Beyond Genes: Germline Disruption in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2021 Oct 1

PMID 34596807

Citations 6

Authors

Jill Escher

Wei Yan

Emilie F Rissman

Hsiao-Lin V Wang

Arturo Hernandez

Victor G Corces

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Investigations into the etiology of autism spectrum disorders have been largely confined to two realms: variations in DNA sequence and somatic developmental exposures. Here we suggest a third route-disruption of the germline epigenome induced by exogenous toxicants during a parent's gamete development. Similar to cases of germline mutation, these molecular perturbations may produce dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes during fetal and early development, resulting in abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes in offspring. Many types of exposures may have these impacts, and here we discuss examples of anesthetic gases, tobacco components, synthetic steroids, and valproic acid. Alterations in parental germline could help explain some unsolved phenomena of autism, including increased prevalence, missing heritability, skewed sex ratio, and heterogeneity of neurobiology and behavior.

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