Autism spectrum disorder remains a complex condition with no single known cause, varying symptoms, and severity levels. Researchers at the University of Virginia have introduced a new approach to studying autism that could potentially lead to insights in understanding other neurological conditions. While current research focuses on behavioral consequences of autism using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging, little has been done to understand the underlying causes of these behaviors.
Through the use of Diffusion MRI, which measures molecular diffusion in biological tissue, the UVA team has been able to observe how water moves throughout the brain and interacts with cellular membranes. This approach has helped identify structural differences in the brains of individuals with autism compared to those without the disorder. By developing mathematical models of brain microstructures, the researchers have been able to gain a better understanding of the physiological variances between autistic and non-autistic individuals.
The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Benjamin Newman, builds on the work of Nobel Prize winners Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley in describing the electrochemical conductivity characteristics of neurons. By applying these concepts to understand how conductivity differs in those with autism, the team has created a unique method to calculate the conductivity of neural axons and their ability to carry information through the brain. The study also found that these microstructural differences are associated with scores on the Social Communication Questionnaire, commonly used in diagnosing autism.
Professor John Darrell Van Horn, another co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding autism through physiological metrics rather than just behavioral patterns. He notes that previous research has primarily focused on functional magnetic resonance imaging, but this new study delves deeper into how the brain conducts information and functions through dynamic networks. The findings shed light on the origins of autism spectrum disorder and offer a more in-depth view compared to previous research.
The researchers involved in the study are affiliated with the National Institute of Health’s Autism Center of Excellence, which aims to investigate the causes of ASD and identify potential treatments. Principal investigator Kevin Pelphrey, a neuroscientist with expertise in brain development, highlights the study’s potential to pave the way for precision medicine approaches to autism. The research also has implications for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of other neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, offering a new tool for measuring neuron properties and potential treatment responses.
Overall, the study by the UVA researchers presents a promising new approach to understanding autism spectrum disorder and potentially other neurological conditions. By examining the physiological differences in brain structures between autistic and non-autistic individuals, the researchers have identified a biological target that could lead to more precise treatments and interventions for ASD. The study’s findings have the potential to advance the field of neuroscience and offer new insights into the complexities of autism and other related disorders.
