CFH1b Research - microRNA markers in autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common (1/100). Autism is often passed down in families but there is no one gene that causes autism. This may be because it is not caused by a single gene but by the way our bodies control how genes work. Little research has been done on this. MicroRNAs in the blood may be important here. In some families there are several people with autism but no known genetic cause found. For the first time, we would like to look at microRNAs in the blood of families, comparing people with and without autism in the family. This will allow us 1. To see if microRNAs should be researched more 2. To work with families to make sure all our procedures are acceptable. If this is shown to be promising research, we will apply to the Medical Research Council for a larger study.