The Relationship Between Brain Functioning, Behavior, and Microbiota in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Abstract
Several studies have linked several gastrointestinal symptoms which are common in ASD to altered gut microbial composition (dysbiosis) and function.Yet research has not yet clarified how dysbiosis may be related to the core features of ASD or to the symptom heterogeneity of this disorder. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated brain-gut- microbiome interactions and their relationship to behavior in a single population of individuals with ASD to better understand the mechanisms of ASD heterogeneity. By examining these interactions, we aim to test the general hypothesis that alterations in gut microbial composition are correlated with structural and functional brain alterations, as well as with clinical and behavioral features of ASD. Building on the brain imaging and behavioral data generated by the Co-PIs R01 grant, we will acquire stool samples from all participants and characterize the composition, metagenome, and metabolome of their gut microbiome. We will relate individual differences across three continuums of symptoms (GI issues, social deficits, and sensory deficits) to activity in selected brain networks and microbiome-related data. The long-term goal of this research is to explain heterogeneity, develop biomarkers, and ultimately build individualized treatments for ASD directed at brain-gut-microbiome pathways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1217528
Entities
People
- Emeran Mayer
- Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
Organizations
- University of Southern California