Project Summary

Suma Jacob, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of the University of Illinois, Chicago, will pursue research based on evidence that the hormone oxytocin and the related peptide vasopressin are involved in autism and early-onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Through family-based genetic studies of two different clinical samples of children, with autism and with early-onset OCD, she will attempt to elucidate potential hormonal mechanisms underlying the overlap of compulsive behaviors. Preliminary data from her lab suggest an undetermined susceptibility variant in or near the oxytocin receptor gene in autism, and that meaningful differences in occurrence exist between ethnic populations.

Program Area: PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS\Autism

Search Again