Ethereal Project - Enigma 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Environmental influence on mental illness via modifications of genomes and metabolomes in adolescents with Autism
IRAS ID
340772
Contact name
Samuele Cortese
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Adolescents with autism present a highly heterogenous profile in terms of comorbid mental illnesses. The evidence base supporting strategies for managing mental illnesses in autistic adolescents is mixed, and there are currently no evidence-based guidelines as to which interventions to use for which individual. Therefore, a research priority in this area is the repackaging of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in a modular person-specific approach, within a framework inspired by precision medicine.
This observational study will generate data from approximately 133 adolescents aged 11-15 years with a formal diagnosis of autism, the ability to interact verbally and no severe motor impairments or intellectual disability. Participants will be recruited from secondary schools and autism charities willing to act as gatekeepers, as well as via adverts at University sites and on social media pages. Data will be collected across 5 clinic visits, and at home over the course of 6 months. Social, behavioural, and environmental data will be collected using a wireless monitoring device and a supporting smartphone app. Genetic, metabolic and hormonal data will be collected through buccal (cheek swab), urine and stool samples. Mental and cognitive data will be collected via mental health assessments and computer-based cognitive assessments.
Quantitative modelling of these data will be used to develop models with the following aims: 1) Identify “which” environmental factors are important in “which” autistic adolescent, 2) identify “how” these environmental factors contribute to a “certain” mental illness in the individual autistic adolescent, and “what” control strategy should be invoked to control “these” environmental factors, 3) inform the design of an uptake model in real clinical practice. This study will enrich the understanding of mechanisms that predispose autistic adolescents to mental illness and support the formulation a personalization strategy that could be applied for selecting the appropriate EBI for treating an autistic adolescent.REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0117
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion