Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect learning and social behavior in many children, with a strong and genetically complex hereditary basis. Hunter, Mullen and colleagues mutated the autism-associated neuroligin gene (nlg-1) in C. elegans. Mutant worms have sensory deficits, increased levels of oxidative stress and are hypersensitive to environmental toxins. This model suggests that neuroligin influences sensory processing and oxidative stress, and may explain some of the hypersensitivity in individuals with ASDs.
2010
