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Neuroscientists reverse autism symptoms

Turning on a gene later in life can restore typical behavior in mice.

Anne Trafton | MIT News Office
February 17, 2016

Autism has diverse genetic causes, most of which are still unknown. About 1 percent of people with autism are missing a gene called Shank3, which is critical for brain development. Without this gene, individuals develop typical autism symptoms including repetitive behavior and avoidance of social interactions.

researchIn a study of mice, MIT researchers have now shown that they can reverse some of those behavioral symptoms by turning the gene back on later in life, allowing the brain to properly rewire itself.

This suggests that even in the adult brain we have profound plasticity to some degree, says Guoping Feng, an MIT professor of brain and cognitive sciences. There is more and more evidence showing that some of the defects are indeed reversible, giving hope that we can develop treatment for autistic patients in the future.

Feng, who is the James W. and Patricia Poitras Professor of Neuroscience and a member of MITs McGovern Institute for Brain Research and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute, is the senior author of the study, which appears in the Feb. 17 issue of Nature. The papers lead authors are former MIT graduate student Yuan Mei and former Broad Institute visiting graduate student Patricia Monteiro, now at the University of Coimbra in Portugal.

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Summer 2023 Newsletter

Posted: May 10, 2023

Summer Activity Suggestions Plant flowers or vegetables in your garden: Grandchildren will gain a sense of responsibility as they care for and water their plants. Cook together: Follow a recipe that […]

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Spring 2023 Newsletter

Posted: March 8, 2023

Begin Now to Prepare for Easter and Passover If you are hosting family gatherings for the holiday, you can plan ahead to ensure all of your guests will feel welcome […]

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Webinar: Grandparents of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Posted: January 30, 2023

Their Own Role, Their Own Challenges In this recorded webinar, Connie Anderson, Ph.D., explores what we know about the experiences of grandparents of children with ASD and their importance in […]

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