Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
07:38
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
2.0K
Tau: A Novel Entry Point for mTOR-Based Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
1Translational Neuroscience Center, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Neuron
|May 8, 2020
Summary
Researchers found that reducing tau protein can help correct the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which is often dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and lessen ASD-like symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is frequently dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- This pathway plays a critical role in cellular growth, proliferation, and survival, and its aberrant signaling is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ASD.
- To explore the role of tau protein in the context of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway dysregulation in ASD.
Main Methods:
- The study by Tai et al. (2020) likely involved genetic or pharmacological manipulation of tau levels.
- Assessment of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activity and behavioral analysis of ASD-like symptoms in relevant models.
Main Results:
- Tau reduction was identified as a key factor in downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
- Amelioration of ASD-like symptoms was observed following tau reduction, suggesting a direct link.
Conclusions:
- Tau reduction represents a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway dysregulation in ASD.
- Targeting tau may offer a novel approach to ameliorating core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
814
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
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.
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.
814
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
4.5K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.5K
01:26Modeling in Therapy
322
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
322
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
5.1K
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K