August 05, 2024
- A recent study examined the neurodevelopment of preschool-age children in the U.S. who were exposed to the Zika virus (ZIKV) in utero but did not have microcephaly or other signs of congenital Zika syndrome. Comparing 13 ZIKV-exposed children with 12 unexposed controls, researchers found that the ZIKV-exposed children exhibited more behavior and mood problems, as well as difficulties with motor coordination. They also showed lower performance in concepts related to school readiness. Some ZIKV-exposed children were diagnosed with ASD or global developmental delay. These findings suggest that prenatal ZIKV exposure might lead to neurodevelopmental delays affecting coordination, cognition, and behavior.
- New research indicates that ADH-503, an experimental cancer drug, shows promise in alleviating cognitive difficulties associated with Rett syndrome, a rare disorder linked to autism. The drug enhances the activity of microglia, which are essential for maintaining healthy brain cell functions. In experiments using brain organoids—miniature brain models from Rett syndrome patients—the addition of healthy microglia improved synapse function, which is crucial for communication between neurons. This finding suggests that ADH-503 could potentially improve cognitive function in Rett syndrome and other neurological conditions by restoring the function of these critical brain cells. This research opens new avenues for developing therapies that target microglial activity to support brain health in affected individuals.
- An analysis of how a mother’s diet during pregnancy influences the risk of autism in her child has provided valuable new insights. Researchers investigated data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), revealing that mothers who followed a healthy prenatal diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish—had children with a lower risk of developing autism or experiencing social communication difficulties. Specifically, children of mothers with high adherence to this diet showed a 24% reduction in risk compared to mothers with low adherence. This effect was consistent across both studies and was more pronounced in girls. However, the diet did not appear to affect restrictive and repetitive behaviors associated with autism significantly. These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy could potentially reduce the risk of autism-related social communication issues. However, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved fully.
- Jaguar Gene Therapy has announced that the FDA has approved the Phase I clinical trial for JAG201, a gene therapy targeting ASD caused by SHANK3 mutations and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The trial will begin with pediatric patients in early 2025, with plans to expand to adults afterward. This therapy aims to address SHANK3 deficiency, which affects brain function and contributes to severe developmental and cognitive challenges. The FDA has granted both Rare Pediatric Disease and Fast Track designations to JAG201, potentially speeding up its availability. This development offers hope for significant improvements in treatment options for individuals with these specific genetic conditions, addressing a critical unmet need in the autism community.
