The International Meeting for Autism Research May 15-17, 2008

Convergence of Behavioral Dysfunction, Abnormalities in Functional Imaging and Neuropathology in the Fusifrom Gyrus in Autism
10:50 a.m.

C. Schmitz, Maastricht University; S. Palmen, University Medical Center Utrecht; H. Heinsen, University of Wuerzburg; H. Van Engeland, University Medical Center-Utrecht; P. R. Hof, Mount Sinai School for Medicine; H. W. M. Steinbusch, Maastricht University; I Van Kooten, Maastricht University

Several lines of research suggest that individuals with autism have significant impairment in face processing, including difficulties in face recognition and the use of inefficient strategies for perceiving information from other’s faces. In fact, studies using functional brain imaging have shown that, when individuals with autism look at faces, they don’t activate a specialized face processing brain area located in the temporal lobe called the fusiform gyrus. These studies have helped linked the social impairments in autism to a specific neural system known to mediate a fundamental aspect of social behavior. In this presentation, the authors present new data showing abnormalities of the fusiform gyrus can be seen at the level of the neurons. Specifically, the individuals with autism had fewer neurons, less dense neurons, and reduced volume of neurons in parts of the fusiform gyrus. These abnormalities were not found in the primary visual cortex, suggesting that the fusiform is one of the specific areas affected in autism.

A Genetically Accurate Mouse Model of Autism: Disease-linked Point Mutation in Neuroligin-3 Produces Autism-like Behavior in Mice
3:45 p.m.

K. Tabuch, University of Texas; J. Blundell, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; M. R. Etherton, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center R. Hammer, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; X. Liu, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; T. Sudhof, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; C.M. Powell, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

During the past several years, scientists have been attempting to develop an appropriate animal model for autism. The development of an animal model is critical for conducting experimental studies to examine the effects of specific genetic mutations and the development of medical treatments. The scientists in this session will use a “knock-in” mouse model in which they have created a mutation in a gene associated with autism and examined the effects on the mouse’s behavior. Remarkably, the mouse shows impaired social interaction, as well as superior spatial learning skills.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Keynote – The Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP) and the New Genetics of Familial and Non-Familial Autism
8:30 a.m.