Scientists Develop New Tool for Early Autism Detection Beyond Blood-Brain Barrier Challenges

A new study published in NeuroMarkers suggests that measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in patient-derived stem cells could help distinguish autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability (ID), even when both conditions share the same genetic mutation.

Researchers from Ohio University used a highly sensitive carbon-fiber nanosensor to measure real-time NO production in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are created by reprogramming adult cells into an early developmental state. Because the technique analyzes patient-derived cells directly, it avoids challenges associated with blood-based biomarkers, which often fail to accurately reflect changes occurring in the brain due to the blood-brain barrier.

The study found clear differences in NO levels among the groups. Stem cells derived from individuals with ASD produced approximately 6 nanomoles (nM) of nitric oxide, while cells from patients with intellectual disability produced about 11 nM. In contrast, stem cells from healthy individuals generated around 65 nM, creating a distinct biochemical pattern that allowed researchers to differentiate the conditions.

The scientists selected undifferentiated iPSCs because they represent the earliest stages of human development and are not influenced by factors such as age, diet, medication use, or disease progression.

Currently, autism is diagnosed primarily through behavioral assessments, which often delay diagnosis until later in childhood. The researchers believe this nanosensor-based approach could eventually support much earlier detection, potentially within the first few months of life using easily obtained somatic cells.

Although the study involved a limited number of patient samples, the findings demonstrate the potential of real-time nitric oxide measurements as a biomarker for differentiating neurodevelopmental disorders. Larger studies will be needed to validate the results before the technique can be considered for clinical use.

REFERENCE: Khan, A. A., & Dewald, H. D. (2026). Nanosensor-based method for autism diagnosis using nitric oxide from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a biomarker. NeuroMarkers. DOI:10.1016/j.neumar.2026.100166. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950588726000145?via=ihub.