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©The Author(s) 2024.
World J Clin Pediatr. Sep 9, 2024; 13(3): 98468
Published online Sep 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468
Published online Sep 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468
Table 3 Comparison between the different gene-environment interaction models in the context of autism spectrum disorder
Model | Key concept | Description | Examples |
Diathesis-stress model | Genetic vulnerability plus environmental stressors trigger ASD | Inherited genetic predispositions (diatheses) interact with environmental stressors to manifest ASD | Prenatal stress, maternal infections, or toxin exposure in genetically predisposed individuals lead to the development of ASD |
Differential susceptibility model | Genetic variants make individuals more responsive to environmental influences, both positive and negative | Certain genetic profiles heighten sensitivity to environmental conditions, affecting ASD risk and response to interventions | Genetically susceptible children may develop ASD with prenatal toxin exposure but show improvement with enriched early learning environments |
Biological sensitivity to context model | Genetic variations influence sensitivity to environmental contexts | Some individuals have heightened biological reactivity to environmental stimuli due to their genetic makeup, impacting neurodevelopment and ASD risk | Children with specific genetic profiles may have increased stress responses to environmental toxins or benefit more from supportive caregiving |
Gene-environment correlation model | Genetic predispositions influence exposure to certain environments | Genetic factors shape individuals' environments, through passive, evocative, or active correlations | Parents with ASD traits create environments affecting child development (passive); a child’s social difficulties lead to isolation (evocative); a child avoids noisy places (active) |
Epigenetic models | Environmental factors modify gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms | Environmental influences like nutrition, toxins, or stress-induced changes in gene expression via DNA methylation or histone modification affect neurodevelopment and ASD risk | Prenatal air pollution exposure causes DNA methylation changes in neurodevelopmental genes, influencing ASD risk |
Integrative models | Combines genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors for a holistic understanding of ASD risk | Integrates multiple frameworks, considering genetic vulnerabilities, environmental exposures, and epigenetic mechanisms in ASD development | Interaction of genetic neuroinflammation susceptibility with prenatal maternal infections leads to epigenetic changes and increased ASD risk |
- Citation: Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Bediwy EA, Elbeltagi R. Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13(3): 98468
- URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/2219-2808/full/v13/i3/98468.htm
- DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468