What can mice teach us about autism?
Autism is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 % of the population, characterised by difficulties in social communication and interaction. Existing therapies are restricted to behavioural and educational interventions. The EU-funded THERAUTISM project was launched to identify molecular targets for possible therapies. The project has now been featured in the CORDIS series of explanatory videos titled ‘Make the connection with EU science’. The project identified a family of proteins known as G protein-coupled receptors, which mediate social behaviour in mice, and offer a target for medications that influence sociality. “Ultimately, our aim is to enhance quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families,” says project coordinator Lucie Pellissier.
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