# From genes to networks: neurobiological bases of neurodiversity across common developmental disorders

**Authors:** Shiqi Ding

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2026.1761279 · Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2026-02-19

## TL;DR

This review explores the shared and distinct biological mechanisms underlying various neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting common genetic and molecular pathways.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a systems-based, multi-level approach to understanding the biological basis of neurodiversity across disorders.

## Key findings

- Shared genes in NDDs are involved in synaptic function, chromatin remodeling, and immune pathways.
- Disrupted pathways like mTOR and Wnt/Beta-Catenin are common across multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Prenatal and postnatal disruptions in neurogenesis and synaptic pruning contribute to NDDs.

## Abstract

Neurodiversity is a category for many NDDs, ranging from ASD to OCD. The Clinical Symptoms associated with NDDs may differ, but have many common features. Hence, there are many biological similarities between the various Neurodevelopmental Disorders. It has been assumed that one cause of these commonalities is due to shared Etiologies. This review provides information about Genes (Genetics), Proteins (Molecular), and Biology. Together, they provide evidence for common mechanisms (convergent) and Different mechanisms (divergent) across all Neurodevelopmental Disorders. These Types often share Polygenic Genes with Rare and Common Variants. The Shared Genes are commonly involved in the regulation of Synaptic Function, Chromatin Remodeling, and Immune Pathways. In addition, NDDs often have disrupted pathways associated with mTOR, Wnt/Beta-Catenin, and Immune Pathways. We also consider the Impact of Spatial and Temporal Gene Expression on NDD development across different stages (from Prenatal Development to Postnatal Development). We also discuss the impact of disruption during Prenatal and Postnatal Maturation of the Brain, including alterations in the processes of Neurogenesis, Synaptic Pruning, and Neural Circuit Integration. Based on these findings, we present a systems-based, multi-level approach to help understand the biological basis of neurodiversity, along with future research directions on Therapeutic Strategies across Diagnostic Groups, Developmentally Informed Interventions, and the Development of Inclusive Clinical and Societal Practices.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** ASD (MONDO:0006664), OCD (MONDO:0001158)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TGFB1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) [NCBI Gene 7040] {aka CAEND1, CED, DPD1, IBDIMDE, LAP, TGF-beta1}, SLITRK5 (SLIT and NTRK like family member 5) [NCBI Gene 26050] {aka LRRC11, bA364G4.2}, Setd1a (SET domain containing 1A) [NCBI Gene 233904] {aka KMT2F, Nsccn1, mKIAA0339, mNSC1}, CTNNB1 (catenin beta 1) [NCBI Gene 1499] {aka CTNNB, EVR7, MRD19, NEDSDV, armadillo}, FOXP2 (forkhead box P2) [NCBI Gene 93986] {aka CAGH44, SPCH1, TNRC10}, SLC6A3 (solute carrier family 6 member 3) [NCBI Gene 6531] {aka DAT, DAT1, PKDYS, PKDYS1}, MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase) [NCBI Gene 2475] {aka FRAP, FRAP1, FRAP2, RAFT1, RAPT1, SKS}, DYRK1A (dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A) [NCBI Gene 1859] {aka DYRK, DYRK1, HP86, MNB, MNBH, MRD7}, Chd8 (chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8) [NCBI Gene 67772] {aka 5830451P18Rik, Chd-8, Duplin, HELSNF1, mKIAA1564}, KIAA0319 (KIAA0319) [NCBI Gene 9856] {aka DYLX2, DYX2, NMIG}, PIK3CB (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit beta) [NCBI Gene 5291] {aka P110BETA, PI3K, PI3KBETA, PIK3C1}, BMP1 (bone morphogenetic protein 1) [NCBI Gene 649] {aka OI13, PCOLC, PCP, TLD}, GRIN2B (glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B) [NCBI Gene 2904] {aka DEE27, EIEE27, GluN2B, MRD6, NMDAR2B, NR2B}, HLA-C (major histocompatibility complex, class I, C) [NCBI Gene 3107] {aka D6S204, HLA-JY3, HLAC, HLC-C, MHC, PSORS1}, C1QA (complement C1q A chain) [NCBI Gene 712] {aka C1QD1}, BTBD3 (BTB domain containing 3) [NCBI Gene 22903] {aka dJ742J24.1}, AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1) [NCBI Gene 207] {aka AKT, PKB, PKB-ALPHA, PRKBA, RAC, RAC-ALPHA}, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) [NCBI Gene 5728] {aka 10q23del, BZS, CWS1, DEC, GLM2, MHAM}, DRD4 (dopamine receptor D4) [NCBI Gene 1815] {aka D4DR}, STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) [NCBI Gene 6772] {aka CANDF7, IMD31A, IMD31B, IMD31C, ISGF-3, STAT91}, DCDC2 (doublecortin domain containing 2) [NCBI Gene 51473] {aka DCDC2A, DFNB66, NPHP19, NSC, RU2, RU2S}, RUNX1 (RUNX family transcription factor 1) [NCBI Gene 861] {aka AML1, AML1-EVI-1, AMLCR1, CBF2alpha, CBFA2, EVI-1}, NTRK3 (neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3) [NCBI Gene 4916] {aka GP145-TrkC, TRKC, gp145(trkC)}, SHANK3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3) [NCBI Gene 85358] {aka DEL22q13.3, PROSAP2, PSAP2, SCZD15, SPANK-2}, IRF1 (interferon regulatory factor 1) [NCBI Gene 3659] {aka IMD117, IRF-1, MAR}, Arid1b (AT-rich interaction domain 1B) [NCBI Gene 239985] {aka 8030481M12, 9330189K18Rik, Ardi1b, B230217J03Rik, BAF250B, mKIAA1235}, NRXN1 (neurexin 1) [NCBI Gene 9378] {aka Hs.22998, PTHSL2, SCZD17}, VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) [NCBI Gene 7432] {aka PHM27}, SCN2A (sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 2) [NCBI Gene 6326] {aka BFIC3, BFIS3, BFNIS, DEE11, EA9, EIEE11}
- **Diseases:** Tourette syndrome (MESH:D005879), ADHD (MESH:D001289), hearing deficits (MESH:D006311), CAPD (MESH:D007805), Compulsive Disorders (MESH:D003193), intellectual disability (MESH:D008607), NDDs (MESH:D002658), impulsivity (MESH:D007174), OCD (MESH:D009771), psychiatric disorder (MESH:D001523), ASD (MESH:D001321), anorexia (MESH:D000855), anxiety (MESH:D001007), neuroinflammation (MESH:D000090862), Dyslexia (MESH:D004410), inattention (MESH:D001308), ASD (MESH:D000067877), Asperger (MESH:D020817), Neurodevelopmental dysregulation (MESH:D021081), hyperactivity (MESH:D006948), Learning Disorders (MESH:D007859)
- **Chemicals:** dopamine (MESH:D004298), substance (MESH:C012600)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

86 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12960117/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12960117