Research we fund
2011 Research Projects
Prof Jonathan Green talks about iBasis and Dr Christine Ecker explains about brain imaging as a possible diagnosis for autism.
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(Dr Christine Ecker is running for Autistica in the Royal Parks Half Marathon. If you would like to support her, please click here to go to her JustGiving page) |
2010 Pilot Studies
In 2009, Autistica announced its first Call for Proposals to researchers in the UK to support pilot studies for biomedical research in autism spectrum disorders. As a result of this, Autistica will be funding the following projects.
A molecular and cellular analysis of mechanisms underlying cortical development in genetic models of autism
Professor Peter Kind – University of Edinburgh
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have some similarities with fragile X syndrome an inherited form of learning disability. Whilst the genetic basis of autism is complex, Fragile X is caused by mutations in a single gene called FMR1. Therefore transgenic mouse models in which the FMR1 gene can be controlled and switched off / on can offer valuable insight into developmental abnormalities shared between fragile X and ASDs. This study will use mouse models to determine the critical times in brain developmental that the FMR gene is needed, how the loss of FMR gene affects brain cell types and neurological change. This type of work provides valuable insight into the point in the lifecycle when therapeutic interventions designed to rescue alterations in brain function may be most beneficial.
Identification of microRNA and microRNA binding site variants increasing risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr Janine Lamb - University of Manchester
MicroRNAs are small molecules that play a role in controlling the expression of genes. They regulate the levels of about one third of the genes involved in neuronal development and function. This pilot study will examine human microRNAs (and their corresponding target genes) for novel genetic variants in a sample of individuals with autism and will address whether variations in microRNAs can substantially increase the risk of autism. This kind of research moves beyond existing research into DNA variations underlying autism risk. It may help understand the biological pathways and mechanisms underlying autism and potentially indicate new therapeutic targets and treatments.
Electrophysiological pilot studies of auditory sensory-perceptual processing in toddlers at risk for autism
Dr Joseph McCleery - University of Birmingham
This pilot study will examine brain function and development in toddlers who have an older sibling already diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The project
will use electrophysiological measures (similar to EEG recordings) to examine how these toddlers’ brains respond to repeated speech versus non-speech, and which brain systems they use to process body action sounds versus non-body action sounds. The findings will be compared to toddlers without a family history of autism. The project is expected to generate robust groundwork towards a larger study to determine whether the difficulties these toddlers may have are related to differences in the way their brains process speech and/or body action sounds. Research of this nature contributes to the development of methods for early detection and diagnosis of autism and language-learning delays.
Establishing an ASD Research Family Register through UK paediatricians
Dr Jeremy Parr – University of Newcastle
This grant underpins the first stage of establishing a register of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, in order to facilitate recruitment to research studies (such registers have advanced research in other fields such as cancer and dementia). The families of children with an ASD diagnosis will be recruited by their child health teams, so that following diagnosis, and subject to informed consent, families will be invited to join the register. The register will be valuable resource for researchers and enable large numbers of children with ASD and their families to participate in research. This project represents a two year pilot phase after which the intention is to increase the number of recruitment sites from the nine pilot sites up to a national level.
2009 Brain Bank for Autism and Related Disorders
In 2009 Autistica funded the UK Brain Bank for Autism at Oxford University, so that brain tissue could be made available to qualified researchers worldwide.
Post mortem studies can help us to understand how brain structure and function develop differently in autism. It is not possible in living subjects to directly study brain tissue in this way since the brain is far too vital an organ to be sampled in its living state.
The donation of brain tissue is the most valuable gift to enable research into autism. The Brain Bank for Autism appeals for donations by people who have not had autism, as well as from those who have. This includes relatives of people with ASD and members of the general population. For more information, please visit the BBA website or call its free helpline, 0800 089 0707.
2007 British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS)
Autistica created a funding consortium to support the British Autism Study of Infant Siblings (BASIS) - a nationwide research network led by Professor Mark Johnson at Birkbeck College London which provides an infrastructure for researchers to study infants at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorders.
This study investigates the very early development of 200 young siblings of children with autism, some of whom will develop typically and others who will later go on to develop autism or a milder form of the condition. Ultimately this research will help identify early detection of autism spectrum disorders, facilitate early diagnosis and will create opportunities to test new early interventions. For more details, visit the BASIS website.
2009 Chair of Autism Research at Cardiff University
Autistica, together with the Welsh Assembly Government and Autism Cymru championed the creation of the first Chair of Autism Research at the University of Cardiff. Professor Susan Leekam, who was appointed in April 2009, will act as a catalyst for a new autism research centre to provide an evidence base for the Wales National Strategy for Autism, and stimulate growth of autism research in Wales, as well as providing stakeholders and families with additional regional expertise. This new resource is positioned at Cardiff University, which has an established and strong track record in developmental psychology, extensive state of the art brain imaging facilities and a reputation for advancing the field of mental health genetics.
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2006 The Autism Genome Project (AGP)
The AGP is the largest worldwide study ever conducted to find the genes associated with inherited risk for autism. The project involves a consortium of approximately 50 academic and research institutions. The ultimate goal is to enable doctors to biologically diagnose autism and researchers to develop effective interventions.
Autistica continues to contribute to this by providing funding to Professor Monaco at the University of Oxford. Such research is vital in the quest to identify subgroups of individuals within the autism spectrum (essential in targeting and developing interventions) and in detecting increased risk for autism as part of clinical management programmes.
2008 Hypersensitivity in autism: a psychological and neuroscientific approach
Mentor: Professor Simon Baron-Cohen
Autism Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Post-Doctoral Fellow: Teresa Tavassoli
For more details on this research project, download our pdf.
2006 A twin (pilot) study of brain anatomy and connectivity
Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London
This pilot study continued the UK’s strong history of twin research and investigates how genetic and environmental factors affect brain development in identical and non-identical twin pairs. Such research points to which brain regions may have developed atypically and how to design best treatments. Read more.
