Novel diagnostics measures clock gene expression for early detection of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Alcohol drinking during pregnancy leads to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) accounting for about 2-5% of children in North America. Early diagnosis of FASD is imperative to prevent brain damage in FASD patients. There is no specific diagnostic test available so far.

Rutgers researchers notably identified the core-clock genes expression in a rhythmic pattern in human saliva. The expression pattern is significantly altered in FASD children. Dysregulation of clock gene expression is implicated in a variety of childhood diseases, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders and metabolic conditions.  Hence, detection of clock gene abnormalities in biological fluids may provide an opportunity for early diagnosis of childhood diseases. Human saliva is a good source of DNA/RNA, protein, and metabolites, making it ideal to assess FASD. Thus, developing a non-invasive saliva-based diagnostic kit to measure clock gene expression is highly useful to reduce FASD-related morbidities and improve the quality of life of individuals with FASD.