2014 International Meeting for Autism Research

May 14 - 17, 2014

Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of IGF-1 and related compounds to restore biological deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with autism and intellectual disability, including Rett, Fragile X, and Phelan-McDermid Syndromes. Although, these disorders are caused by different genetic abnormalities, the ameliorative effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1(1-3) suggest the presence of common rescue pathways. In this session, we bring together individuals with diverse expertise that are studying cellular, molecular and behavioral phenotypes associated with Rett, Fragile X and Phelan-McDermid Syndromes, using animal and human models. The participants discuss the relevant mechanisms of action and perspectives on using IGF1 and its analogs as novel therapeutic agents for patients with ASDs.