'Gene editing can curb autism symptoms'

Scientists have found that editing a gene in the brain can help decrease the repetitive behaviours -- a symptom of autism spectrum disorders.

By: Agencies | | Published: June 27, 2018 3:36 pm

In the study, the team led by scientists at University of Texas-San Antonio, used nanoparticle carriers to inject a gene-editing enzyme called Cas9 into the striatum — a brain region associated with formation of habits. Also Read - Many kids with ASD remain undiagnosed: Know the early signs of autism

Enzymes are proteins that trigger biochemical reactions. “The enzyme we used, Cas9, is like a pair of scissors. We were able to cut the genetic blueprint, DNA, at a location that causes the exaggerated repetitive behaviours,” said Hye Young Lee, Assistant Professor at the varsity. Also Read - Identical twins with autism may not experience similar symptoms

In a mice model with fragile X syndrome — an inherited cause of autism spectrum disorders, the researchers targeted Cas9 at a molecule called mGluR5 that is excitatory — it increases communications between neurons. The approach worked. Read: World Autism Awareness Week 2018: Decoding autism Also Read - Is your child autistic? Signs to look out for

The rodents’ digging behaviour slowed by 30 per cent and the leaping behaviour was reduced by 70 per cent, Lee said, in the paper described in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.

The team is believed to be the first to successfully edit a causal gene for autism in the brain and diminish symptoms. Significantly, the effect is permanent, Lee said. “The approach can also be used to treat other diseases including many neurological diseases such as epilepsy, and the brain cancer glioblastoma, if we know the gene target,” she said.

Source: IANS
Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : June 27, 2018 3:36 pm

Read Disclaimer

Narcissistic adolescents mentally tougher, may perform better at school

Understanding the link between cancer, ageing

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Narcissistic adolescents mentally tougher, may perform better at school

Understanding the link between cancer, ageing

Many kids with ASD remain undiagnosed: Know the early signs of autism

Identical twins with autism may not experience similar symptoms

Is your child autistic? Signs to look out for

Autistic children hardly indulge in conversations with peers

Want to safeguard your child from autism? Make the right food choices

About The health Site

Useful Links