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Current Neuropharmacology

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1570-159X
ISSN (Online): 1875-6190

Novel Therapeutic Approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on SHANK3

Author(s): Shigeo Uchino and Chikako Waga

Volume 13, Issue 6, 2015

Page: [786 - 792] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/1570159X13666151029105547

Price: $65

Abstract

SHANK3 is a synaptic scaffolding protein and plays an important role in neuronal development. SHANK3 interacts with various synaptic molecules, including post-synaptic density-95 (PSD-95), homer and GluR1 AMPA receptor. SHANK3 gene is a causable gene of the Phelan- McDermid syndrome (also known as the 22q13.3 deletion syndrome), whose manifestation is global developmental delay and autistic behavior, especially shows severe speech and language deficit. Additionally since cumulative gene analysis in autistic subjects identified several mutations in SHANK3 gene, including deletion and duplication in a particular region, abnormality of SHANK3 gene is thought the be related with the neuropathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We here review the recent findings in regard to the roles of SHANK3 in higher brain functions, molecular-biologic studies of the complex expression of Shank3 transcripts and production of SHANK3 isoforms, and behavioral studies of Shank3-mutant mice, including our recent findings, and discuss a novel therapeutic approach for ASD.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, cytokine, microglia, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, SHANK3, synapse.

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