Modulating autism spectrum disorder pathophysiology using a trace amine-focused approach: targeting the gut

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1% of the population, with significant indirect impact on families.
• ASD is associated with high rates of anxiety and gastrointestinal problems.
• Current ASD treatments focus on neurological symptoms, often worsening gut health and the gut-brain axis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review trace amine dysregulation in ASD.
• To hypothesize how targeting the trace amine system can address ASD symptomology.
• To assess current therapeutics development and identify future priorities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of trace amine dysregulation in ASD.
• Hypothesis formulation on trace amine system's role in ASD pathophysiology.
• Critical assessment of drug development and repurposing strategies.

Main Results:

• Trace amines, synthesized in the brain and microbiome, show dysregulation in ASD.
• Trace aminergic signaling is crucial for regulatory system homeostasis.
• Focusing on functional trace amine signaling dysbiosis, not just microbial composition, is proposed for therapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the trace amine system offers a novel therapeutic avenue for ASD.
• A holistic approach considering factors like receptor binding and enzymes is needed.
• Future medicine development should prioritize understanding and modulating trace aminergic signaling in ASD.