Calculating genetic risk for dysfunction in pleiotropic biological processes using whole exome sequencing data

ConclusionsOur bioinformatic-driven approach detected a biological process enriched for genes encoding a protein –protein interaction network linking ASD gene products with sleep duration gene products where accumulation of potentially damaging variants in individuals with ASD was associated with sleep duration as reported by the parents. Specifically, genetic dysfunction impacting development of the cerebra l cortex may affect sleep by disrupting sleep homeostasis which is evidenced to be regulated by this brain region. Future functional assessments and objective measurements of sleep in adolescents with ASD could provide the basis for more informed treatment of sleep problems in these individuals.
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Category: Neurology Source Type: research