Worm movements may help scientists understand genes linked to autism. In a study, researchers watched how tiny wriggling worms with changes in autism-linked genes moved, then screened thousands of drugs to see which ones changed their swimming patterns.
The nervous system of the roundworm C. elegans has just 302 neurons, which makes it a useful, simple model for studying how nerve cells develop. Although these worms have been used a lot in neurodevelopment research, only a handful of studies had used them to look at genes linked to autism.
The researchers used infrared light to track the movement of worms with changes in these genes (sometimes called “autistic worms” in news coverage, although worms can’t be autistic). Differences in how a worm wriggled reflected differences in how its nerve cells had developed.
To switch off 27 genes linked to autism, the researchers injected small pieces of RNA into the worms’ eggs. Thirty worms with the same gene switched off were placed in each well of a 96-well plate, and infrared beams tracked their movements.
Specialized software calculated a movement score for each worm strain, showing whether its wriggling was different from usual.
This method identified 12 genes that changed how the worms moved when switched off. When the researchers looked more closely, these worms had fewer motor neurons than expected, and the neurons were unusually shaped. This is interesting because motor differences, such as coordination and balance difficulties, are common in autistic people.
Four Genes Linked to Autism the Researchers Studied
The researchers then homed in on four genes:
- ANK2
- CACNA1C
- GRIN2B
- CACNA1A
In worms with changes in these genes, the motor neurons had different shapes and numbers.
The team then tested 3,900 drugs on these worms. They found that 49 drugs improved movement in worms with altered ANK2, and 56 did the same for CACNA1C. Another 62 drugs restored typical movement in worms with GRIN2B changes, and 28 did so for CACNA1A.
The researchers believe that understanding how these compounds work could open new avenues for research into conditions linked to these genes.
What Genes Are Associated With Autism?
Hundreds of genes are associated with autism. Well-studied examples include CHD8, SCN2A, SHANK3, ANK2, GRIN2B and CACNA1C. Most autistic people inherit many common gene variants that each have a small effect, while a smaller number have a single rare variant with a bigger effect. No single gene explains autism on its own.
What Does This Mean for Autistic People?
This is early laboratory research in worms, and it is a very long way from any treatment for people. A few important points:
- Autism is not one gene. Hundreds of genes are linked to autism, and each one plays a small part for most autistic people. Read more in is autism genetic?
- Research like this is mainly about understanding biology. Some of these genes (such as CACNA1A and GRIN2B) are also linked to epilepsy and movement conditions, so findings may eventually help with co-occurring health conditions that cause real difficulties.
- Autism is part of who a person is. Many autistic people and families are wary of research framed as “correcting” autism. Most want research that improves quality of life, health and support, rather than changing who autistic people are.
For families today, the most helpful supports remain understanding your child’s strengths and needs, adapting their environment and getting practical support with communication, sensory needs and daily life.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
