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- Title
Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism.
- Authors
Vaccarino, Flora M; Grigorenko, Elena L; Smith, Karen Müller; Stevens, Hanna E
- Abstract
Increased brain size is common in children with autism spectrum disorders. Here we propose that an increased number of cortical excitatory neurons may underlie the increased brain volume, minicolumn pathology and excessive network excitability, leading to sensory hyper-reactivity and seizures, which are often found in autism. We suggest that Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), a family of genes that regulate cortical size and connectivity, may be responsible for these developmental alterations. Studies in animal models suggest that mutations in FGF genes lead to altered cortical volume, excitatory cortical neuron number, minicolumn pathology, hyperactivity and social deficits. Thus, many risk factors may converge upon FGF-regulated pathogenetic pathways, which alter excitatory/inhibitory balance and cortical modular architecture, and predispose to autism spectrum disorders.
- Publication
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2009, Vol 39, Issue 3, p511
- ISSN
1573-3432
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10803-008-0653-8