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Providing a ray of hope for people with autism, a drug that is being tested for cancer could cure an inherited form autism spectrum disorder.

According to Daily Mail, researchers from University of Edinburgh and McGill University have understood that a naturally occurring chemical called cercosporamide can block a molecular pathway, associated with abnormal symptoms in people with Fragile X Syndrome. Cercosporamide is being tested for lung cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia. The autism related findings were made based on animal studies.

"Our findings open the door to targeted treatments for Fragile X Syndrome. By designing treatments that block just this pathway, it is hoped that we can limit the potential side-effects and develop therapies that are more efficient than general treatment approaches." Dr Christos Gkogkas, from the University of Edinburgh in a press release.

Researchers targeted the pathway involving a molecule called eIF4E. The team found that this molecule caused excessive production of an enzyme called MMP-9, which breaks down nerve connections called synapses, and reorders them, causing learning and intellectual difficulties, delays in speech and language development, and social behavioural issues in people suffering with Fragile X Syndrome.

"We found that eIF4E regulates the production of an enzyme called MMP-9, which breaks down and re-orders the connections between brain cells called synapses. Excess MMP-9 disrupts communication between brain cells, leading to changes in behaviour," said the study's co-author Nahum Sonenberg, from McGill University.

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorders. It affects around 1 in 4000 boys and 1 in 6000 girls. Currently, there is no cure.

The study's findings have been published in the journal Cell Reports.