Methionine synthase (rs 1805087) gene polymorphism in a sample of Egyptian children with Autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) as a neurobehavioral disorder manifested by persistent deficits in social interaction, deficits in developing, understanding and maintaining relationships, as well as abnormal and fixed interests and repetitive behavior. The worldwide estimated prevalence of individuals with ASD Diagnosis is strikingly high with prevalence varying across numerous studies, but it is estimated that one in 160 children has an ASD worldwide, and it is expected to increase globally. The etiology of ASD is not well characterized, current research suggests that ASD is likely explained by a multifactorial etiology that includes genetic and environmental risk factors, which interact in a cumulative way to reach a threshold for onset. Genetics is a well-established risk factor in the etiology of ASD. Disturbances in both folate and methylation metabolism can lead to abnormalities in chromosomal integrity. Among these genetic alterations, methionine, an essential amino acid and precursor of S-adenosylmethionine, is a universal methyl-group donor involved in methylation reactions including DNA