Short report on a distinct electroencephalogram endophenotype for MTHFR gene variation co-occurring in autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract

Anecdotal reports link a distinct, bilateral, parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm on an electroencephalogram to a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant co-occurring in autism spectrum disorder, but the validation of its precision is needed. The electroencephalograms of children with autism spectrum disorder showing the distinct bilateral parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm and their clinical chart report on polymerase chain reaction screening for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants, 677C>T and 1298A>C, were retrieved from an outpatient clinic between February 2019 and April 2024. Twenty-five cases were identified. Patients were between 2 and 12 (7 ± 3) years old from Asian (n = 16, 64%), European (n = 5, 20%), African (n = 1, 4%) and mixed (n = 3, 12%) ethnicities. Twenty patients (80%) were positive for 677 C>T_heterozygous (n = 3, 15%), 1298A>C_heterozygous (n = 8, 40%) or both (n = 9, 45%). The polymerase chain reaction testing detected neither variant in 5 (20%) patients. Therefore, the electroencephalogram-endophenotype showed 80% precision in identifying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variant within the sample. This preliminary data support the precision of the proposed distinct, bilateral, parieto-temporally generated 4.5-Hz rhythm in identifying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene variants and its potential clinical applications as a valuable, non-invasive and objective measure within the population.Lay abstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations refer to genetic variations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme, which plays an important role in folate metabolism. Folate is essential for neural development and signalling. Children with autism spectrum disorder have atypical neural signals compared with control. This study used a non-invasive method to identify a distinct neural signal that may be useful in future screening for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Given that the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorder have multiple genetic factors and often require subjective assessment, this study introduces a potential non-invasive screening method for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation. This method could provide valuable biomarkers for screening and personalised treatments, offering hope for improved risk stratification and bespoke nutritional support and supplements to mitigate the impact on affected individuals and their descendants.