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Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism
Published on: October 17, 2025
819
Genome-wide differential expression of synaptic long noncoding RNAs in autism spectrum disorder
1Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
Translational Psychiatry
|October 21, 2015
Summary
Researchers found differences in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These findings suggest lncRNAs could be biomarkers for early ASD detection and offer insights into epigenetic mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a significant genetic component.
- While gene mutations are studied, the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), in ASD pathogenesis remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a genome-wide analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in peripheral blood leukocytes from individuals with ASD.
- To investigate the functional pathways associated with these differentially expressed RNAs.
- To explore the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers for ASD and understand their role in epigenetic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide differential expression analysis of lncRNAs and mRNAs in peripheral blood leukocytes from ASD patients and controls.
- Functional pathway enrichment analysis to identify involved biological processes.
- Identification of specific synaptic lncRNAs and mRNAs and their association with ASD.
Main Results:
- A significant number of lncRNAs (3929) and mRNAs (2591) were found to be differentially expressed in ASD leukocytes.
- Functional analysis highlighted the involvement of neurological pathways, including synaptic vesicle cycling, long-term depression, and long-term potentiation.
- Thirteen synaptic lncRNAs and 19 synaptic mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in ASD, suggesting a role in synaptic function.
- Differential expression of lncRNAs related to HOX genes, SHANK2, and BDNF was observed, pointing towards potential epigenetic involvement.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of synaptic lncRNAs and mRNAs in ASD suggests impaired synaptic vesicle transportation and cycling.
- The study identifies lncRNAs associated with HOX genes and key ASD-related genes (SHANK2, BDNF), indicating novel epigenetic mechanisms.
- lncRNAs represent a promising avenue for developing biomarkers for early ASD detection.
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