Traduction: G.M.
Front Pediatr. 2014 Sep 4;2:94. doi: 10.3389/fped.2014.00094. eCollection 2014.
Involvement of synaptic genes in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders: the case of synapsins
Giovedí S1, Corradi A1, Fassio A2, Benfenati F2.
Author information
- 1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova , Genova , Italy.
- 2Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova , Genova , Italy ; Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Genova , Italy.
Abstract
Autism
spectrum disorders (ASDs) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental
disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction and social
communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Many
synaptic protein genes are linked to the pathogenesis of ASDs, making
them prototypical synaptopathies. An array of mutations in the synapsin
(Syn) genes in humans has been recently associated with ASD and
epilepsy, diseases that display a frequent comorbidity. Syns are
pre-synaptic proteins regulating synaptic vesicle traffic,
neurotransmitter release, and short-term synaptic plasticity. In doing
so, Syn isoforms control the tone of activity of neural circuits and the
balance between excitation and inhibition. As ASD pathogenesis is
believed to result from dysfunctions in the balance between excitatory
and inhibitory transmissions in neocortical areas, Syns are novel ASD
candidate genes. Accordingly, deletion of single Syn genes in mice, in
addition to epilepsy, causes core symptoms of ASD by affecting social
behavior, social communication, and repetitive behaviors. Thus, Syn
knockout mice represent a good experimental model to define synaptic
alterations involved in the pathogenesis of ASD and epilepsy.
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