Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Brief Report: A Gene Enrichment Approach Applied to Sleep and Autism
Emily A Abel1,2, A J Schwichtenberg3, Olivia R Mannin3
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, 1202 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN, USA. emily.abel@yale.edu.
Abstract:
Sleep disorders (SD) are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet relatively little is known about the potential genetic mechanisms involved in SD and ASD comorbidity. The current study begins to fill this gap with a gene enrichment study that (1) identifies risk genes that contribute to both SD and ASD which implicate circadian entrainment, melatonin synthesis, and several genetic syndromes. An over-representation analysis identified several enriched pathways that suggest dopamine and serotonin synapses as potential shared SD and ASD mechanisms. This overlapping gene set and the highlighted biological pathways may serve as a preliminary stepping-stone for new genetic investigations of SD and ASD comorbidity.
Related Concept Videos
Reporter Genes
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Autism 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.
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...

