this post was submitted on 04 Dec 2023
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We don't even know if it will work in humans yet. They've only done tests on mice so far, but the gist of it is that they identified a particular protein and a gene responsible for its production. The gene therapy causes more of the protein to be produced which resulted in behavioral changes in the mice. How that plays out with humans is an open question.
I have a feeling I know how it is going to play out with western liberals, though (especially right-wing chuds and anti-vaxx groups): "Ebil CCPP spreading autism via vaccination confirmed!!!"
these are the takes I'm expecting
It might do something in humans, but the idea that autism is reducible to genes— and a single gene, at that— strikes me as laughable on its face.
How our whole body grows is a product of the genes ultimately, so the way brain connections form, balances of different proteins, and so on are also governed by our genetic makeup. I agree that it's obviously a much more complex picture than a single gene. However, if modifying a particular gene does increase production of this protein and that improves the way people are feeling then it's a tangible benefit. Ultimately that's the goal here.