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Neuroscience Bulletin
Published in: Neuroscience Bulletin 2/2017

Open Access 01-04-2017 | Review

Cellular and Circuitry Bases of Autism: Lessons Learned from the Temporospatial Manipulation of Autism Genes in the Brain

Authors: Samuel W. Hulbert, Yong-hui Jiang

Published in: Neuroscience Bulletin | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Transgenic mice carrying mutations that cause Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) continue to be valuable for determining the molecular underpinnings of the disorders. Recently, researchers have taken advantage of such models combined with Cre-loxP and similar systems to manipulate gene expression over space and time. Thus, a clearer picture is starting to emerge of the cell types, circuits, brain regions, and developmental time periods underlying ASDs. ASD-causing mutations have been restricted to or rescued specifically in excitatory or inhibitory neurons, different neurotransmitter systems, and cells specific to the forebrain or cerebellum. In addition, mutations have been induced or corrected in adult mice, providing some evidence for the plasticity and reversibility of core ASD symptoms. The limited availability of Cre lines that are highly specific to certain cell types or time periods provides a challenge to determining the cellular and circuitry bases of autism, but other technological advances may eventually overcome this obstacle.
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Metadata
Title
Cellular and Circuitry Bases of Autism: Lessons Learned from the Temporospatial Manipulation of Autism Genes in the Brain
Authors
Samuel W. Hulbert
Yong-hui Jiang
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer Singapore
Published in
Neuroscience Bulletin / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1673-7067
Electronic ISSN: 1995-8218
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-017-0112-7

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