Autism researcher Joseph Buxbaum describes the SHANK3 gene and the promise of IGF1

Submitted by Anonymous on February 21, 2012 - 10:13
Date Published: 
February 21, 2012
Year Published: 
2012
Abstract: 

Dr. Joseph Buxbaum is the Director of the Seaver Autism Center. Dr. Buxbaum discusses the SHANK3 gene, which helps synapses to properly function. Around 1% of children with ASD have SHANK3 mutations, making it one of the most common single-gene causes of autism. Dr. Buxbaum also discusses Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF1), which is the second drug aimed at treating core symptoms of autism, and is currently being tested on humans.