Research identifies connections between synapses might be one cause of autism

A study from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reveals how neurons in the developing brain make connections with each other. Researchers said that the activity called synapse validation, is at the root of the process by which neural circuits self-assemble. These can directly implicate neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Researchers said that before neurons can be completed they must send a number of neurotransmitter chemicals across to a potential partner, known as cellular adhesion. Furthermore, the proteins that interact to form the connection that hold synapses together are found to have different forms. These types, alpha and beta, have different properties and respond in unrelated ways to neural activity.

They added that the alpha protein molecule works much like an internet search engine that seeks a potential partner and then attaches itself to the neurotransmitter to test the connection. Meanwhile, if the connection is deemed sufficient, the beta protein make a tighter lock between the two nerve cells.

The study suggests that a mutation in a gene called neurexin-1 and another encoding receptor, nueroligin are linked to autism. Research shows that synaptic adhesion molecules can impact particular types of synapses that play an important role in controlling the neural network, which can affect individuals with the condition.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.