Integrative Pediatrics and Child Care

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2019)
Short Communication

Decreased Phosphorylated ERK 1/2 in Individuals with Autism

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  • Russo AJ,
  • Mensah A,
  • Bowman J
Russo AJ
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Drew University & Research Director, Mensah Medical Center, Illinois, USA
Mensah A
Mensah Medical Center, Illinois, USA
Bowman J
Mensah Medical Center, Illinois, USA

Published 2019-04-18

Keywords

  • ERK,
  • Austism,
  • EGFR,
  • Kinases,
  • Phosphorylated
Copyright Notice

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex, highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders affecting ∼1 in 60-100 children. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases, ERK1 and ERK2, are central elements of one of the most prominent intracellular signaling cascades, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. They are genetically linked to ASDs and other syndromes typified by intellectual disability. In this study, we measured the concentration of phosphorylated (activated) ERK 1 and 2. We present evidence that ERK is decreased in individuals with autism, and that ERK levels are associated with decreased Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR).

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