Mass spectrometry for the study of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014:806:525-44. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-06068-2_26.

Abstract

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been increasingly used to study central nervous system disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The first studies of ASD using MS focused on the identification of external toxins, but current research is more directed at understanding endogenous protein changes that occur in ASD (ASD proteomics). This chapter focuses on how MS has been used to study ASDs, with particular focus on proteomic analysis. Other neurodevelopmental disorders have been investigated using this technique, including genetic syndromes associated with autism such as fragile X syndrome and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autistic Disorder / metabolism*
  • Fragile X Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome / metabolism*