Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015, 16, 6464-6495; doi:10.3390/ijms16036464 OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms Article High-Resolution Chromosome Ideogram Representation of Currently Recognized Genes for Autism Spectrum Disorders Merlin G. Butler *, Syed K. Rafi † and Ann M. Manzardo † Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; E-Mails:
[email protected] (S.K.R.);
[email protected] (A.M.M.) † These authors contributed to this work equally. * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail:
[email protected]; Tel.: +1-913-588-1873; Fax: +1-913-588-1305. Academic Editor: William Chi-shing Cho Received: 23 January 2015 / Accepted: 16 March 2015 / Published: 20 March 2015 Abstract: Recently, autism-related research has focused on the identification of various genes and disturbed pathways causing the genetically heterogeneous group of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The list of autism-related genes has significantly increased due to better awareness with advances in genetic technology and expanding searchable genomic databases. We compiled a master list of known and clinically relevant autism spectrum disorder genes identified with supporting evidence from peer-reviewed medical literature sources by searching key words related to autism and genetics and from authoritative autism-related public access websites, such as the Simons Foundation Autism Research Institute autism genomic database dedicated to gene discovery and characterization. Our list consists of 792 genes arranged in alphabetical order in tabular form with gene symbols placed on high-resolution human chromosome ideograms, thereby enabling clinical and laboratory geneticists and genetic counsellors to access convenient visual images of the location and distribution of ASD genes.