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Epigenetics and Autism
Joint Authors
Mbadiwe, Tafari
Millis, Richard M.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2013, Issue 2013 (31 Dec. 2013), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2013-09-15
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
This review identifies mechanisms for altering DNA-histone interactions of cell chromatin to upregulate or downregulate gene expression that could serve as epigenetic targets for therapeutic interventions in autism.
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) can phosphorylate histone H3 at T6.
Aided by protein kinase Cβ1, the DNMT lysine-specific demethylase-1 prevents demethylation of H3 at K4.
During androgen-receptor-(AR-) dependent gene activation, this sequence may produce AR-dependent gene overactivation which may partly explain the male predominance of autism.
AR-dependent gene overactivation in conjunction with a DNMT mechanism for methylating oxytocin receptors could produce high arousal inputs to the amygdala resulting in aberrant socialization, a prime characteristic of autism.
Dysregulation of histone methyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs) associated with low activity of methyl CpG binding protein-2 at cytosine-guanine sites in genes may reduce the capacity for condensing chromatin and silencing genes in frontal cortex, a site characterized by decreased cortical interconnectivity in autistic subjects.
HDAC1 inhibition can overactivate mRNA transcription, a putative mechanism for the increased number of cerebral cortical columns and local frontal cortex hyperactivity in autistic individuals.
These epigenetic mechanisms underlying male predominance, aberrant social interaction, and low functioning frontal cortex may be novel targets for autism prevention and treatment strategies.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Mbadiwe, Tafari& Millis, Richard M.. 2013. Epigenetics and Autism. Autism Research and Treatment،Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-501191
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Mbadiwe, Tafari& Millis, Richard M.. Epigenetics and Autism. Autism Research and Treatment No. 2013 (2013), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-501191
American Medical Association (AMA)
Mbadiwe, Tafari& Millis, Richard M.. Epigenetics and Autism. Autism Research and Treatment. 2013. Vol. 2013, no. 2013, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-501191
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-501191