Giulia Borini

Giulia Borini


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
VRVeronica Remori
Veronica Remori
Heather BondiHeather Bondi
Heather Bondi
MAManuel Airoldi
Manuel Airoldi
Lisa PavinatoLisa Pavinato
Lisa Pavinato
GBGiulia Borini
Giulia Borini
Mauro FasanoMauro Fasano
Mauro Fasano
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite extensive research involving genome-wide association studies, copy number variant (CNV) testing, and genome sequencing, the comprehensive genetic landscape remains incomplete. In this context, we developed a systems biology approach to prioritize genes associated with ASD and uncover potential new candidates. A Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network was generated from genes associated to ASD in a public database. Leveraging gene topological properties, particularly betweenness centrality, we prioritized genes and unveiled potential novel candidates (e.g., CDC5L, RYBP, and MEOX2). To test this approach, a list of genes within CNVs of unknown significance, identified through array comparative genomic hybridization analysis in 135 ASD patients, was mapped onto the PPI network. A prioritized gene list was obtained through ranking by betweenness centrality score. Intriguingly, by over-representation analysis, significant enrichments emerged in pathways not strictly linked to ASD, including ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and cannabinoid receptor signaling, suggesting their potential perturbation in ASD. Our systems biology approach provides a promising strategy for identifying ASD risk genes, especially in large and noisy datasets, and contributes to a deeper understanding of the disorder’s complex genetic basis.