Pten Regulates Neuronal Arborization and Social Interaction in Mice:
...PTEN mutations in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have also been reported, although a causal link between PTEN and ASD remains unclear. In the present study, we deleted Pten in limited differentiated neuronal populations in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of mice. Resulting mutant mice showed abnormal social interaction and exaggerated responses to sensory stimuli...Thus, our data suggest that abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in specific neuronal populations can underlie macrocephaly and behavioral abnormalities reminiscent of certain features of human ASD.
A Eureka Alertpress release is more digestible. Standard caveats and grains of salt need to be taken, but if you throw enough darts at a dart board, you'll hit bullseye eventually.
