Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of the brain’s dopamine system in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the specific dopamine dysfunctions that drive ASD symptoms remain elusive. Understanding how dopamine disruptions relate to key behavioral challenges in ASD, such as social interactions, is essential for developing effective interventions. However, current techniques to study dopamine’s role in both healthy and ASD-affected human brains are limited.
To tackle this challenge, we have pioneered innovative approaches using mouse models to explore dopamine neuron function in both typical and ASD-modeled brains. Our experiments will reveal
distinct dopamine activity patterns during social interactions in healthy versus ASD-model mice, offering unprecedented insights into how dopamine alterations may underlie social deficits. Building on this, we will integrate molecular techniques to identify novel therapeutic targets within the dopamine system, potentially enabling new treatment pathways for ASD.
If successful, our research could unlock fresh strategies for treating the dopaminergic aspects of ASD, paving the way for transformative therapies that improve social functioning and quality of life for those affected by ASD.