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The brain serotonin system in autism.
Alexander Ya Rodnyy1, Elena M Kondaurova1, Anton S Tsybko1
1Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|July 7, 2023
Summary
The brain serotonin system plays a key role in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Targeting specific serotonin pathways may offer new treatments for ASD-related behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental diseases.
- The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is vital for behavior and implicated in ASDs.
- Existing research highlights individual 5-HT system components in ASDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the entire brain 5-HT system in ASDs.
- To examine 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors in autism.
- To explore novel gene expression techniques in understanding ASD mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on the 5-HT system in human and animal models of autism.
- Analysis of research utilizing advanced in vivo gene expression regulation techniques.
- Synthesis of data on 5-HT transporter, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors in autistic behaviors.
Main Results:
- The brain 5-HT system is intrinsically involved in controlling ASD-related behaviors.
- Dysfunction in specific 5-HT receptors, transporters, or enzymes is linked to aberrant behaviors.
- Evidence suggests potential therapeutic applications for 5-HT-related drugs in ASD treatment.
Conclusions:
- The brain 5-HT system is a critical regulator of behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders.
- Modulating specific components of the 5-HT system shows promise for normalizing ASD-related behaviors.
- Clinically available 5-HT-targeting drugs may be repurposed for ASD treatment.
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