Conceptualizing Epigenetics and the Environmental Landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Complex interactions between gene variants and environmental risk factors underlie the pathophysiological pathways in major psychiatric disorders. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuropsychiatric condition in which susceptible alleles along with epigenetic states contribute to the mutational landscape of the ailing brain. The present work reviews recent evolutionary, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms potentially linked to the etiology of autism. First, we present a clinical vignette to describe clusters of maladaptive behaviors frequently diagnosed in autistic patients. Next, we microdissect brain regions pertinent to the nosology of autism, as well as cell networks from the bilateral body plan. Lastly, we catalog a number of pathogenic environments associated with disease risk factors. This set of perspectives provides emerging insights into the dynamic interplay between epigenetic and environmental variation in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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

“…Both fields have established the role of an individual’s personal environment in altering genes involved in a wide variety of medical conditions [ 62 , 63 ]. Substantial epidemiological literature links toxic exposures and genetics to autism [ 64 , 65 ]. A plethora of xenobiotics target millions of different genes.…”