In individuals with autism, mutations block the action of molecules made by the brain that act on the same receptors that marijuana's active chemical acts on.
This is according to new research reported online April 11 in the Cell Press journal Neuron. The findings implicate specific molecules, called endocannabinoids, in the development of some autism cases and point to potential treatment strategies.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
Advertisement
"Endocannabinoids are molecules that are critical regulators of normal neuronal activity and are important for many brain functions," says first author Dr. Csaba Földy, of Stanford University Medical School. "By conducting studies in mice, we found that neuroligin-3, a protein that is mutated in some individuals with autism, is important for relaying endocannabinoid signals that tone down communication between neurons."
When the researchers introduced different autism-associated mutations in neuroligin-3 into mice, this signaling was blocked and the overall excitability of the brain was changed.
![Autism Diagnosis Depends on Age and Specific Symptoms]( "Autism Diagnosis Depends on Age and Specific Symptoms")
New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that the age at which a child with autism is diagnosed is related to the particular suite of behavioral symptoms he or she exhibits.
"These findings point out an unexpected link between a protein implicated in autism and a signaling system that previously had not been considered to be particularly important for autism," says senior author Dr. Thomas Südhof, also of Stanford. "Thus, the findings open up a new area of research and may suggest novel strategies for understanding the underlying causes of complex brain disorders."
The results also indicate that targeting components of the endocannabinoid signaling system may help reverse autism symptoms.
The study's findings resulted from a research collaboration between the Stanford laboratories of Dr. Südhof and Dr. Robert Malenka, who is also an author on the paper.
Source: Eurekalert
Autism Diagnosis Depends on Age and Specific Symptoms
New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that the age at which a child with autism is diagnosed is related to the particular suite of behavioral symptoms he or she exhibits.
Advertisement
"These findings point out an unexpected link between a protein implicated in autism and a signaling system that previously had not been considered to be particularly important for autism," says senior author Dr. Thomas Südhof, also of Stanford. "Thus, the findings open up a new area of research and may suggest novel strategies for understanding the underlying causes of complex brain disorders."
The results also indicate that targeting components of the endocannabinoid signaling system may help reverse autism symptoms.
The study's findings resulted from a research collaboration between the Stanford laboratories of Dr. Südhof and Dr. Robert Malenka, who is also an author on the paper.
Source: Eurekalert
Study Says No Link Between Autism, Many Vaccines
A recent study conducted by scientists dispelled the fears of about one third of American parents that giving a series of vaccines to kids may be associated with autism.
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Research News
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.
In Parkinson's disease patients voice disorders are quite common. A new combination therapy had greater effects on the voice.
New study findings delineate how aging affects the immune response following Spinal cord injury (SCI) and highlight the participation of the spinal cord meninges in repair.
A recent clinical trial suggests that the first medication therapy to reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children could be on the way.