Similar molecular abnormalities found in the brains of individuals with autism

Written by Naamah Maundrell

A highly detailed 3D rendering of a double helix human DNA in blue color, with small carbon elements and light effects on a dark gray-blue background. The image shows an angle of view of different

A new study has identified similar molecular abnormalities in the brains of individuals with autism. Scientists from the University of California (UCLA; CA, USA) analyzed 251 brain tissue samples, finding broadly the same abnormal gene activity in areas of the brain affected by autism. Importantly, this signature of gene abnormalities could be used to suggest novel drug targets. In a previous study published in 2011, lead scientist Daniel Geschwind (UCLA) and his team identified abnormal gene activity amongst individuals with different forms of autism; this new study, recently published in Nature, tested a larger sample and confirms the initial findings....

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