Cohort-guided insights into gene–environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Prospective birth cohorts offer unprecedented opportunities to investigate the pathogenesis of complex disorders such as autism, in which gene–environment interactions must be appreciated in a temporal context. This Perspective article considers the history of autism research, including missteps that reflected an incomplete understanding of the epidemiology of autistic spectrum disorders, the effects of advocacy and philanthropy on the trajectory of scientific inquiry, and the current and future roles of prospective birth cohort research in illuminating the pathology of these and other complex disorders wherein exposures during gestation might not manifest until later in life.

Umbelliprenin via increase in the MECP2 and attenuation of oxidative stress mitigates the autistic-like behaviors in mouse model of maternal separation stress

“…ASD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental alterations, and its prevalence is significantly rising worldwide ( Selamet and Usta, 2023 ). Recent studies have elucidated the involvement of multiple environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of ASD ( Lipkin et al, 2023 ). Early detection of Autism can facilitate timely interventions and treatments, improving outcomes ( Juruena et al, 2020 ).…”

Microglia at the Tripartite Synapse during Postnatal Development: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia

“…Indeed, environmental factors, when combined with genetic susceptibilities, have come under scrutiny as potential contributors to the development of conditions like ASD and SZ. While traditional views perceive genes and environmental influences as additive, the newest understandings highlight their interactive nature [159,162,164]. This updated perspective acknowledges that environmental factors can have diverse impacts, contingent on an individual's specific genetic makeup, and vice versa.…”

“…By unraveling the collective influence and interactions stemming from the genome and the envirome, we can envision a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted puzzle that is ASD and SZ. Presently, two notable features of the envirome, namely, maternal immune dysregulation factors and delivery/birth complications, are believed to hold potential as risk factors for ASD and SZ [159,162,164].…”

Assessing Chemical Intolerance in Parents Predicts the Risk of Autism and ADHD in Their Children

“…The interface between the emerging genomic and exposomic sciences presents various methodological challenges for researchers in terms of understanding the complex interactions between an individual’s biology and multiple environmental exposures [ 6 ]. Currently, Gene/Environment (GxE) interactions are widely regarded as the most probable explanation for most autism cases, especially given the fact that genes are selectively targeted by diverse xenobiotics [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. These observations suggest the need for improved genetic screening and public health strategies in order to reduce toxic exposures.…”