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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Gut Pathophysiology In Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Kyla Scott May 2020

Gut Pathophysiology In Mouse Models Of Social Behavior Deficits, Kyla Scott

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass neurodevelopment disorders characterized by atypical patterns of development that impact multiple areas of functioning beginning in early childhood. The etiology of ASD is unknown and there are currently no preventative treatment options. Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly associated comorbidities. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a multidirectional communication chain that connects the central and enteric nervous system that relates brain function to peripheral intestinal functions. Changes within this axis have been postulated in ASD. For example, the “leaky gut theory” proposes that chronic inflammation is linked to alterations in the bacterial profiles of the gut microbiome and subsequent …


Investigating The Role Of Integrin Beta 3 In Dendritic Arborization In The Supragranular Developing Cerebral Cortex, Zachary Logan Holley May 2019

Investigating The Role Of Integrin Beta 3 In Dendritic Arborization In The Supragranular Developing Cerebral Cortex, Zachary Logan Holley

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Integrin subunits have been implicated in axonal and dendritic outgrowth. In particular, a strong positive association has been found between mutations in integrin beta 3 (Itgb3) and autism spectrum disorder, but little is known about neuronal Itgb3 function in vivo. Many forms of autism spectrum disorder are thought to arise from dysfunctional dendritic arborization and synaptic pruning. Global knockout of Itgb3 in mice leads to autistic-like behaviors. Itgb3-/- mice also have reduced callosal volume, a key neuroanatomical correlate of autism. Here, we test the hypothesis that Itgb3 is required for normal dendritic arborization in layer II/III pyramidal …


Effect Of Propionic Acid-Derivative Ibuprofen On Neural Stem Call Differentiation; A Potential Link To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aseelia Samsam Jan 2019

Effect Of Propionic Acid-Derivative Ibuprofen On Neural Stem Call Differentiation; A Potential Link To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aseelia Samsam

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Propionic acid (PPA) is a short chain fatty acid that is produced by the human gut microbiome. Propionate, butyrate and acetates are the end products of the fermentation of the complex carbohydrates by human gut friendly microbiome and are being used as sources of energy in our body. PPA is used as a food preservative against molds in various daily products and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. In a recent study we showed that PPA in human neuronal stem cell (NSC) culture increases the astrocyte population and decreases the neuronal number and increases the inflammatory cytokines. In …