New Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Believe It’s a Possibility
Previous research has indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are strongly associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and affect gene expression related to different neurological pathways involved in the disorder. MicroRNAs are a family of molecules that helps cells control the types and amounts of proteins they make. Found in the bloodstream and other body fluids, these molecules help control gene expression. A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 trials investigated dysregulated miRNAs in ASD, looked at their associations with ASD clinical manifestations, and evaluated miRNA measurement in biofluids from individuals with ASD. The team behind this analysis discovered that the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs in patients with ASD were miR-451a, miR-144-3p, miR-23b, miR-106b, 150-5p, 320a, 92a-2-5p, and 486-3p. Each of these miRNAs can be considered candidates for ASD biomarkers. However, the key finding of this study shows that miR-451 is one of the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs and is the only one associated with impaired social interaction in more than one study. Additionally, it was discovered that miR-451 can be isolated in saliva, making it the most promising miRNA to detect and measure. Even though behavioral signs of ASD are present during the toddler stage of development, ASD is not typically diagnosed before age 3 or 4. Presently, the only means of diagnosing autism is by observation of development using neurodevelopmental evaluations. Finding a biomarker that can detect the disorder at birth is desperately needed for early intervention which can lead to optimal developmental outcomes. The authors concluded that saliva is the best biological fluid for miRNA measurement since it is relatively easy to obtain from children compared to other biological fluids like blood. They also believe that among the most dysregulated miRNAs in individuals with ASD, miR-451a is the most relevant to clinical practice and is associated with impaired social interaction in patients with ASD. The authors point out that Its presence in saliva makes miR-451 a strong candidate to be a future miRNA biomarker for autism.
