New insights into candidate genes for autism spectrum disorder in 8p23.1 duplication syndrome

Abstract

The 8p23.1 duplication syndrome is a rare condition, characterized by dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, congenital cardiac anomalies, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current model for explaining the pathogenesis of this condition postulates that few dosage-sensitive genes within the duplication are sufficient for the core clinical features, although the molecular mechanisms leading to the ASD presentation remain to be solved. Herein, we described clinical and cytomolecular findings of an 8p23.1 duplication in a boy with mild facial dysmorphisms, cardiac anomalies and ASD. Therefore, we investigated the influence of duplicated genes on the pathophysiology of ASD in our patient. We identified four duplicated genes (BLK, GATA4, PINX1, TNKS) connected with proteins previously associated with ASD and involved in significant enriched pathways associated with human neurological conditions. Moreover, the candidate genes are highly expressed in brain regions associated to ASD, such as the hippocampus. Taken together, these results point out crucial interactions among BLK, GATA4, PINX1, and TNKS and genes associated with ASD. We indicate cellular networks perturbations encompassing neuronal development pathways related to our patient's condition. Thus, these findings bring new insights into the genetic basis of ASD in patients with 8p23.1 duplication syndrome.