Unique minds, unique migraines: exploring the genetic link between autism and migraine disorder

Editor’s note: The research described below comes from a recipient of a 2025 MSC Travel Grant supporting travel to the British Neuroscience Association 2025 Festival of Neuroscience. These grants reimburse travel expenses for those who have had their abstract for a presentation or poster accepted at a meeting.

By Amparo Gimenez Rios, AMRSB, MSc student in bioinformatics, University of Glasgow, Scotland (connect with Amparo on LinkedIn).

Title of poster

Unique minds, unique migraines: exploring the genetic link between autism and migraine disorder

What is the research gap that your study addresses?

There is a significant gap in our understanding of how neurodivergent individuals experience migraines, the potential link between neurodevelopmental conditions and migraine disorder, and the nature of this connection. This study aims to address some of these questions focusing on autistic individuals, generate new questions, and raise awareness of this important topic.

What is your research hypothesis?

Autism and migraine disorder share common genetic elements, such as SNPs and/or associated genes, which may influence gene function or expression. Furthermore, significant molecular interactions among genes associated with each condition are anticipated, potentially uncovering common biological mechanisms that influence how one condition impacts the presentation of the other.

What methodology did you use to address your research hypothesis?

Our study used a bioinformatics approach to investigate genetic overlap and molecular interactions between autism and migraine disorder. Data from GWAS Catalog was processed in RStudio to identify overlapping SNPs and genes associated with both conditions, ensuring that only genes with odds ratios greater than 1.01 were included to confirm their impact on the conditions. Protein-coding genes were analyzed using the STRING database, focusing on high-confidence protein-protein interactions and enriched biological processes. The analysis emphasized cross-condition interactions and used statistical methods to explore unique and shared biological processes, providing insights into the genetic and molecular links between autism and migraine​.

What are the main results of your study?

We identified 63 overlapping genes between autism and migraine with significant overlap (p-value = 6e-12, OR = 2.9). Genes with higher odds ratios included NT5C2, SORBS1, SERPINA1, DPP6, and EYA1. We also identified enriched protein-protein interactions (p-value = 3.19e-12). Key enriched biological processes included neural development, immune response, and basal dendrite arborization. An expanded STRING analysis incorporating 1st and 2nd shell interactions ensured that the processes identified in the combined set were meaningful and not simply due to the larger network size. This revealed distinct biological processes when both conditions co-occur, and higher mean strength compared to individual conditions.

What conclusions did you reach based on your results?

The study concluded that autism and migraine share significant genetic overlaps, with 63 overlapping genes. STRING analyses revealed significant protein-protein interaction networks and unique biological processes in the combined conditions, indicating distinct biological pathways associated with the co-occurrence of both conditions.

What are the limitations of your study?

Limitations include reliance on GWAS data, overrepresentation of European populations, and a focus on genes with odds ratios above 1, potentially excluding relevant genetic effects. Additionally, functional annotations and pathway classifications were dependent on available databases and tools, which might not fully represent all biological processes.

What is the relevance of your study to migraine?

Our study offers insights into how shared mechanisms might affect the presentation and management of migraine in autistic individuals. Understanding shared mechanisms between autism and migraine conditions may aid in identifying novel therapeutic targets, improving diagnostic accuracy, and tailoring treatments for migraine disorder in autistic populations. Besides, this study emphasizes the need to consider neurodivergence when researching and treating migraine, paving the way for precision medicine approaches that account for the unique needs of neurodivergent populations.