A Novel Role of Crimpy, an IGFBP, in the Etiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Overview

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that results from neurodevelopmental delays and often presents as cognitive, social, communicational, and behavioral challenges. Currently, up to one in thirty-six American children suffer from ASD, making research into potential factors incredibly important, as its root causes are largely unknown. In the past, Drosophila melanogaster have been used to study the genetic factors leading to a variety of conditions stemming from neurodevelopmental delays. For this study, the relationship between Crimpy, a novel Drosophila insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP), and the presence of obsessive grooming behaviors in Drosophila –an indication of neurodevelopmental delays– was studied. It was also tested whether the absence of Crimpy as a whole or just in certain Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) producing neurons would have a significant impact on obsessive grooming behavior compared to wild-type Drosophila. Three groups of Drosophila were recorded, and their behavior was analyzed at three different ages: one day old, ten days old, and twenty-five days old. The data supported the hypothesis stating that the Drosophila lacking Crimpy altogether, as well as just in the IGF-producing neurons, demonstrated more obsessive grooming behavior than wild-type Drosophila in all measured metrics, suggesting the presence of neurodevelopmental delays. This study helps to reveal the vital role that IGFBPs play in neural development. This also presents opportunities for future research to investigate the role of similar proteins in humans to uncover potential risk factors for neurodevelopmental conditions such as ASD.

Competition history

• AJAS 2026 Category not listed

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