Lindsey Felth Tanaka

Dr. Felth Tanaka’s K12 research centers around understanding how differences in neuronal  connectivity and excitability seen in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) contribute to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), such as incontinence, in people with ASD. More than 70% of adolescents with ASD experience LUTS with limited treatment options. Differences in neuronal excitability in human fMRI studies in brain regions controlling social and emotional processing are well characterized, explaining core symptoms of ASD such as reduced socialization and difficulties in communication. However, neuronal excitability of the brain-bladder circuit in ASD is unresolved. In addition, ASD has a complex multifactorial etiology that is likely susceptible to gene x environment interaction, such as nutritional status of micronutrients like zinc. Therefore, to develop effective treatments for ASD related LUTS it is essential to understand the pathophysiology of LUTS in this population.

Dr. Felth Tanaka utilizes a mouse model of ASD to accomplish the following: (1) demonstrate that LUTS severity correlates directly with ASD behavioral severity; (2) probe the brain-bladder circuit for hypoexcitability to identify potential mechanisms of action; and (3) investigate the viability of zinc supplementation as a treatment option for improving ASD-related LUTS. These studies may provide mechanistic insight to the basis of ASD-associated LUTS and inform treatment options.