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A Proteomics Investigation of Salivary Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1/68 children, with a more recent study suggesting numbers as high as 1/36. According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the etiology of ASD is unknown and diagnosis of this disorder is behavioral. There is currently no biomarker signature for ASD, however, identifying a biomarker signature is crucial as it would aid in diagnosis, identifying treatment targets, monitoring treatments, and identifying the etiology of the disorder. Here we used nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to investigate the saliva from individuals with ASD and matched controls in a 14 vs 14 study. We found numerous proteins to have statistically significant dysregulations, including lactotransferrin, transferrin, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, Ig A L, Ig J chain, mucin 5 AC, and lipocalin 1 isoform X1. These findings are consistent with previous studies by our lab, and others, and point to dysregulations in the immune system, lipid metabolism and/or transport, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which are common and reoccurring topics in ASD research.

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Data Availability

The mass spectrometry raw data are available upon request.

Abbreviations

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

DSM:

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

ADOS:

Autism diagnostic observation schedule

LC:

Liquid chromatography

MS:

Mass spectrometry

CDC:

Center for disease control

RT:

Room temperature

HPLC:

High performance liquid chromatography

DTT:

Dithiothreitol

IAA:

Iodoacetamide

UPLC:

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography

ACN:

Acetonitrile

FA:

Formic acid

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Acknowledgements

KLW was supported by the David A. Walsh Fellowship, and the ASPIRE Fellowship Program at Clarkson University. The authors thank the donors and their families for their participation in this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest. No funds, grants, or other support was received.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Box 5810, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA

    Kelly L. Wormwood, Costel C. Darie & Alisa G. Woods

  2. Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Department of Psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA

    Laci Charette, Jeanne P. Ryan & Alisa G. Woods

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  1. Kelly L. Wormwood
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  2. Laci Charette
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  4. Costel C. Darie
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Contributions

AGW, JR, LC, CCD & KL designed the project. AGW, KL, CCD, JR & LC completed the research project. KL, CCD & AGW wrote the initial draft manuscript. AGW, JR, LC, CCD & KL updated the draft manuscript.

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Correspondence to Costel C. Darie.

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Wormwood, K.L., Charette, L., Ryan, J.P. et al. A Proteomics Investigation of Salivary Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Protein J 42, 607–620 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10930-023-10146-0

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