IGF-1 treatment causes unique transcriptional response in neurons from individuals with idiopathic autism.
Sara B Linker, Ana P D Mendes, Maria C Marchetto
PMID 32591005WHAT IT FOUND
IGF-1 treatment changed gene expression differently in neurons from people with autism compared to controls.
The response varied between individuals, with some showing little change. This is lab-based evidence and does not yet support using IGF-1 in clinical practice.
Key findings
01The transcriptional response to IGF-1 was distinct in neurons derived from individuals with autism compared to neurotypical controls, with very little overlap in the genes affected.
02Response to IGF-1 varied among individuals with autism; while five showed a positive shift in gene expression, three showed a negative or inverse response, suggesting potential responder and non-responder groups.
03IGF-1 treatment partially recovered the expression of a subset of genes that were altered in autism neurons, specifically those involved in synaptic activity, bringing them closer to neurotypical levels.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they found
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What it does not show
This is a laboratory study using cells in a dish, not a clinical trial in humans. It cannot tell us how IGF-1 affects behavior, communication, or daily functioning in patients. The study used a very small number of participants (8 with autism), so the findings about responder vs. non-responder groups may not apply to the wider autism population. The autism participants in this study had macrocephaly (large head size), which may not represent the broader autism spectrum. The results describe molecular changes in gene expression, which are not the same as clinical outcomes.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. No other conflicts of interest are reported.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these gene expression changes as evidence that IGF-1 is an effective treatment for autism symptoms. The study was conducted on neurons in a lab, not on people, and the response varied significantly between individuals.