Fast Forward >> Fasting for better well-being in autism-spectrum disorder

Project synopsis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social life, and behavior for millions and is linked to poor sleep, gut discomfort and irregular eating. These may disrupt the body’s 24-hour cycle (circadian rhythm), worsening psychiatric burdens (e.g. anxiety and irritability).

This study is the first of its kind and addresses whether intermittent fasting—eating within a set daily window—can improve autism-like traits by restoring normal circadian rhythm. Using a mouse model of ASD-like behavior, we compare the sociability of fasting mice to those eating freely and study daily rhythmic patterns in biological data.

In parallel, we recruit a cohort of adults with ASD and characterize dietary patterns, sleep–wake cycles, gut symptoms, and psychiatric symptom burden using validated questionnaires. We conduct qualitative interviews to explore patients’ attitudes, barriers, and facilitators towards fasting. This ensures that a future clinical trial is based on patient needs, and real-world feasibility.

Framework 

This mentoring partnership establishes a brand-new connection between a biomedical research facility and a psychiatry research and clinical setting to pursue an interdisciplinary research idea with societal impact. The biomedical group specializes in carrying out interventions in translationally relevant animal models, whereas the psychiatry group develops and tests innovative interventions targeting psychiatric disorders in real-world clinical settings.

The project candidate will operate at the interface of these separate disciplines to facilitate crosstalk between the groups. The mentoring team share a vision of bringing these disciplines together to better solve the problem at hand and are ready to assist the candidate in this challenging task.

As such, the candidate’s research environments will span from experimental animal facility with behavioural phenotyping over wet and dry laboratory to an outpatient clinic with direct patient contact.

Ideal candidate

    • Educational background in medicine or a biomedicine-related field
    • Completed a PhD project in clinical medicine or biomedicine
    • Experience with or flair for working with live animals under supervision
    • Experience with qualitative research (e.g. questionnaires, interviews) is an advantage but not a prerequisite
    • Experience with handling omics/large datasets is an advantage but not a prerequisite

    Mentor team

    Basic mentor: Anders Brunse, Associate professor, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, UCPH

    Clinical mentor: Louise Birkedal Glenthøj, associate professor, VIRTU Research Group, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Department of Psychology, UCPH

    Contact 

    Anders Brunse: anderss@sund.ku.dk