Title |
Gene × Environment Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms
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Published in |
Frontiers in Psychiatry, August 2014
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DOI | 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Sylvie Tordjman, Eszter Somogyi, Nathalie Coulon, Solenn Kermarrec, David Cohen, Guillaume Bronsard, Olivier Bonnot, Catherine Weismann-Arcache, Michel Botbol, Bertrand Lauth, Vincent Ginchat, Pierre Roubertoux, Marianne Barburoth, Viviane Kovess, Marie-Maude Geoffray, Jean Xavier |
Abstract |
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. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
United States | 12 | 22% |
Canada | 3 | 6% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 2% |
Georgia | 1 | 2% |
Pakistan | 1 | 2% |
New Zealand | 1 | 2% |
Ghana | 1 | 2% |
Chile | 1 | 2% |
Switzerland | 1 | 2% |
Other | 1 | 2% |
Unknown | 31 | 57% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Members of the public | 40 | 74% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 9 | 17% |
Scientists | 5 | 9% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Brazil | 3 | <1% |
United States | 2 | <1% |
France | 2 | <1% |
Russia | 1 | <1% |
Unknown | 450 | 98% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Bachelor | 67 | 15% |
Student > Master | 66 | 14% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 57 | 12% |
Researcher | 45 | 10% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 25 | 5% |
Other | 86 | 19% |
Unknown | 112 | 24% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Psychology | 67 | 15% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 63 | 14% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 51 | 11% |
Neuroscience | 46 | 10% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 44 | 10% |
Other | 47 | 10% |
Unknown | 140 | 31% |