Decreased Expression of Axon-Guidance Receptors in Autism
Author Information
Author(s): Suda Shiro, Iwata Keiko, Shimmura Chie, Kameno Yosuke, Anitha Ayyappan, Thanseem Ismail, Nakamura Kazuhiko, Matsuzaki Hideo, Tsuchiya Kenji J, Sugihara Genichi, Iwata Yasuhide, Suzuki Katsuaki, Koizumi Keita, Higashida Haruhiro, Takei Nori, Mori Norio
Primary Institution: Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study examines changes in the expression of axon-guidance proteins in the brains of people with autism.
Conclusion
The study found decreased expression of axon-guidance proteins such as PLXNA4 and ROBO2 in the brains of people with autism.
Supporting Evidence
- The mRNA expression levels of EFNB3, PLXNA4A, and ROBO2 were significantly lower in the autistic group than in the control group.
- Western blotting confirmed that PLXNA4 and ROBO2 protein levels were significantly reduced in the ACC of autistic brains.
- No significant differences were found in the primary motor cortex between autistic and control brains.
Takeaway
The brains of people with autism have lower levels of certain proteins that help guide brain development.
Methodology
The study used real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR and western blotting to analyze mRNA and protein expression levels in postmortem brain samples.
Limitations
The study was limited by a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
The study included 8 autistic individuals and 13 age-matched controls, with a gender distribution of 75% male and 25% female in both groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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