Sidra Medicine zebrafish study investigates gene linked to autism, epilepsy

Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, have published a groundbreaking study mark...

Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine and Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, have published a groundbreaking study marking the first creation of an autism zebrafish model in Qatar, to investigate a rare genetic mutation associated with both autism and epilepsy. The study highlights the power of precision medicine in advancing our understanding of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

Titled “Seizure-like behavior and hyperactivity in NAPB knockout zebrafish as a model for autism and epilepsy,” the research focused on a gene called NAPB1, which was identified by the QBRI team, as a risk factor in a rare case involving identical Qatari triplets diagnosed with both autism and epilepsy. Using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, researchers at Sidra Medicine's Zebrafish Facility created zebrafish with the same genetic mutation.

The collaborative research was led by: Dr. Sahar Isa Da’as, Research Manager and Waseem Hasan, Research Specialist III from Sidra Medicine and Dr. Yongsoo Park, Senior Scientist and Dr. Kyung Chul Shin, Postdoc from QBRI.

Dr. Sahar Isa Da’as, Research Manager at the Zebrafish Facility at Sidra Medicine, said: “Our zebrafish research is an important step in translating rare genetic discoveries into real-world disease models. The zebrafish used in this study showed seizure-like movements and hyperactivity, which mirror the symptoms of autism and epilepsy seen in patients. This demonstrates how zebrafish can be a powerful tool for drug screening and testing personalized treatments.”