Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 28: In a promising development for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel therapy that may significantly reduce patient dependence on others.

Unlike existing treatments that mainly manage symptoms without addressing underlying causes, the new therapy targets the root biological changes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability, researchers said.

In a study conducted on mice models, the research team led by Tapas K Kundu and James Clement discovered a critical genetic link. "In mice carrying a mutation in the Syngap gene — closely resembling conditions observed in human autism cases — acetylation of DNA-associated proteins known as histones was found to be suppressed in the brain," the researchers explained.

The team identified the epigenetic enzyme KAT3B, also known as p300, as playing a key role in this process. By modulating this enzyme, the therapy aims to correct the deficits caused by the Syngap1 mutation.

Significantly, the findings establish — for the first time — a direct link between histone acetylation and autism, opening up an optimistic new pathway for ASD treatment. "This research not only connects histone acetylation with autism but also brings forth a potential therapeutic strategy to reverse neurodevelopmental deficits," the researchers said.

The JNCASR team believes that targeting epigenetic modifications could restore brain function sufficiently to enable patients to lead a more independent life, offering a ray of hope for families coping with autism.