Involvement of Calcium, Ras, MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR Signaling Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Authors:

Wen Y^{1, 2, 3*}

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000110

Volume 2, Issue 1

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a highly variable spectrum of behaviorally defined neuro-developmental conditions. The involvement of cell signaling pathways such as MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases, also known as ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinases) signaling, PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase) -Akt signaling, mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling, Ras signaling and calcium signaling pathways have been observed in ASDs using methodologies from several disciplines, including genetics, bioinformatics and biological studies. These pathways interact with each other and profoundly influence a number of cellular activities including cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and response to environmental signals. To understand how these signaling pathways may contribute to the mechanisms that may underlie ASDs, it is important to look at their interactions and function networks. This article discussed the involvement of these signaling pathways in ASDs and proposed a pathway network analysis for further studies.

Keywords:

Autism spectrum disorders; Metabolism; Signal transduction; Cell signaling; Pathway network

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