Molecular Clue May Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder

Definition

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most others. ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may improve over time. The abilities of people with ASD vary significantly.

Main Digest

Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in autism spectrum disorder revealed through an integrative multi-omics analysis.

Professor Kim Min-sik's team of the Department of New Biology, DGIST (President: Kuk Yang), succeeded in identifying the cell-specific molecular network of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is expected to lay the foundation for treating ASD.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder is known to occur from early childhood and is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by continuous impairment of social communication and interaction-related behaviors leading to limited ranges of behavioral patterns, interests, and activities, and repetitive behaviors.

Most autism spectrum disorder patients have behavioral disorders, sometimes accompanied by other developmental disabilities. Currently, since there is no accurate molecular diagnosis method, early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is made at a fairly late period, and there is no appropriate treatment.

The image depicts a human head silhouette with jigsaw puzzle pieces missing in the brain area.

Professor Kim Min-sik's team utilized the Cntnap2 defect model, a spectral disorder mouse model established by Professor Lee Yong-Seok's team at Seoul National University College of Medicine to extract prefrontal cortex tissue and performed mass spectrometry-based integrated quantitative proteomic and metabolomic analysis. In addition, by comparing and analyzing this with previously reported big data of autism spectrum disorder patients, the team confirmed that problems occur in networks such as metabolism and synapses in excitable neurons.

Professor Kim Min-sik of the Department of New Biology said:

"The multi-omics integrated analysis technology developed through this study has advanced the pathological understanding of autism spectrum disorder and made it possible to discover an integrated network ranging from molecular-level cell differentiation induced by a specific autism gene to biometric information," and added, "We are trying to find the core network of autism spectrum disorder and discover treatment targets by conducting an integrated analysis of various models."

The results of this research were published in Molecular Psychiatry on October 17, 2022, and this research was carried out with support from the Brain Science Source Technology Development Project of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Resources That Provide Relevant Information

• Top2A Gene Could be Key to Understanding Autism
• Genetic Connections in Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Insight Into ASD Genetic Mutations and Possible Treatment

Attribution/Source(s):

This peer reviewed article relating to our Autism Information section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Molecular Clue May Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder" was originally written by Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), and published by Disabled-World.com on 2022-12-14 (Updated: 2023-01-03). Should you require further information or clarification, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) can be contacted at dgist.ac.kr/en/. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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