Pten and the brain: sizing up social interaction

Neuron. 2006 May 4;50(3):343-5. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.04.021.

Abstract

In a comprehensive set of experiments in this issue of Neuron, Kwon et al. demonstrate that conditional inactivation of Pten leads to behavioral abnormalities and neuropathological changes. Pten mutants displayed reduced social interaction and heightened responses to sensory stimuli. Additionally, neuronal hypertrophy, as well as macrocephaly was observed. Based on rare human mutations in PTEN and the PI3K pathway, the authors suggest they have produced a potential animal model of autism with macrocephaly.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Autistic Disorder / metabolism
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Brain / abnormalities*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / genetics
  • Hypertrophy / metabolism
  • Hypertrophy / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Malformations / genetics*
  • Nervous System Malformations / metabolism
  • Nervous System Malformations / physiopathology
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Psychomotor Agitation / genetics
  • Psychomotor Agitation / metabolism
  • Psychomotor Agitation / physiopathology

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase