Decreased levels of alpha synuclein in families with autism spectrum disorder and relationship between the disease severity.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood. Mutations in α-synuclein (SNCA) gene have been shown to result in the accumulation of α-synuclein, which occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim was to determine the changes in the expression profile and protein level of this gene by comparing the autistic children with their healthy siblings, their mothers and healthy controls in order to elucidate the possible contribution of the SNCA gene to the etiology of ASD. 50 autistic patients, their mothers, siblings and 25 healthy controls and their mothers were enrolled to determine SNCA gene expression and serum α-synuclein levels. It was determined that α-synuclein serum levels decreased in the autistic patients. Similarly, it was found that SNCA gene expression and serum α-synuclein levels were significantly decreased in the mothers of the patients. Significant negative correlation was observed between the SNCA gene and protein expression amounts in the 6-8 age of the patients. This family-based study is the first in the literature, with both gene expression and serum levels of α-synuclein. The relationship between ASD severity and α-synuclein level needs to be confirmed in larger-scale studies.

A therapeutic keypad lock decoded in drug resistant cancer cells.

A molecular keypad lock that displays photodynamic activity when exposed to glutathione (GSH), esterase and light in the given order, is fabricated and its efficacy in drug resistant MCF7 cancer cells is investigated. The first two inputs are common drug resistant tumor markers. GSH reacts with the agent and shifts the absorption wavelength. Esterase separates the quencher from the structure, further activating the agent. After these sequential exposures, the molecular keypad lock is exposed to light and produces cytotoxic singlet oxygen. Among many possible combinations, only one 'key' can activate the agent, and initiate a photodynamic response. Paclitaxel resistant MCF7 cells are selectively killed. This work presents the first ever biological application of small molecular keypad locks.