Discover the cause of autism

Chinese scientists have found that a lack of gene activity called PAK2 can lead to the development of autism.

According to Cell Reports, scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences realized how gene activity regulates brain functions. It turns out, this lack of gene activity called PAK2 can lead to the development of autism.

Many PAK2 gene mutations have also been found in people with autism.(Photo: Xinhua News Agency)

Serine / threonine kinase PAK2 is an enzyme encoded by the PAK2 gene, which plays an important role in reorganizing cytoskeleton cell frames and can control cell growth and death. Previously, science was not clear about its function in the central nervous system.

Experiments with experimental mice have shown that if the PAK2 gene is removed from the cell, nerve cells begin to behave abnormally and autism symptoms appear in animals. In addition, many PAK2 gene mutations have been found in people with autism.

Previously, another group of experts suggested treating autism by modifying the genome. Researchers at the University of California (USA) have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in a mouse experiment with Martin Bell syndrome (X chromosome fracture syndrome). This syndrome is characterized by signs of autism. Then, in mice, one of the symptoms of autism was reduced, and the behavior was limited and repeated.