Nahum Sonenberg, Ph.D., of McGill University, will explore the activity of a protein that helps regulate gene expression, and specifically the process by which proteins are generated, in many parts of the brain, with implications for treating autism spectrum disorder. The protein, called e-IF4E, has already been linked to autism-like deficits in animal models. Using human cells, Dr. Sonenberg's team will create different mutations affecting e-IF4E. They will then track which genes show altered expression as a result of the mutations. Since e-IF4E-controlled gene expression is already FDA-approved as a target for drug compounds, this work aims to bring researchers one step closer to exploiting e-IF4E to treat disorders on the autism spectrum.
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
