Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism

Flora M Vaccarino; Elena L Grigorenko; Karen Müller Smith; Hanna E Stevens

doi:10.1007/s10803-008-0653-8

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Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism

Flora M Vaccarino, Elena L Grigorenko, Karen Müller Smith and Hanna E Stevens

Journal of autism and developmental disorders, Vol.39(3), pp.511-520

03/2009

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0653-8

PMCID: PMC2847619

PMID: 18850329

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http://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-008-0653-8View

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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.

Autistic Disorder - genetics

Neurons - pathology

Autistic Disorder - pathology

Autistic Disorder - physiopathology

Autistic Disorder - metabolism

Humans

Cerebral Cortex - pathology

Fibroblast Growth Factors - genetics

Genetics, Behavioral

Seizures - metabolism

Cerebral Cortex - metabolism

Autistic Disorder - etiology

Fibroblast Growth Factors - metabolism

Animals

Seizures - pathology

Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

Social Behavior

Neurons - metabolism

Details

Title: Subtitle: Regulation of cerebral cortical size and neuron number by fibroblast growth factors: implications for autism
Creators: Flora M Vaccarino - Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. flora.vaccarino@yale.edu
Elena L Grigorenko
Karen Müller Smith
Hanna E Stevens
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of autism and developmental disorders, Vol.39(3), pp.511-520
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-008-0653-8
PMID: 18850329
PMCID: PMC2847619
NLM abbreviation: J Autism Dev Disord
ISSN: 0162-3257
eISSN: 1573-3432
Publisher: United States
Grant note: R01 MH067715-07 / NIMH NIH HHS\nMH067715 / NIMH NIH HHS\nR01 MH067715-06A1 / NIMH NIH HHS\nR01 MH089176-02 / NIMH NIH HHS\nR01 MH067715 / NIMH NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 03/2009
Academic Unit: Psychiatry; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9984070390502771

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