Similar molecular abnormalities found in the brains of individuals with autism

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....