The role of PTEN signaling in synaptic function: Implications in autism spectrum disorder.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) regulates several cellular processes including survival, proliferation, and metabolism. In the brain, PTEN is a key modulator of synaptic function, and is involved in regulating synaptogenesis, connectivity, and synaptic plasticity. Herein we discuss how alterations in PTEN can disturb these mechanisms, thus compromising normal synaptic function and consequently contributing to behavioral and cognitive phenotypes observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As the role of PTEN in synaptic function is linked to ASD, a deeper understanding of this interaction will shed light on the pathological mechanisms involved in ASD, contributing to the development of new therapies.