Social dysfunction is one of the salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In preliminary results, Peter Walter and colleagues have found that a small-molecule integrated stress response (ISR) inhibitor, ISRIB, restores social deficits observed in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. In the current project, they plan to explore whether ISRIB also corrects changes in social, repetitive and communicative behaviors in a variety of different mouse models of ASD in order to assess its potential value as an ASD treatment strategy.

Challenges in social behaviors make up some of the most salient features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet effective treatments to improve social behaviors remain elusive. To address this need, Mauro Costa-Mattioli aims to expand upon the promise of a microbial-based therapy (i.e., treatment with Lactobacillus reuteri) to improve social behaviors in rodent models of ASD by better defining its scope of effectiveness and precise mechanisms of action. Findings from this study will help to better inform future translational studies and could advance the development of microbial-based therapeutics for ASD.