Research Projects

Autism, a lifelong neurological condition, affects one in 100 children globally and is estimated to be one in every 44 children born with autism in the Us. It is a spectrum disorder, with symptoms ranging from minor learning disabilities to complex needs with various challenges and atypical behavior. The management of autism is difficult due to the complexity of changing neuropsychiatric and behavioral issues arising from unregulated signaling mediators connected to neural pathways during early brain development. The increasing prevalence of AsD in India is due to societal neglect and misdiagnosis by medical professionals. Neurologists face a burden due to the lack of specific treatment and diagnostics for AsD. KLOTHO, a longevity factor involved in diverse functions like mitochondrial function, neuronal cell development, proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, and synaptic network formation, has been recognized for its role in anti-aging and cognitive function. This project aims to explore the role of KLOTHO as a cellular signaling modulator in understanding the disease mechanisms and proposes studies to identify pharmacological-based interventions and diagnostic markers for early diagnosis and treatment of Autism. A prenatal Valproic acid rat model will be used in the study. The goal is to provide quality care and assistance accessible, inexpensive, and necessary to all individuals affected by autism while limiting adverse effects.