Autism and Cancer Share Risk Genes, Pathways, and Drug Targets

Trends Genet. 2016 Mar;32(3):139-146. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.01.001. Epub 2016 Jan 29.

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, diagnosed behaviorally by social and communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Recent genome-wide exome sequencing has revealed extensive overlap in risk genes for autism and for cancer. Understanding the genetic commonalities of autism(s) and cancer(s), with a focus on mechanistic pathways, could lead to repurposed therapeutics.

Keywords: DNA repair; autism; cancer; chromatin remodeling; gene; signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / genetics*