New research into genes and brain cells may point to the development of autism therapies.
The scientists grew organ models of a part of the brain to analyse cell abnormalities in autism.
Professor Paolo Arlotta found several genes implicated in autism made neurons develop at the wrong time
The researchers grew an organoid model of the cerebral cortex, part of the outer layer of the brain. An organoid model is a three-dimensional tissue culture.
Research into three genes
Professor Paola Arlotta, of Harvard University, led the research. It also involved scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
They looked at three different mutated genes linked to autism. Their aim was to assess the impact of the genes on brain neurons.
The genes are known as SUV420H1, ARID1B, and CHD8.
Neurons are brain cells that receive sensory input from the world around us and send commands to our muscles.
Similar effect from all three genes
The researchers found all three genes affected neurons in a similar way.
They all made neurons develop at the wrong time, by slowing down or speeding up development.
And the same types of neurons were affected. Inhibitory GABAergic neurons and an excitatory type called deep-layer projection neurons were impacted.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid linked to impulse control.
Excitatory neurons stimulate the brain and body to take action.
The fact these two types of neurons were always impacted suggests they may be special autism targets.
Research ‘may highlight targets for intervention’
Arlotta said “much effort” goes into understanding the common impact of genes linked to autism.
Finding shared features may “highlight common targets for broad therapeutic intervention”, she added.
When cells form too early or late, researchers believe it impacts the brain’s wiring.
The researchers also produced organoids using stem cells from different people.
They found the severity of the changes in neural development varied from person to person.
The researchers say it shows the person’s overall genetic make-up modulated the impact of the risk genes.
Professor Arlotta and her colleagues published their research in the journal Nature.
Related:
- Network of 200 genes linked to autism
- 18 new genes found with links to autism
- Risk linked to common genes
- Cancer drug may reverse genetic autism
- Gene find points to better treatment
- New test heralds early autism diagnosis
- Study points to brain cell issue
- Gene mutation find points to treatments
- Network of 200 genes linked to autism
- Gene link found to autistic behaviours
- Links found to bipolar and schizophrenia
Published: 10 March 2022
