Cerebellar and Striatal Implications in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Clinical Observations to Animal Models

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
• The cerebellum and striatum are key brain structures implicated in motor, sensory, cognitive, and social deficits observed in ASD.
• Understanding cellular and molecular alterations in these regions is crucial for elucidating ASD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the cerebellum and striatum in ASD, linking cellular changes to behavioral outcomes.
• To explore functional correlates of neuronal activity and sexual dimorphism in ASD.
• To highlight motor and gait behaviors as potential early biomarkers for ASD severity.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and fundamental studies on cerebellum and striatum in ASD.
• Analysis of cellular and molecular alterations in relation to social, cognitive, and motor behaviors.
• Examination of motor and gait function in genetic and environmental ASD animal models.

Main Results:

• Motor and gait abnormalities in ASD animal models correlate with social impairments and Purkinje cell loss.
• Sexual dimorphism in ASD findings necessitates research considering both sexes.
• Cellular and molecular alterations in the cerebellum and striatum are linked to behavioral deficits.

Conclusions:

• Motor and gait behaviors can serve as early, quantitative indicators of ASD.
• Further research is needed to address obstacles in developing effective ASD management.
• Investigating sexual dimorphism is critical for a comprehensive understanding of ASD.