Research on cavefish may lead to therapeutic methods in autism, schizophrenia

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
James T. Hall, (808) 956-3850
College of Natural Sciences
Masato Yoshizawa
Assistant Professor, Biology
Posted: Jul 13, 2016

Masato Yoshizawa
Masato Yoshizawa
Surface fish (top) vs. cavefish.
Surface fish (top) vs. cavefish.

A research group led by UH Mānoa Biology Assistant Professor Masato Yoshizawa has found similarities between behavior in cavefish and humans with autism and schizophrenia. With this significant discovery, the researchers are attempting to resolve fundamental mechanisms of these diseases, and eventually hope to develop therapeutic methods in autism and schizophrenia.

Yoshizawa recently presented his findings at the 23rd International Conference on Subterranean Biology in Fayetteville, Arkansas. His presentation, “Adaptation through changes of behavioral and morphological traits in Mexican Cavefish,” garnered attention for its implications regarding the potential for the fish research in understanding human mental disorders and possible treatments.

An article focusing on these implications appear in ScienceMag at http://go.hawaii.edu/jGx.

See more information at http://go.hawaii.edu/jGk.