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Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder pp 119–135Cite as

Autism, Development and Neural Plasticity

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Abstract

In this chapter, we show evidences derived from carefully designed animal experiments and clinical data, supporting a role of neuroplasticty on the development and physiopathology of autism. Although the exact mode in which genetic and environmental factors interact in various psychiatric conditions, including autism remains largely unclear, a comprehensive understanding of these complex interactions, including the contribution of immune molecules, in the establishment of neuronal connectivity that may drive into phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is of the greatest importance to understand its causes and develop successful strategies to treat and revert its consequences. Available evidence strongly supports the involvement of maladaptive neuroplasticity, mutations, epigenetic modification, and individual miRNA-related pathways in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the complex clinical phenotypes that is included in ASD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroimmunology Department, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Sr. Prof. Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte

  2. Department of Experimental Neurophisiology, International Center for Neurological Restorations, Ave 25 # 15805, 11300, Havana, Cuba

    Sr. Prof. Jorge Bergado-Rosado

  3. Neurobiochemistry Lab, Department of Immunochemistry, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Asst. Prof. Maria Elena Gonzàlez Fraguela

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  1. Sr. Prof. Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte
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  2. Asst. Prof. Maria Elena Gonzàlez Fraguela
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  3. Sr. Prof. Jorge Bergado-Rosado
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Correspondence to Jorge Bergado-Rosado .

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  1. Neuroimmunology Department, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte

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Robinson-Agramonte, M., Gonzàlez Fraguela, M., Bergado-Rosado, J. (2015). Autism, Development and Neural Plasticity. In: Robinson-Agramonte, M. (eds) Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16321-5_7

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