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Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice
Published on: July 11, 2025
microRNA and Autism
Ayyappan Anitha1, Ismail Thanseem2
1Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Kavalappara, Shoranur, Palakkad, Kerala, 679 523, India. anitha.a72@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficiencies in social interaction and communication, and by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. According to a recent report, the prevalence of this pervasive developmental disorder has risen to 1 in 88. This will have enormous public health implications in the future, and has necessitated the need to discover predictive biomarkers that could index for autism before the onset of symptoms. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They have recently emerged as prominent epigenetic regulators of various cellular processes including neurodevelopment. They are abundantly present in the brain, and their dysfunction has been implicated in an array of neuropathological conditions including autism. miRNAs, previously known to be expressed only in cells and tissues, have also been detected in extracellular body fluids such as serum, plasma, saliva, and urine. Altered expression of cellular and circulating miRNAs have been observed in autistic individuals compared to healthy controls. miRNAs are now being considered as potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for autism.
Insights
Researchers are exploring microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential early biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Investigating these small molecules in body fluids may lead to earlier diagnosis and new autism treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder impacting social interaction, communication, and behavior.
- The prevalence of ASD is increasing, highlighting the urgent need for early diagnostic biomarkers.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key epigenetic regulators involved in neurodevelopment, with their dysfunction linked to neuropathologies like ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential predictive biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To explore the diagnostic potential of circulating miRNAs detected in extracellular body fluids.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of altered expression patterns of cellular and circulating miRNAs in individuals with ASD compared to neurotypical controls.
- Review of current research on miRNA involvement in neurodevelopmental processes and neuropathological conditions.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated expression of both cellular and circulating miRNAs has been observed in individuals with ASD.
- miRNAs are present in various extracellular body fluids, including serum, plasma, and saliva, suggesting potential for non-invasive biomarker detection.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs show promise as predictive biomarkers for early autism diagnosis.
- miRNAs represent potential targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies for autism spectrum disorder.
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01:22MicroRNAs
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01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.