Autism has been in the spotlight over the past few years for several reasons. For one, more individuals than ever before are getting diagnosed on the spectrum, and for another, several organizations and individuals have been pouring money into autism research. This increased focus on autism research has revealed a number of breakthroughs.
One recent discovery was made by researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Their study was published in Nature Neuroscience on April 21st.
The study provides a clear link between autism and myotonic dystrophy, which is a neuromuscular disease. According to the research, individuals who are coping with myotonic dystrophy experience progressive muscle loss and weakness. These symptoms are the result of a genetic variation that causes tandem repeat expansions (TREs) in a specific DMPK gene. These TREs, in turn, affect the body’s ability to effectively execute gene splicing. Gene splicing is critical to gene functioning.
Since TREs occur in DNA sections when a strand is repeated two or more times, the likelihood of repeating TREs causing gene errors increases every time.
These TREs, according to recent research conducted by UNLV, are genetic contributors to autism. Further investigation revealed that TREs are much more prevalent in about 2,588 places in the genome for individuals with ASD. While individuals with myotonic dystrophy have TRE in the specific DMPK gene, autistic individuals have TREs throughout the genome.
In summary, this research suggests that improper gene splicing is a key contributor to the development of autism.
In a related study at the same university, Dr. Christopher Pearson discovered a specific molecule that can contract TREs in Huntington’s disease. Researchers are currently studying whether this type of contraction could be applied to other conditions and inform research for ASD and other conditions.
Do You Know Someone Who Could Use Extra Autism Support?
One of the best things about the increased focus on autism spectrum disorder is the newfound sources of support and help that are being established every day. If you live in Las Vegas or a nearby area and you know a child who could use some additional autism help, then it’s worth your time to investigate our Nevada Autism Center.
At our facility, we seek to empower bright futures by supporting your child through functional assessments, initiating ABA therapy, providing extensive family guidance, focusing on improving your child’s social and adaptive skills, and facilitating school readiness.
One unique thing we do at the Nevada Autism Center is use model classrooms and reinforcements to help prepare your child for school. We seek to give your child all the tools they need to be as independent as possible. Our center-based services also provide children with more opportunities for social development and the potential to make like-minded friends in a structured environment.
Are you interested in learning more about our services? Are you ready to enroll your child? Get started on your journey with us by leaving your contact details on our online form. You can also reach out to us directly at (702) 660-2005 if you have questions.
