Synaptic similarities challenge focuses on male models

A new study reveals striking similarities in synaptic abnormalities and behavioral patterns between male and female mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study challenges the traditional focus on male subjects in ASD research and highlights the critical importance of including both sexes in investigations.

This discovery calls for a crucial shift in the scientific community’s approach to understanding and treating ASD, highlighting the need to consider both men and women to comprehensively grasp the complexities of this disorder.

Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has primarily focused on males, reflecting a 4:1 prevalence rate compared to females. However, recent studies suggest a potential underestimation of ASD in women.

In a new study led by Professor Haitham Amal, from the School of Pharmacy-Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, sex-specific synaptic and behavioral differences in ASD mouse models were investigated, revealing insights significant on the disease.

A new study, presented in Scientific reports, examined young male and female mice with specific mutations linked to autism, comparing them to regular mice. They used two different mouse models with two human-derived mutations. The goal was to understand how their brain connections work by checking certain proteins present in their brains. They also checked how many small structures were present in the brain cells using a special staining method (Golgi).

The results showed that male and female mice with these mutations had a lot in common. They all showed significant declines in spine density and levels of GAD1, NR1, VGAT and Syp (neuron signaling proteins) compared to normal mice. This suggests that their brain connections have not developed properly. Interestingly, these brain connection problems were similar in male and female mice, and this matched their behavior in tests measuring sociability. They also found that social behavior deficits were similar in both sexes.

Professor Haitham Amal, from the Hebrew University, said: “Our study highlights the need to consider both sexes in ASD investigations. The similarities observed in synaptic alterations between male and female ASD mice challenge the traditional focus on males, prompting the scientific community to broaden its approach. and include women in ASD studies. »

These findings have significant implications for understanding the neurodevelopmental aspects of ASD. They highlight how synaptic and behavioral changes in male and female mice with ASD align, highlighting the need to study females alongside males in ASD research. This study calls for a fundamental shift in ASD research, highlighting the importance of considering both sexes to fully understand and address the complexities of autism spectrum disorders.

This represents a vital progression in resolving the complexities of ASD, marking an important step in understanding the condition beyond the typical male-focused approach.

Globally, substantial funds are devoted to autism research, with estimates reaching billions of dollars per year. However, historically, a significant portion of this funding has been primarily devoted to the study of autism in boys, reflecting the higher prevalence in males. Studies suggest that there is a considerable imbalance in research allocation, with far fewer resources dedicated specifically to understanding and tackling autism in girls.

Efforts to close this gap and allocate more resources to understanding the unique manifestations and needs of girls on the autism spectrum must be recognized as crucial to advancing comprehensive autism research and support.