The Brain and Autism Research

The brain is arguably the most fascinating organ in the human body, and definitely the most complex.  In recent years there have been significant discoveries made by scientist about the brain, but in reality they have only scratched the surface of all the various nuances it holds.  We know the brain is the mecca of our central nervous system as it sends and receives message to the rest of the body.  But did you know that as small as the brain is in comparison to the universe in which we live it holds more neurons and genes than the amount of stars we can actually see.  There has never been a specific count conducted, but it is estimated that the brain has 100 billion neurons.   

For several years now scientists seeking a cause and potential cure for autism spectrum disorders have turned their attention and focus to the brain as it holds the key to understanding the puzzling mystery behind common autism symptoms and characteristics.  While some scientists might be trying to map the entire brain to better understand its unique circuitry, others are trying to understand the various genes, neurons and chromosomes, and how they are all suppose to interact within normal brain functioning.  The process has already started with comparing normal functioning brains with those of individuals on the autism spectrum, and over the years great strides have been made with mapping and unraveling deficiencies in functioning. In some cases scientist have attempted to replicate autism symptoms and characteristics in mice as a means to study various treatments in an attempt to find a cure. 

A recent study discovered that injections of an agent called “GRN-529” into mice reduced autism like symptoms.  Specifically, agent “GRN-529”  reduced repetitive behaviors and increased social interaction among the mice.  Another study involving mice bred to harbor autism like behaviors found a deletion in a gene called “SHANK3”, which is located in chromosome 22.  What is “SHANK3” you ask?  According to the National Institute on Health (2013), “The SHANK3 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is found in many of the body's tissues but is most abundant in the brain. The SHANK3 protein plays a role in the functioning of synapses, which are the connections between nerve cells (neurons) where cell-to-cell communication occurs. Within synapses, the SHANK3 protein acts as a scaffold that connects neurons, ensuring that the signals sent by one neuron are received by another.”  

There is still a lot of research to be conducted on agent “GRN-529” and “SHANK3” gene, but the preliminary findings are promising and should bring some optimism. For more information regarding the studies mentioned in this blog you can click on the following links:   

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2012/agent-reduces-autism-like-behaviors-in-mice.shtml

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2011/mice-with-autism-related-mutations-replicate-autism-like-behaviors.shtml