16s RNA sequencing
This study employs a genetically engineered mouse model to investigate the critical role of the gut microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to evaluate a prebiotic intervention strategy. The research specifically utilizes Chd8 haploinsufficient (Chd8) mice, a model recapitulating core ASD features, to determine whether genetic risk factors drive specific alterations in gut microbial communities. By comparing the gut microbiota composition (via 16S rRNA gene sequencing) across three groups wild type (WT) controls, Chd8 mutants, and Chd8 mutants receiving prebiotic treatment.This work aims to identify ASD genotype-associated gut dysbiosis by contrasting the WT and Chd8 groups, assess the efficacy of prebiotics in normalizing the microbiota by analyzing changes in the intervention group, and elucidate correlations between specific bacterial taxa and the ASD-like phenotype. The relevance of this work lies in its mechanistic approach, linking a high confidence ASD risk gene to downstream effects on the gut-brain axis. Findings from this study have the potential to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD and could pave the way for novel, microbiome-based therapeutic or dietary interventions for individuals with related genetic susceptibilities.(Key Terms): Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Chd8, gut microbiome, prebiotic, gut brain axis, dysbiosis, 16S rRNA sequencing, haploinsufficiency, mouse model.