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Study May Point Way To New Autism Treatments
Disability Scoop • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers have created the largest-ever map of molecular interactions linked to autism by analyzing proteins encoded by 100 autism risk genes, revealing how different genes disrupt the same protein complexes.
- The study, published in Science, suggests that treatments could focus on targeting shared molecular hubs rather than individual genetic variations, potentially simplifying therapeutic approaches.
- This research may have significant implications for individuals with profound autism, who often carry rare genetic mutations and represent about 30% of the autism spectrum.
- The team identified over 1,800 protein interactions, with 87% previously unknown, providing detailed insights into the molecular machinery altered in autism and potential drug targets.
- Beyond autism, the approach used in this study could serve as a model for understanding the genetics of other complex conditions, including cancer.
