Genetic Variation in Serotonin Transporter Modulates Tactile Hyperresponsiveness in ASD.

ABSTRACT: Several lines of evidence implicate dysfunction of the serotonin (5-HT) system in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specifically, the serotonin transporter (5-HTT, SERT) has been scrutinized as an ASD candidate risk gene. SERT plays key roles in the development of circuits that underlie sensory function, particularly in the somatosensory system. One previous study in ASD found association of a rare, hyperfunctional SERT variant with sensory aversion, but studies of common SERT variants have never examined sensory symptoms in ASD. Using standardized caregiver assessments of sensory function in children, we evaluated patterns of sensory responsiveness in 47 children with ASD and 38 typically developing (TD) children. Study participants were genotyped for the functional SERT promoter polymorphi

SUBMITTER: Schauder KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4281265 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature