Early life factors | WP 2
Understanding sex-dependent differences in autism at a causal, biological level is essential in determining how the developing brain is affected by genetic variation and how it responds to positive and/or negative experiences. Here we will test the hypothesis that the timing and regulation of key molecular events is different during the development of male and female brains and that this contributes to the enhanced vulnerability of males to develop autism compared to females. We will use advanced methods to characterise the sex-dependent regulation of key events during brain development in mouse and human model systems. Understanding the biology underlying sex differences will allow for development of better diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for conditions co-existing with autism, like epilepsy and intellectual disability.
Radboud University, Donders Institute, Erasmus MC, HAS green academy and VU Amsterdam
“Establishing causal links between early life factors and autistic traits in males and females”