Advances in the understanding of cellular pathogenesis associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 1-2%. Although it is highly heritable, the contribution of environmental factors and risk associated genes on the aberrant brain development is not well understood. In this review, we summarise some of the key risk factors and explore ASD associated cellular pathology from the perspective of the four predominant cells in the brain; neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia and astrocytes. Further, we discuss the contributions of the associated cellular pathology to the three common hypotheses of ASD. We highlight the major neuro-pathologies underlying ASD, however more research is needed to ensure appropriate and efficient therapies can be directed towards ASD.