title: The contribution of epigenetics to understanding genetic factors in autism.
abstract: Autism spectrum disorder is a grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and language, as well as by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. While the environment is believed to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder, there is now strong evidence for a genetic link to autism. Despite such evidence, studies investigating a potential single-gene cause for autism, although insightful, have been highly inconclusive. A consideration of an epigenetic approach proves to be very promising in clarifying genetic factors involved in autism. The present article is intended to provide a review of key findings pertaining to epigenetics in autism in such a way that a broader audience of individuals who do not have a strong background in genetics may better understand this highly specific and scientific content. Epigenetics refers to non-permanent heritable changes that alter expression of genes without altering the DNA sequence itself and considers the role of environment in this modulation of gene expression. This review provides a brief description of epigenetic processes, highlights evidence in the literature of epigenetic dysregulation in autism, and makes use of noteworthy findings to illustrate how a consideration of epigenetic factors can deepen our understanding of the development of autism. Furthermore, this discussion will present a promising new way for moving forward in the investigation of genetic factors within autism.
authors.affiliation: Queen's University, Canada 5lh27@queensu.ca.
authors.forename: Layla
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: Queen's University, Canada.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kelley
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans
keywords: autism; autism spectrum disorder; epigenetic; genetic