Fragile X syndrome and autism at the intersection of genetic and neural networks.
Autism, an entirely behavioral diagnosis with no largely understood etiologies and no population-wide biomarkers, contrasts with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a single-gene disorder with definite alterations of gene expression and neuronal morphology. Nevertheless, the behavioral overlap between autism and FXS suggests some overlapping mechanisms. Understanding how the single-gene alteration in FXS plays out within complex genetic and neural network processes may suggest targets for autism research and illustrate strategies for relating autism to more singular genetic syndromes.
Belmonte
Matthew K
MK
Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853-4401, USA. belmonte@mit.edu
Bourgeron
Thomas
T
D000818:Animals; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D005823:Genetics; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*