HTR1B and HTR2C in autism spectrum disorders in Brazilian families

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of behaviorally defined neuro developmental disabilities characterized by multiple genetic etiologies and a complex presentation. Several studies suggest the involvement of the serotonin system in the development of ASD, but only few have investigated serotonin receptors. We have performed a case-control and a family-based study with 9 polymorphisms mapped to two serotonin receptor genes (HTR1B and HTR2C) in 252 Brazilian male ASD patients of European ancestry. These analyses showed evidence of undertransmission of the HTR1B haplotypes containing alleles -161G and -261A at HTR1B gene to ASD (P=0.003), but no involvement of HTR2C to the predisposition to this disease. Considering the relatively low level of statistical significance and the power of our sample, further studies are required to confirm the association of these serotonin-related genes and ASD. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fundacao de Auxilio a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo/Centro de Excelencia em Pesquisa, Inovacao e Difusao (FAPESP/CEPID)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq)