SFARI | Search Results for “syngap1”

The overall goal of Xin Tang’s project is to yield insights into the molecular programs that lead to reduced KCC2 gene expression in neurons from individuals with autism and to consequently develop mechanism-guided drugs that restore KCC2 gene expression and ultimately reverse symptoms of the condition.

Linking mitochondrial metabolism and autism during human neuronal development

In this pilot study, Pierre Vanderhaeghen and his team aim to explore the intricate connections between ASD, mitochondrial function, and human neuronal development, with a specific focus on developmental timing. Innovative tools, including an in vitro model for studying mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, and function and an in vivo xenotransplantation model of human cortical neurons, will be used to achieve this. The investigation seeks to understand how mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism contribute to the pathology of ASD-linked mutations in genes such as MECP2 and SYNGAP1.

The cortical head direction system as a model for systems-level alterations in rat models of autism

One of the challenges in assessing rodent models of autism/intellectual disability is linking specific genetic alterations to changes in neural function and behavior. Paul Dudchenko plans to address this challenge by using the head direction cell system — comprised of neurons that encode direction — to characterize rigid and flexible neural coding in Fmr1, Grin2b and Syngap1 knockout rats. This characterization will provide rich data on both the neural systems and the behavioral capacities of these three rodent models.

High-throughput molecular and connectivity autism variant phenotyping in vivo using single-cell, single-virion genomic technologies

In the current project, Arpiar Saunders and his lab plan to determine how variants in the ASD risk genes GRIN2B and SYNGAP1 alter molecular and synaptic properties of mouse somatosensory cortical circuits. To achieve this goal, they will use next-generation viral tools and high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing that enable highly parallelized connectivity and molecular phenotyping of mouse cells expressing human alleles in the intact brain.

Development and validation of an online webcam-based performance measurement battery for autism spectrum disorders

Online measures have the potential to provide greater sensitivity to change in longitudinal studies and clinical trials. In the current study, Thomas Frazier and colleagues plan to develop and validate an online evaluation tool that includes: (1) a survey completed by caregivers to better understand behavior and functioning and (2) patient-completed measures that use a webcam to collect gaze and facial expression responses to evaluate thinking skills. If successful, the measures developed could greatly enhance research in autism and related neurodevelopmental genetic syndromes and might one day enhance clinical practice.

Development of antisense oligonucleotides for SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

SYNGAP1 encodes a neuronal Ras GTPase activating protein and is a significant risk gene associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and intellectual disability (ID). As many of the genetic mutations in individuals with SYNGAP1-related ID (SRID) lead to decreased SYNGAP1 expression, SRID is an ideal candidate for genetic and antisense oligonucleotide–based therapies that increase SYNGAP1 expression. Leveraging recently discovered regulatory mechanisms of SYNGAP1 expression, Richard Huganir’s team plans to design precision antisense oligonucleotides that increase SYNGAP1 expression and to validate them using human pluripotent stem cell models of SRID. These studies will help to advance the therapeutic potential of antisense oligonucleotide–based treatments for SRID as well as other monogenic forms of ID and ASD.

Gut-intrinsic mechanisms of gastrointestinal dysmotility in zebrafish models of autism

Gastrointestinal (GI) distress commonly accompanies autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected and their families. Julia Dallman, in collaboration with John Rawls, plans to use zebrafish as an experimental system, since it allows for the GI tract to be imaged and manipulated in live animals. They aim to determine if GI phenotypes in multiple genetic forms of ASD are caused by convergent gut-intrinsic mechanisms. The expected outcomes would open a new field of GI research for ASD that could suggest treatment strategies for managing GI distress in humans.