Guest Editors:
Deepak P. Srivastava, King's College London
Edna Grünblatt, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich
Adrian J. Harwood, Cardiff University
The Editors-in-Chief of Molecular Autism, Simon Baron-Cohen and Joseph Buxbaum, in collaboration with the Guest Editors, invite the submission of articles to a thematic series on Stem Cells and Autism Research.
Patient specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) promise new opportunities in encapturing the complex underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Conditions. Importantly, this cellular system recapitulates the genetic landscape associated with Autism Spectrum Conditions.
Thus, this system holds much promise in unravelling the molecular underpinnings, understanding how the complex polygenetic architecture results into altered neuronal functions, and investigating the interaction of neuro-immune and environmental factors contribute to developing these conditions. However, as with any nascent technique, challenges surrounding the use of this system have also emerged.
This thematic series aims to provide a collection of Reviews and Primary Research Articles that will provide a valuable overview of how iPSC-based technologies have furthered our understanding of the complexities and aetiology of all forms of autism, as well as the considerations researchers should make when designing studies utilising patient specific iPSCs.
Topics to be covered include (but are not limited to):
• Studies focused on translating genetic risk into biological functions relevant for Autism spectrum conditions;
• Using stem cells models to understand how environmental perturbations influence neurodevelopment and increase risk of developing Autism spectrum conditions;
• Modelling genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of Autism spectrum conditions using stem cell models;
• Considerations for designing stem cell studies: e.g. which patient samples to use and how to reduce variability between experiments/studies.
Articles must be submitted through Editorial Manager by 31st October 2019. Please indicate at the Additional Information stage of submission that you are submitting to the Stem Cells and Autism Research article collection. All manuscripts received will be subject to peer review as is standard for the journal.