Our Research > AutDB

AutDB is the first publicly available genetic database for autism spectrum disorders. We collect information from published scientific literature about autism into a searchable, curated database that is optimized for researchers yet still user-friendly for a general public audience. Curation is a labor-intensive process that ensures that the information included in the database is of high quality and as accurate as possible.

AutDB includes all genes whose mutations have been associated or implicated with autism spectrum disorders, together with all risk-conferring candidates associated with these disorders. Our researchers continuously analyze current scientific research articles so that AutDB serves as the most updated list of candidate genes for autism. In addition, the scientific community can enter newly identified gene candidates into AutDB to allow the latest knowledge to be accessible to the public.

At present, AutDB contains interactive modules that illuminate the molecular function of genes implicated in autism: Human Gene, which contains evidence for the association of genes with autism; Animal Models, which describes the characteristics of animal models created from altering expression of these genes; and Protein Interactions, which compiles all known molecular interactions of proteins produced from these genes. We hope to add new modules such as Brain Imaging and Environmental Factors to AutDB in the near future.

Funding for AutDB is currently provided by the Simons Foundation, a private foundation which supports basic research on autism as well as mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences. On the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) website, AutDB is licensed as SFARI Gene.