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.

To accomplish this, Dr. Felth Tanaka utilizes a mouse model of ASD to accomplish the following: (1) Demonstrate that LUTD severity increases with increasing ASD behavioral severity using a battery of tests to assess ASD core symptoms (three chamber social approach, repetitive grooming, and social odor discrimination) as well as voiding dysfunction (void spot assay). (2) Provide mechanistic data by probing the brain-bladder circuit for hypoexcitability in the Pontine Micturition Center, afferent pelvic nerve, and dorsal root ganglion while performing anesthetized bladder cytometry. (3) Investigate the viability of zinc supplementation as a treatment option for improving ASD related LUTS.  These studies will provide mechanistic insight to the basis of ASD associated LUTS and inform treatment options.