Criss‐crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post‐natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders posing, in varying degree, a life‐long challenge for both patients and caretakers. The impact of adult neurogenesis (AN) on the pathogenesis and development of ASD has not yet been fully cleared. We review the existing evidence of the molecular interplay between factors involved in the regulation of AN and the onset of ASD. The modulation of AN in ASD might lead to a better understanding and handling of ASD. Abbreviations: AN, adult neurogenesis; ASD, autism spectrum disorder; BDNF, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor; IGF, insulin‐like growth factor; NPC, neural progenitor cells; NSC, neural stem cells; SHH, sonic hedgehog; WNT, wingless‐related integration site.