RELN
RELN
RELN encodes the protein Reelin and is located on the distal long arm of chromosome 7 at 7q22. This locus has been associated with autism susceptibility. Reelin is a glycoprotein that helps guide brain development.2
Neurobiology
Reelin has a critical role in cortical patterning. It is a secreted extracellular matrix protein that controls neuronal migration, cortical layering, and other things through interactions with lipoprotein receptors. Reelin levels are reduced in post-mortem studies of the brains of patients with autism. Association studies between genetic changes in RELN locus and autism have been conflicting.1
References
1. Pardo, CA et. al. The Neurobiology of Autism.Brain Pathol. 2007 Oct;17(4):434-47. PMID 17919129
2. Fatemi SH Reelin glycoprotein: structure, biology and roles in health and disease. Mol Psychiatry. 2005 Mar;10(3):251-7. PMID 15583703
