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Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS: Mice with mutations in the ASD-related ge...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Schaffler, Melanie D., Middleton, Leah J., Abdus-Saboor, Ishmail
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Springer US 2019
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6900204/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31807945
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1122-0
Descripción
Sumario:PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS: Mice with mutations in the ASD-related genes, Shank3, Fmr1, UBE3A, and Mecp2, display tactile abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities appear to be caused by mutation-related changes in the PNS, as opposed to changes in the processing of touch stimuli in the CNS, as previously thought. There is also growing evidence suggesting that peripheral mechanisms may contribute to some of the core symptoms and common comorbidities of ASD. Researchers are therefore beginning to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the PNS in treating some of the core symptoms of ASD. SUMMARY: Sensory abnormalities are common in rodent models of ASD. There is growing evidence that sensory hypersensitivity, especially tactile sensitivity, may contribute to social deficits and other autism-related behaviors.