DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor Successfully Treats Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Various Mouse Models

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Very good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Very good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Excellent

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Very good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Very good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Excellent

Comments: The Discussion section, with the help of adequate relevant literature, evaluates the role of epigenetic mechanisms which causes long-term modifications in gene expressions, responsible for causing mental health disorders. SAPAP3 and Sltirk5 knockout mice shows a high degree of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like grooming behaviour and anxiety-like behaviours, which are considered relevant models for the corresponding human condition, indicating that mutations in SAPAP3 and Sltirk5 are linked to increased risk of OCD in humans. Further research is required to explore the potential of RG108 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of OCD in order to understand the therapeutic role of epigenetic interventions for causing aberrant synaptic plasticity and circuitry dysregulation.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Very good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Very good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Very good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Very good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This study demonstrates the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the behavioural and circuitry changes associated with the development and reversal of maladaptive habitual behaviours in 3-6-month-old male and female Slitrk5 and SAPAP3 knockout mice and wild type laser-stimulated mouse model to assess the role of DNA methylation in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviours. This study focuses on the significance of RG108 as a potent epigenetic drug which effectively reduces OCD-like behaviour and leads to marked symptom improvement for at least one week as well as a complete reversal of abnormal changes in the circuitry and PP1 activity.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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