Epigenetics, autism spectrum, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

[kabuki syndrome]

Epigenetic marks are modifications of DNA and histones . They are considered to be permanent within a single cell during development , and are heritable across cell division . Programming of neurons through epigenetic mechanisms is believed to be critical in neural development . Disruption or alteration in this process causes an array of neurodevelopmental disorders , including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs ). Recent studies have provided evidence for an altered epigenetic landscape in ASDs and demonstrated the central role of epigenetic mechanisms in their pathogenesis . Many of the genes linked to the ASDs encode proteins that are involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling . In this review we highlight selected neurodevelopmental disorders in which epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role . These include Rett syndrome , fragile X syndrome , Prader-Willi syndrome , Angelman syndrome , and Kabuki syndrome . For each of these disorders , we discuss how advances in our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches .