Work

Altered NCAM1, NRXN1, NLGN4, and CDH2 Levels in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Unaffected Siblings

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasingly associated with alterations in synaptic function and plasticity, in which cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a critical role. This study aimed to compare peripheral levels of NCAM1, NRXN1, NLGN4, and CDH2 among individuals with ASD, their unaffected siblings, and healthy controls, and to examine their associations with autism severity and autistic traits in siblings. Methods: The study included 41 children aged 18-72 months diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria, 41 unaffected siblings of children with ASD (control group 1, aged 24-72 months), and 41 typically developing children (control group 2, aged 18-72 months). The severity of ASD symptoms was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Behavior Checklist. Parents of the siblings completed the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire to assess subclinical autistic traits. Serum NCAM1, NRXN1, NLGN4, and CDH2 levels were measured in peripheral blood samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed among the study groups in serum levels of NCAM1, NRXN1, NLGN4, or CDH2. However, within the ASD group, a significant positive correlation was found between NCAM1 and NRXN1 levels, suggesting a potential interrelation between these synaptic adhesion molecules. Conclusion: Although peripheral levels of NCAM1, NRXN1, NLGN4, and CDH2 did not differ among groups, the observed molecular correlation in ASD cases may reflect subtle mechanisms influencing synaptic connectivity. Further biochemical and genetic studies are warranted to clarify the roles of these molecules in the etiology and neurobiology of ASD.

Source: Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience

DOI: 10.9758/cpn.26.1398

Authors: Ayşegül Tuğba Hıra Selen, Necati Uzun, İbrahim Kılınç, Ahmet Osman Kılıç

Institutions: Konya City Hospital, Necmettin Erbakan University

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi