TY - JOUR AU - Tordjman, Sylvie AU - Somogyi, Eszter AU - Coulon, Nathalie AU - Kermarrec, Solenn AU - Cohen, David AU - Bronsard, Guillaume AU - Bonnot, Olivier AU - Weismann-Arcache, Catherine AU - Botbol, Michel AU - Lauth, Bertrand AU - Ginchat, Vincent AU - Roubertoux, Pierre AU - Barburoth, Marianne AU - Kovess, Viviane AU - Geoffray, Marie-Maude AU - Xavier, Jean PY - 2014 M3 - Review TI - Gene × Environment Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms JO - Frontiers in Psychiatry UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053 VL - 5 SN - 1664-0640 N2 - Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders and several single gene disorders associated with an increased risk for autism. Furthermore, several studies suggest a role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). First, arguments for a genetic contribution to autism, based on updated family and twin studies, are examined. Second, a review of possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental risk factors for ASD are presented. Then, the hypotheses are discussed concerning the underlying mechanisms related to a role of environmental factors in the development of ASD in association with genetic factors. In particular, epigenetics as a candidate biological mechanism for gene × environment interactions is considered and the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms reported in genetic disorders associated with ASD is discussed. Furthermore, the example of in utero exposure to valproate provides a good illustration of epigenetic mechanisms involved in ASD and innovative therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic remodeling by environmental factors opens new perspectives for a better understanding, prevention, and early therapeutic intervention of ASD. ER -