About this Research Topic
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is notably characterized by difficulties in social communication and interactions. The prevalence of this condition has raised significantly in recent years, as an estimated 1 in 160 children exhibits clinical symptoms of ASD worldwide. Scores of genetic studies have suggested several autism-risk genes and yet no single pathway has been pinpointed as responsible for the phenotypes and symptoms of autism.
The genetic heterogeneity of the disease often complicates the identification of the convergent pathways in ASD. Nonetheless, pathway studies have further suggested several cellular pathways may be responsible for the etiology of ASD. These pathways include neuronal proliferation, migration, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) balance, and protein synthesis. However, these pathways are often vulnerable to other neurological disorders as well. Identifying the regulatory mechanisms specifically contributing to these cellular pathways in ASD is of dire importance to the field.
In this Research Topics, we welcome original research and review articles focusing on the understanding of the mechanistic regulations to the cellular pathways that may contribute to the etiology of ASD. For original research articles, we are particularly interested in novel signaling pathways that have not been reported. Suggested experimental models include cultured cells, animals, and human cells.
The genetic heterogeneity of the disease often complicates the identification of the convergent pathways in ASD. Nonetheless, pathway studies have further suggested several cellular pathways may be responsible for the etiology of ASD. These pathways include neuronal proliferation, migration, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) balance, and protein synthesis. However, these pathways are often vulnerable to other neurological disorders as well. Identifying the regulatory mechanisms specifically contributing to these cellular pathways in ASD is of dire importance to the field.
In this Research Topics, we welcome original research and review articles focusing on the understanding of the mechanistic regulations to the cellular pathways that may contribute to the etiology of ASD. For original research articles, we are particularly interested in novel signaling pathways that have not been reported. Suggested experimental models include cultured cells, animals, and human cells.
Keywords: E/I balance, protein synthesis, synapses, neuronal development, autism etiology
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