Age-related differences in axon pruning and myelination may alter neural signaling in autism spectrum disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuronal connectivity is refined throughout development by the proliferation and pruning of axons in cerebral white matter, and progressive axon myelination that enables rapid communication across brain regions. Differences in connectivity have been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including changes in white matter volume and connectivity. In the prefrontal cortex, this includes imbalances between short- and long-ranging axons, consistent with a pattern of local hyperconnectivity, and long-range hypoconnectivity. Alterations in temporal lobe white matter development-critical for social behavior-may contribute to atypical neural connectivity.

Methods

We used electron microscopy to analyze 54 samples of temporal lobe white matter from 27 age-matched postm

SUBMITTER: Hanson KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548170 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature