Autism-Like Behaviors Reversed in Mice: New Hope for Understanding Autism

Scientists at McGill university and the University of Montreal have found a link between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and protein synthesis. The researchers found that mice with abnormally high synthesis of a certain group of neuronal proteins called neuroligins had showed the symptoms similar to ASD. The scientists have also found that these autism-like symptoms can be reversed by introducing protein inhibiting compounds, or by with gene therapy that targets these neruoligins. According to the article, 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys, and 1 in 252 girls suffer from autism spectrum disorders. Professor Nahum Sonenberg from the team of researchers noted that the reason for the increase in the synthesis of neuroligins was due to a deletion of a gene controlling initiation of protein synthesis. Neuroligins are essential proteins, needed for the transfer of information between neurons. The team of researchers also found that the dis-regulated synthesis of neuroligins largely increases synaptic activity,which results in an "imbalance between excitation and inhibition in single brain cells."

It seems that in current times, more children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. If prevented, the quality of life and opportunities for an individual drastically improves. A plethora of myths are constantly made as to the origin of autism, from substances in tap water to childhood vaccinations. Up to recent research, the cause to autism has been relatively unknown, and the thought of a cure was fantasy. This research may have opened up a door to possibly discovering the root of the mysterious and vague autism. There is not one type of autism, most victims exhibit different symptoms. The movement toward using genetics for therapeutic treatment is an exciting and fascinating.