can also be revealed by clicking the “Phenotypic Profile” button at the bottom of each entry.) Expanding the entries will provide users with phenotypical information about the models, including:

Parent Profile
Under the Parent Profile tab, users can find a phenotypic description of an animal model before the study began, with information including:

Related Rescues
Under the Related Rescues tab, users can find information on other rescues performed on the model that have been curated into SFARI Gene. Listed information includes:

For more information on collected phenotypes, please see the Phenotypic Profiles section of the User Guide.


4.6   Induced Models

Induced models are studies on animals in which a particular trait or disorder has been purposefully induced with a biological or chemical agent. In SFARI Gene, induced animal models can be viewed by selecting the Induced filtering button. Every individual induced model curated into the database contains the following information:

In the tabs below, users can find a list of all reports related to the model, as well as links for more information about:

Inducing Factor Details
Under the Inducing Factor tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following information about the inducing agent used in the experiment:

Induced Model Details
Under the Induced Models tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following construct details about the individual models curated in the database

Induced Phenotypic Profile
Using the toggles under the Induced Models tab, users can explore the models’ phenotypic profiles. (This information can also be revealed by clicking the “Phenotypic Profile” button at the bottom of each entry.) Expanding the entries will provide users with phenotypical information about the models, including:

For more information on collected phenotypes, please see the Phenotypic Profiles section of the User Guide.

Rescue Models
Under the Rescue Models tab, users can find information on rescues performed on the model that have been curated into SFARI Gene. Listed information includes:


4.7   Inbred Models

Inbred models are studies on animals that exhibit a particular phenotype of interest without carrying a known genetic mutation. Inbred animal models can be viewed by selecting the Inbred filtering button. Every individual inbred module curated into the database contains the following information:

In the tabs below, users can find a list of all reports related to the model, as well as links for more information about:

Inbred Model Details
Under the Inbred Models tab on every entry in the module, users can find the following experimental details about the individual models curated in the database:

Inbred Phenotypic Profile
Using the toggles under the Inbred Models tab, users can explore the models’ phenotypic profiles. (This information can also be revealed by clicking the “Phenotypic Profile” button at the bottom of each entry.) Expanding the entries will provide users with phenotypical information about the models, including:

For more information on collected phenotypes, please see the Phenotypic Profiles section of the User Guide.

Rescue Models
Under the Rescue Models tab, users can find information on rescues performed on the model that have been curated into SFARI Gene. Listed information includes:


4.8   Phenotypic Profiles

SFARI Gene uses a vast assortment of phenotypic profiles to better describe and catalogue data gleaned from animal models. We rely on data tables and charts from the PhenoBase database to provide our users with the most accurate, up-to-date, and helpful information. This key component of the Animal Models module contains a list of more than 100 standardized phenotype terms and characteristics of the animal models for 16 categories relevant to the clinical presentation of autism. They describe the presentation of the core behaviors of autism – such as repetitive behavior or learning and memory – in each of the animal models, along with their physiological and molecular characteristics.


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