About this Research Topic
Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that starts early in development and may persist into adulthood and impacts social interaction, repetitive/stereotypic behaviors, language and cognition and is often associated with a range of comorbid conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders and intellectual disabilities. While the root causes of ASD are not yet known, ASD is recognized as a polygenic disorder where most risk genes affect early brain development, have roles in regulation of gene expression or neuronal communication and affect the development of neuroplasticity extending into adulthood.
This Research Topic will focus on the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms linked to the pathophysiology of ASD and of its associated comorbidities. In order to potentially develop new therapies for ASD, it is crucial to identify convergence pathways and mechanisms linked to neuroplasticity that are critical during different stages of brain development. Such pathways may involve existing or novel ASD risk genes, cellular processes linked to ASD and different brain regions.
This Research Topic welcomes submission concerning molecular/cellular mechanisms linked to neuroplasticity and development such as: mechanisms linked to the Excitation/Inhibition balance in ASD, ASD genes and synaptic plasticity, regulation of gene-expression and neuronal communication (pre- and post- synaptic).
Submissions are welcome for the following article types: original research, review, mini-reviews, research protocol/method, opinion and hypothesis.
This Research Topic will focus on the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms linked to the pathophysiology of ASD and of its associated comorbidities. In order to potentially develop new therapies for ASD, it is crucial to identify convergence pathways and mechanisms linked to neuroplasticity that are critical during different stages of brain development. Such pathways may involve existing or novel ASD risk genes, cellular processes linked to ASD and different brain regions.
This Research Topic welcomes submission concerning molecular/cellular mechanisms linked to neuroplasticity and development such as: mechanisms linked to the Excitation/Inhibition balance in ASD, ASD genes and synaptic plasticity, regulation of gene-expression and neuronal communication (pre- and post- synaptic).
Submissions are welcome for the following article types: original research, review, mini-reviews, research protocol/method, opinion and hypothesis.
Keywords: Gene-Expression, Convergence Pathways, Plasticity, signalling, synpases
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
