Neuroligins/Neurexins/Shank3
Nlgn3 and Nlgn4
The neuroligins are an attractive target to investigate for ASD research because they are thought to be vital in the formation of neural circuits. Given the higher prevalence of autism in males, nlgn3 and nlgn4 have received extra attention because they are located on the X-chromosome. Results from studies, however, have been conflicting. Some have detected genetic variants in NLGN3 and NLGN4 in probands with autism, mental retardation, or pervasive developmental disorders 1, 2. In contrast, many other attempts to find the same or new variants in different ASD patients failed.3, 4, 5, 6 Confounding factors is doing genetic association studies about ASD are the heterogeneity of the populations and the need for large sample sizes to achieve statistical significance. As it is, while many new variants that can likely cause ASD have been detected in ASD patients, these variants are probably only responsible for a small number of cases. BACK to Genetics
References
1. Laumonnier F, et. al. X-linked mental retardation and autism are associated with a mutation in the NLGN4 gene, a member of the neuroligin family.Am J Hum Genet. 2004 Mar;74(3):552-7PMID 14963808