Meet a Civitan Scientist is a series that highlights the impactful research of Civitan scientists and their contributions to understanding and addressing neurodevelopmental challenges.

In this installment, Bryan Luikart, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Neurobiology, explores his research on neurons and genetic mutations that cause autism spectrum disorder.Bryan Luikart, Ph.D.

Advancing research through personal motivation and scientific collaboration

The Luikart lab studies how genetic changes that cause autism spectrum disorder alter neuron development and function in mice. By better understanding the genetic mutations, treatments can be devised.

Through their research, the team aims to better understand the neurobiological processes that are disrupted in patients with autism and the neurobiological basis for learning, memory, social interaction, and processing sensory information.

“I wanted to understand how the brain processes information to give us those abilities that make us who we are,” Luikart said. His research aids scientists in discovering how we learn, feel emotions, and respond to our environment.

CIRC’s impact on research and training

Civitan has played a critical role in this research. Luikart specifically appreciates the ability to work collectively to expand research capabilities.

“Within our local network of researchers at Civitan International Research Center, we are capable of identifying patients in need, creating animal models to understand the basis of their disorders, and developing strategies to treat patients,” Luikart said.

He mentioned that UAB's resources make conducting research more successful. Luikart said, "There are clinicians and large patient populations at UAB that allow us to detect genetic and environmental changes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.”

Looking towards the future, Luikart says there is still a great deal to learn, but their success continues to make strides forward in autism related research.

The research conducted on mice showed that patients may respond to a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors. Through clinical trials, patients have seen positive outcomes with this drug.

“This is just the first step, and I expect to contribute to continued improvement in developing therapies and understanding which patients, beyond those bearing the specific mutations we study, will benefit from the same type of 'personalized' targeted treatments,” Luikart said.