Alterations of GABAergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Joint Authors
Cherubini, Enrico
Pizzarelli, Rocco
Source
Issue
Vol. 2011, Issue 2011 (31 Dec. 2011), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2011-06-23
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of pathological conditions, mainly of genetic origin, characterized by stereotyped behavior, marked impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, social skills, and cognition.
Interestingly, in a small number of cases, ASDs are associated with single mutations in genes encoding for neuroligin-neurexin families.
These are adhesion molecules which, by regulating transsynaptic signaling, contribute to maintain a proper excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance at the network level.
Furthermore, GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in adult life, at late embryonic/early postnatal stages has been shown to depolarize and excite targeted cell through an outwardly directed flux of chloride.
The depolarizing action of GABA and associated calcium influx regulate a variety of developmental processes from cell migration and differentiation to synapse formation.
Here, we summarize recent data concerning the functional role of GABA in building up and refining neuronal circuits early in development and the molecular mechanisms regulating the E/I balance.
A dysfunction of the GABAergic signaling early in development leads to a severe E/I unbalance in neuronal circuits, a condition that may account for some of the behavioral deficits observed in ASD patients.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Pizzarelli, Rocco& Cherubini, Enrico. 2011. Alterations of GABAergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neural Plasticity،Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461391
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Pizzarelli, Rocco& Cherubini, Enrico. Alterations of GABAergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neural Plasticity No. 2011 (2011), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461391
American Medical Association (AMA)
Pizzarelli, Rocco& Cherubini, Enrico. Alterations of GABAergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neural Plasticity. 2011. Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-461391
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-461391