Study: Mice With 'Mohawks' Could Help Advance Autism Treatment
- 10 years ago
Researchers from New York University’s Langone Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that they think is connected with autism in mice. They recognized that the repetitive behavior associated with autism was causing mice in their study to over-groom themselves to the point where the hair on their head was shaped into mohawks.
Researchers from New York University’s Langone Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that they think is connected with autism in mice.
They recognized that the repetitive behavior associated with autism was causing mice in their study to over-groom themselves to the point where the hair on their head was shaped into a mohawk.
Individuals with autism often have social and communication issues as well as problems associated with development. Repetitive behaviors like rocking back and forth, hand wringing, and head shaking also tend to be exhibited.
Study researcher Gordon Fishell, a neuroscientist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center is quoted as saying: “Our study tells us that to design better tools for treating a disease like autism, you have to get to the underlying genetic roots of its dysfunctional behaviors, whether it is over-grooming in mice or repetitive motor behaviors in humans.”
Fishell went on to say that previous studies on autism haven’t led to any potential treatments, but their study indicates that the reversal of neurochemical pathways for GABA and dopamine might be treatment options for people with autism.
Researchers from New York University’s Langone Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that they think is connected with autism in mice.
They recognized that the repetitive behavior associated with autism was causing mice in their study to over-groom themselves to the point where the hair on their head was shaped into a mohawk.
Individuals with autism often have social and communication issues as well as problems associated with development. Repetitive behaviors like rocking back and forth, hand wringing, and head shaking also tend to be exhibited.
Study researcher Gordon Fishell, a neuroscientist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center is quoted as saying: “Our study tells us that to design better tools for treating a disease like autism, you have to get to the underlying genetic roots of its dysfunctional behaviors, whether it is over-grooming in mice or repetitive motor behaviors in humans.”
Fishell went on to say that previous studies on autism haven’t led to any potential treatments, but their study indicates that the reversal of neurochemical pathways for GABA and dopamine might be treatment options for people with autism.