PMSF to co-fund Autism Science Foundation research grant on neuro-inflammation and regression in PMS
by Dr Kate Still, PhD, PMSF Scientific Director
Application Process
Recently, the Autism Science Foundation announced a new funding opportunity for scientists. Researchers were encouraged to submit projects which represent people with the most challenging symptoms (significant intellectual disability, limited verbal capability, challenging behaviors, and an inability to advocate for oneself).
Click here to read more about the application process.
PMSF was approached by several researchers to partner on project applications related to PMS. The Autism Science Foundation conducted an extensive review and a PMS-focused application written by Dr. Sheng-Nan Qiao at Yale University was selected for the award.
Both PMSF and CureSHANK have offered funding support for the project alongside the Autism Science Foundation.
Funded project details
Dr. Qiao’s proposal focused on the link between inflammation and regression (loss of skills). Their lab has previously found loss of Shank3 increases susceptibility to inflammation. Case studies have found that modifying the immune response has sometimes been helpful in people with PMS with regression and neuropsychiatric illness.
Dr. Qiao proposed to understand this better, by studying an animal model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome in the lab. The project aims to see if inflammation is linked with regression and autism-like behaviors in animals. The research team also plans to see if intravenous immunoglobulin injection (antibodies) helps reduce inflammation in the brain.
To see an Autism Science Foundation press release about the funded awards, see: Press Release Link
What's next?
PMSF knows neuropsychiatric illness and regression are one of the top research priorities for PMS families. We will keep the community informed of progress on this important project, alongside our ongoing “Neurospychiatric illness and regression” research award – to be renewed in 2023 for $100,000.