Chronic disturbances in gastrointestinal function such as pain and dysmotility, which can negatively affect the quality of life, are often observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, however, the underlying disruptions to GI-neural circuits are little understood. This discussion will feature new and complementary approaches by neuroscientist Lauren Orefice and materials scientist Polina Anikeeva to investigate the links between the gut and the central nervous system in animal models for autism. This research has the potential to enable new understandings of how gut-brain communication can become disrupted in cases of autism, and may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies to alleviate GI symptoms.

– FEATURING –

Lauren Orefice, PhD
Assistant Professor of Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School

Polina Anikeeva, PhD
Associate Investigator, McGovern Institute
Professor, Materials Science and Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Associate Director, Research Laboratory of Electronics

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