A potential new autism therapy may help patients become more self-sufficient

New research from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology

GN Bureau | April 4, 2025


#science   #healthcare   #autism  
This figure explains how feeding activator with glucose derived nanosphere could induce acetylation in the brain and control autism
This figure explains how feeding activator with glucose derived nanosphere could induce acetylation in the brain and control autism

Researchers have found a potential therapy for patients suffering from Autism / Intellectual Disability (ID) that will enable the patient to lead a life less dependent on others.

Current therapeutics prescribed to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / ID are mostly related to alleviating the symptoms rather than correcting the phenotypes observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, especially after brain development.

A team led by Tapas K Kundu and James Clement from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), found that in mice with mutated syngap gene (Syngap1+/- mice) which resembles humans with mutated syngap gene (present in autistic patients) the acetylation of DNA-associated proteins, histones or proteins that provide structural support for chromosomes is repressed in the brain.

The epigenetic enzyme behind this acetylation seems to be KAT3B or p300. Kundu's group had previously discovered an activator of this enzyme, TTK21, an official release said on Friday.

Upon conjugating this activator with glucose-derived nanosphere (CSP-TTK21) and feeding to the Syngap1 autistic mice, the researchers could induce acetylation in the brain. The team has shown in research published recently in the journal Aging Cell that the CSP-TTK21 restores neuronal function, learning, and memory, and induces neuronal rearrangements in Syngap1+/- mice, mainly when administered after the brain is considered to be developed (adolescents in human beings). This report not only directly connects histone acetylation with autism, for the first time, but also opens a very optimistic door for ASD therapy.

The study provides a new potential therapeutic option by targeting epigenetic modifications in Syngap1-related ID/ASD that can restore the deficits to an extent that will enable the patient to lead a life less dependent on others.
 

Comments

 

Other News

Who checks the books?

I read about the news about the Coimbatore library over coffee this morning. On the face of it, the headline was about a political ‘war’ between the DMK and TVK. But what stayed with me was something much more important than the blame game behind what had transpired. A writer walking through

Development paradox: Falling poverty miracle and an inequality problem

India’s reduction in poverty over the past decade is a development achievement of considerable significance. The World Bank’s April 2026 ‘India Development Update’ estimates that the share of Indians living below the international extreme-poverty line of $3.00 per person per day i

In Arunachal, a river we call mother

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Siang is not just a river. For many of us, especially the Adi people, it is part of our family. Our grandparents fished in it. Children learned to swim in it. Our farms drink from it. When someone says a huge dam will be built on it, we do not hear the word "project".

A new retelling of the Mahabharata delves into key moments

In a time when every decision carries consequences and questions of ambition, power, loyalty, identity and moral choice continue to shape our lives, Dr. Arun Krishnan’s new book, ‘Mahakshana’ (Penguin India) offers a strikingly relevant retelling of the Mahabharata.  

Cabinet approves viability gap funding to develop grid-scale energy storage systems

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Development of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems, with a total financial support of Rs.14,500 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. The scheme aims to support the development o

Cabinet creates a pathway to absorb Agniveers in Defence Forces

An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered reg

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter