Background Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. However, the role of bacterial genomic structural variations (SVs) in ASD remains largely unexplored.
Objective We aimed to identify bacterial SVs associated with ASD and explore their mechanistic role and clinical application. Design We collected faecal metagenomes from 452 children (261 ASD, 191 neurotypical) across an in-house and seven public datasets.
Using linear mixed-effects modelling, we identified ASD-associated SVs and compositional shifts and validated candidate SVs in humanised gut microbiome mice. Results We identified 100 bacterial SVs significantly associated with ASD (p Bacteroides uniformis related to thiamine and iron metabolism.
Moreover, SVs in Ruminococcus torques were associated with the MazF (endoribonuclease toxin) and MazE (antitoxin) system, a key regulator of pathobiont proliferation. Validation in humanised mouse models confirmed significant correlations between these SV signatures and ASD-like behaviours, such as reduced social interaction and increased repetitive behaviours.
Both phylogeographically conserved and regionally restricted SVs showed strong associations with ASD.
Gut (BMJ) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 07 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Bacterial genomic structural variations in children with autism serve as diagnostic biomarkers.
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