The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a spectrum of disorders which include autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger""""""""s disorder and Rett syndrome. The working hypothesis of this proposal is that individuals with ASD experience disturbances in the intricate interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers and experience-mediated neuronal activity during a sensitive period of development, and that this leads to an altered program of gene expression. Thus the neurological disabilities that are characteristic of the disorder result from genetic variability in the processes of synaptic development, maturation, refinement, and connectivity that normally shape the brain, and from an environmental insult that perturbs normal experience-dependant synaptic development. This proposal offers a novel approach aimed at unraveling the genetic mechanisms, improving diagnosis, deciphering the interplay between environment and genetics, and developing rational approaches to therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01MH085143-04
Application #
8037130
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1-MRG-C (16))
Program Officer
Koester, Susan E
Project Start
2008-07-22
Project End
2013-02-28
Budget Start
2011-03-01
Budget End
2012-02-29
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$705,545
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hospital Boston
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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