Grant: Doctoral Research Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders associated with social interaction deficits, communication impairments, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Causes are still enigmatic, but ASD-associated mutations have been identified, one of them corresponding to a loss of DNA known as the 16p11.2 deletion. The brain's high metabolic demands and negligible intrinsic energy reserves makes it continuously dependent on the adequate influx of oxygen and nutrients from the blood stream to ensure proper brain development and function. Although the neuronal underpinnings of ASD are being extensively studied, very little is known about the vascular contributions to these conditions. Recently, we revealed that 16p11.2 deletion was linked to functional and structural abnormalities in brain vascular networks. My project will focus on thoroughly examining the impact of these abnormalities on brain metabolism at a cellular level using a genetically-engineered mouse model of ASD harboring the 16p11.2 deletion. My goal is to investigate key regulators of brain metabolism in order to identify target pathways to modulate. The research program that we proposed will provide novel insight into the involvement of brain metabolism in ASD while further pinpointing biomarkers which could lead to selective therapeutic approaches that can address core symptoms of ASD.