FAMILY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Faecal Microbiota Analysis in Neurotypical and Autism Syndrome Disorder Siblings
IRAS ID
317085
Contact name
Ben Marlow
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
TBC, Clinicaltrials.gov registration post approval
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of brain developmental disorders defined by stereotyped behaviour and deficits in communication and social interaction (David et al 2021). ASD is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities (Wasilewska et al 2015). GI symptoms tend to be correlated with the severity of the ASD symptoms (Chaidez et al 2014). The mechanisms underpinning the connection between GI clinical signs and ASD remain largely unknown. However, evidence suggests the link may be the gut microbiota (the bacteria, archaea, viruses and eukaryotes in the human gut) that interact with the human host via the gut-brain axis (Cryan et al 2013).
This study aims to firstly characterise the gut microbiota composition of faeces of children with ASD compared with the gut microbiota composition of their neurotypical sibling. Secondly, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will be used to characterise the metagenome and metabolome of the faeces of both the children with ASD and their neurotypical sibling. It is hypothesised that firstly the gut microbiota composition of the faeces of children with ASD will be significantly different from their siblings’. Secondly, the functionality of the gut microbiota will be impaired and will lack genes encoding key functions in those with ASD, in comparison with their sibling.If such comparisons can be demonstrated this will add to the evidence base for use of potential therapeutic strategies for children with ASD, such as faecal transplant with a sibling acting as donor.
This is a pilot study, which will allow the research team to calculate the required sample size for a larger powered study that will definitely explore whether the gut microbiota composition is different between siblings with ASD and their neurotypical sibling.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0219
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion