Hormones and DNA Methylation in Autism
This is a current project.
Description
We know that genes can be “turned on” and “turned off." We call this gene expression. One way that genes are “turned off” is through a process called DNA methylation.
We hypothesize that prenatal exposure to abnormal levels of hormones, or to toxins like Bisphenol A (BPA) that resemble hormones, can permanently alter gene expression in the brain during fetal development. If normally silenced or “turned-off” genes are switched on, the result may be abnormal nerve signaling which might result in autism symptoms.
Drs. Ellerbeck and Jacobson are investigating whether children with autism display abnormal DNA methylation patterns as compared to typically developing children
Project Administration
Co-Investigator: Dr. Kathryn Ellerbeck, MD, MPH, Center for Child Health and Development at the University of Kansas Medical Center
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jill Jacobson, MD, Children’s Mercy Hospital
Project Contact
Jordan Roberts, BA
Center for Child Health and Development
Mail Stop 4003
The University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
Jroberts4@kumc.edu
913-588-0893
This is a project of:
Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training at the University of Kansas and Univeristy (K-CART 2008 Pilot Research Grantee)
Funded by:
The Univeristy of Kansas and the University of Kansas Medical Center
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Participant Recruiting
This project is recruiting members of the greater Kansas City area. The study requires two visits to the Center for Child Health and Development. The first visit consists of a cognitive (IQ) assessment, medical exam and behavioral assessments. During the second visit parents complete questionnaires and behavioral rating scales and the child has approximately 2.5 tablespoons of blood drawn. The participants receive a $25 gift card to Target for each visit.
Who is eligible for the study?
- Children 4 or 5 years of age
- Boys with diagnosed (or suspected) autism or atypical autism (PDD-NOS)
- Boys and girls with no developmental problems
Because illness and/or medication might affect the blood tests, we are looking for healthy children who are not on daily medications.
For more information or to enroll in the study, please contact Study Coordinator Jordan Roberts at 913-588-0893.
Send corrections/comments/questions to lifespan@ku.edu. |
