A new study has uncovered the potential mechanism behind why individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have altered perception of smell. Researchers believe this new understanding may pave the way for targeted therapies that could improve the lives of people with ASD.
Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect social interaction, communication, and behavior. Many individuals with ASD also have sensory processing issues, including differences in how they experience smells. This can lead to a heightened sensitivity or complete lack of ability to detect certain odors.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Riverside and published in the journal Molecular Autism, investigated how certain molecules involved in the sense of smell are affected in individuals with ASD. The researchers found that levels of two molecules, called microRNAs, were significantly altered in the olfactory bulb of mouse models of ASD.
The olfactory bulb is responsible for processing information related to smell, and the researchers found that these microRNAs appeared to impact the functioning of the neurons in this part of the brain. This could help explain why individuals with ASD often have altered perception of smell, and may also contribute to other sensory processing differences that are common in this population.
Lead author of the study, Devin Binder, MD, PhD, commented on the findings, stating that "We found that two molecules known to be important for the proper function of olfactory neurons were altered in both mouse models and in postmortem human brain tissue from individuals with ASD. These molecules may therefore represent promising targets for future interventions aimed at treating sensory processing differences in ASD."
The researchers also noted that these microRNAs could potentially serve as biomarkers for ASD, as they were able to detect significant differences in their levels in the olfactory bulbs of mice with ASD compared to those without. This could allow for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the disorder, which can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
While this study focused specifically on the sense of smell, the researchers believe that these findings could have broader implications for understanding the underlying mechanisms of ASD. "Our study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that ASD is a disorder that affects the entire brain and body, not just the social and communication domains," stated Binder.
Overall, this study represents an important step forward in understanding how sensory processing differences occur in individuals with ASD. By identifying specific molecules that are impacted in the brain, researchers may be able to develop targeted therapies that can help alleviate some of the challenges that individuals with ASD face on a daily basis.
As Binder noted, "Understanding the biological basis of sensory processing differences in ASD is critical for developing new and effective therapies to improve the lives of those affected by this disorder." With further research in this area, there is hope that individuals with ASD will one day have access to more effective treatments that can help them better navigate the world around them.
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