Research Reveals How Reduced Glo1 Levels and Increased Methylglyoxal from Environmental Toxins May Contribute to ASD
Glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) is an important enzyme that helps break down methylglyoxal (MGO), a harmful substance produced in the body and found in the environment. Previous research has shown that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have lower Glo1 activity and higher MGO levels in their brains. A new study has investigated how exposure to low levels of methylmercury (MeHg) during pregnancy affects Glo1 and brain development. This research discovered that prenatal exposure to MeHg reduces Glo1 levels in brain cells called radial glial precursors (RGPs), leading these cells to develop into neurons too early. This early development mirrors some ASD-like behaviors observed in rodents. The authors also found that increasing Glo1 levels or using treatments to reduce MGO can prevent these early changes. These findings suggest that MeHg impacts brain development by affecting Glo1 and MGO levels. Ultimately, this research may shed light on how environmental factors contribute to ASD and highlight the potential for using Glo1 as an early marker for ASD and developing treatments to mitigate the effects of environmental toxins.
