UCSF maps over 1,800 protein interactions linked to autism, revealing new drug target opportunities

UCSF scientists created a molecular map of autism by analyzing 100 risk genes, which uncovered more than 1,800 protein-protein interactions.

The study found that about 87% of these connections had not been reported before, indicating a large amount of previously unknown biology.

Researchers used AlphaFold, an AI tool that predicts protein structures, to focus on direct interactions and identified highly interconnected cell hubs that converge on shared pathways.

The authors say the map offers a blueprint for drug discovery, pointing to potential druggable targets for autism, especially the most severe, non-verbal forms.