Cargando…

Gene × Environment Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms

Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders a...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Tordjman, Sylvie, Somogyi, Eszter, Coulon, Nathalie, Kermarrec, Solenn, Cohen, David, Bronsard, Guillaume, Bonnot, Olivier, Weismann-Arcache, Catherine, Botbol, Michel, Lauth, Bertrand, Ginchat, Vincent, Roubertoux, Pierre, Barburoth, Marianne, Kovess, Viviane, Geoffray, Marie-Maude, Xavier, Jean
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Frontiers Media S.A. 2014
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120683/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25136320
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053
Descripción
Sumario:Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders and several single gene disorders associated with an increased risk for autism. Furthermore, several studies suggest a role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). First, arguments for a genetic contribution to autism, based on updated family and twin studies, are examined. Second, a review of possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental risk factors for ASD are presented. Then, the hypotheses are discussed concerning the underlying mechanisms related to a role of environmental factors in the development of ASD in association with genetic factors. In particular, epigenetics as a candidate biological mechanism for gene × environment interactions is considered and the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms reported in genetic disorders associated with ASD is discussed. Furthermore, the example of in utero exposure to valproate provides a good illustration of epigenetic mechanisms involved in ASD and innovative therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic remodeling by environmental factors opens new perspectives for a better understanding, prevention, and early therapeutic intervention of ASD.