![Lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, could be effective in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (Image courtesy of IBS)](http://koreabizwire.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AKR20241223042000063_04_i_org.jpg)
Lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, could be effective in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (Image courtesy of IBS)
SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Scientists have discovered that lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, could be effective in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to new research announced on December 23.
A team led by Kim Eunjoon at the Institute for Basic Science’s (IBS) Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions has uncovered how the DYRK1A gene deficiency causes autism symptoms and demonstrated that lithium can normalize behavioral abnormalities by repairing neural damage.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and intellectual and anxiety disorders, is known to be 80% genetic in origin. However, with over 1,000 associated genes identified, the exact cause has remained elusive.
The DYRK1A gene, located on human chromosome 21, is also known to cause Down syndrome. Mutations in this gene are associated with language development disorders, intellectual disabilities, and microcephaly.
When analyzing mice with DYRK1A gene deficiency, researchers observed reduced synaptic density, diminished excitatory synaptic function, and decreased dendritic structure. The study revealed that the gene deficiency inhibits the mTOR pathway, which is involved in cellular signaling, leading to reduced brain growth, impaired neuronal development, and microcephaly.
The gene-deficient mice exhibited increased anxiety behaviors, more frequent maternal seeking, and in males, reduced frequency and complexity of courtship behaviors – symptoms similar to human autism.
The research team administered lithium, which can increase mTOR pathway activity, during the mice’s juvenile period and observed their progress into adulthood. Lithium is widely used as a treatment for bipolar disorder.
Remarkably, the treatment not only restored neural transmission, neuronal structure, and autistic behavioral symptoms to normal levels but also treated microcephaly. The effects of short-term lithium administration during youth persisted into adulthood, suggesting that lithium enables long-term structural and functional brain recovery rather than just temporary neurological improvement.
“Lithium regulates the imbalance of neural connections and synaptic function, stabilizing the brain’s signaling system to facilitate smooth neural traffic,” explained senior researcher Roh Jun-yeop, a co-first author of the study.
“The lasting effects of lithium treatment into adulthood suggest the encouraging possibility that early diagnosis and short-term drug treatment could alleviate autism,” Kim noted.
“Given lithium’s extensive clinical experience in treating various psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder, its proven efficacy and safety could contribute to developing personalized autism treatments.”
The research findings were published in the online edition of the international journal “Molecular Psychiatry” on December 5.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)