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Future Prospects for Epigenetics in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Logan A Williams1,2,3,4, Janine M LaSalle5,6,7,8
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA.
Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy
|August 13, 2022
Summary
Epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, offers new insights into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) heterogeneity. This review explores epigenomic findings and their potential for ASD diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Genetics
- Molecular Biology and Epigenetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genetics are highly heterogeneous, necessitating broader research into contributing factors.
- Environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions are increasingly recognized as significant in ASD etiology.
- Epigenetic variations, especially DNA methylation, are promising biomarkers reflecting genetic and environmental influences on gene expression.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent studies on the ASD epigenome.
- It details commonly methylated gene pathways in individuals with ASD.
- The review discusses the potential of epigenetics for understanding ASD causes and developing interventions.
Key Points:
- Differential DNA methylation patterns are observed in ASD.
- Specific gene pathways are consistently implicated in ASD epigenomic studies.
- Epigenetic markers can integrate genetic and environmental influences.
Conclusions:
- Epigenomics, combined with other -omics data, enhances the understanding of ASD's complex, multifactorial nature.
- Future applications include ASD substratification, biomarker discovery, and preclinical causal models.
- Epigenetic research opens new avenues for both basic ASD research and clinical practice.
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