Serum proteomic profiling for autism using magnetic bead-assisted matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a pilot study

Background: The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders remains elusive and currently there are no diagnostic or predictive biomarkers in autism available. Proteomic profiling has been used in a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorder studies, which could produce deeper perceptions of the molecular bases behind certain disease and potentially becomes useful in discovering biomarkers in autism spectrum disorders. Methods: Serum samples were collected from autistic children about 3 years old in age (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 20) in similar age and gender. The samples were identified specific proteins that are differentially expressed by magnetic bead-based pre-fractionation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS). Results: Eight protein peaks were significantly different in autistic children from the healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The two peaks with the most significant differences were 6428 and 7758 Da in size. Conclusion: According to differences in serum protein profiles between the autistic children and healthy controls, this study identified a set of differentially expressed proteins those are significant for further evaluation and might function as biomarkers in autism.