Autism and nitric oxide: Professor Haitham Amal unveils brain disorder breakthrough

Boston, Massachusetts, 12 November 2024 – The complex interplay between nitric oxide and brain disorders takes center stage in the latest Genomic Press Interview, published November 12, 2024, in Brain Medicine. Professor Haitham Amal, head of the Laboratory of Neuromics, Cell Signaling, and Translational Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, shares insights into his groundbreaking research and personal motivation.

“Meeting families and children with autism in Boston during my time at MIT inspired me to focus on a single goal: to help develop biological diagnostics and treatment for autism spectrum disorder,” Professor Amal reveals. This pivotal experience shaped his research trajectory, leading to significant discoveries about the role of nitric oxide in neurological conditions. Prof. Amal was the first to discover that nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in autism.

The interview highlights Professor Amal's unique approach to understanding brain disorders, combining proteomics with systems biology. His research has uncovered crucial links between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting shared molecular mechanisms that could revolutionize treatment approaches for both conditions.

“As a pharmacologist and neuroscientist, my unique expertise in understanding how drugs impact the brain is instrumental in achieving my goal of developing treatments for neurological disorders,” Professor Amal explains. His work has already led to the establishment of two biotechnology companies: Point6 Bio Ltd for ASD diagnostics and NeuroNOS Ltd for developing nitric oxide synthase inhibitors-based therapeutics for autism, Alzheimer’s disease and brain cancers.

The interview raises intriguing questions about the future of neurological treatment:

• Could targeting nitric oxide pathways provide a unified approach to treating both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders?

• How might early biological diagnostics transform autism intervention strategies?

• What role will personalized medicine play in addressing individual variations in brain disorders?

Professor Amal's journey from studying cannabis effects on cognition to becoming a leading figure in neurological research demonstrates the unexpected paths that can lead to scientific breakthroughs. His commitment to conducting experiments on both sexes equally and interest in aging mechanisms suggests a comprehensive approach to brain research that could yield additional insights.

Currently on sabbatical at Harvard University, Professor Amal continues to push boundaries in neuroscience while mentoring the next generation of researchers. His work has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Eagles Autism Foundation Research Grant, marking him as the first international scientist to receive this honor.

Professor Haitham Amal’s Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series that highlights the people behind today’s most influential scientific ideas. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that delve into the scientist’s impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and research rising stars featured by Genomic Press can be found in our website: https://genomicpress.com.

The full Genomic Press Interview, titled “Haitham Amal: Nitric oxide is a shared molecular mechanism of multiple neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders” is available on 12 November 2024 in Brain Medicine, providing detailed insights into Dr. Amal’s research methodology and vision for the future of addiction neuroscience. The interview is freely available online at https://url.genomicpress.com/bdcrvkrw.

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.