Investigating environmental factors that may contribute to autism spectrum disorder.
A systematic study of the environmental etiology of autism spectrum disorder using high-throughput behavioral screening
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11238277
This study is looking at how certain chemicals in the environment might affect social behavior and contribute to autism, using zebrafish to help find out more about these risks and how a specific enzyme plays a role in this process.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238277 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores how environmental factors influence the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a zebrafish model, the study employs a high-throughput behavioral assay to identify chemicals that may inhibit social behavior, a key symptom of ASD. The researchers aim to characterize the role of a specific enzyme, topoisomerase II, in social behavior development, which could reveal important insights into the environmental contributors to autism. By screening a large number of compounds, the study seeks to uncover potential risk factors that could inform prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those at risk of developing ASD due to environmental exposures.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or are not at risk due to environmental factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of environmental risk factors for autism, potentially guiding prevention and intervention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying environmental factors related to autism, but this specific approach using zebrafish is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GENG, YIJIE — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: GENG, YIJIE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: autism spectral disorder, autism spectrum disorder, autism spectrum disorder features, autism spectrum disorder indicator, autism spectrum disorder symptoms