Genetically-modified animals as models of neurodevelopmental conditions: a review of systematic review reporting quality

ObjectiveUsing genetically-modified animals to model neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) helps better our understanding of biology underlying these conditions. Animal research has unique characteristics not shared with clinical research, meaning systematic review methods must be adapted to this context. We aim to evaluate the quantity, characteristics, and reporting quality of systematic reviews which synthesise research using genetically-modified animals to model NDCs.MethodsOn 23 January 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection to identify systematic reviews of genetic NDC animal research where the modified gene was one of a list of 102 genes associated with NDCs identified through large-scale exome sequencing or FMR1, MECP2, or UBE3A. Two independent reviewers screened studies based on full text, and assessed the reporting quality of relevant reviews using an adapted version of the PRISMA checklist (PRISMA-Pre).ResultsTwelve review publications met our criteria. We found mixed levels of reporting: items such as identifying the publication as a systematic review in the title, search strategies, and funding sources being well reported, and others such as protocol registration and data sharing less well reported. We also identified 19 review registrations via PROSPERO, most of which remain unpublished after their anticipated end dates.ConclusionIncreased awareness of reporting guidelines may help authors increase the transparency and reproducibility of their systematic reviews.Funding and registrationThis review was funded by a Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain PhD studentship (SFARI:#529085). The funder played no role in the development of this work. Protocol Registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/952QK.