Regulatory Functions of Long Non-coding RNAs and Circular RNAs in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic basis. There is increasing evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in ASD pathophysiology. This review examines current findings regarding these non-coding RNAs, including genetic studies that have identified ASD-associated variants in non-coding regions; expression analyses that have revealed their dysregulation in brain tissue and peripheral blood; and mechanistic investigations that have demonstrated their involvement in neuronal differentiation, synaptic function, and gene regulatory networks. Despite substantial progress, the precise contributions of lncRNAs and circRNAs to ASD have not been fully characterized. Further research is required to elucidate their complex regulatory interactions, which may ultimately facilitate the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapeutic strategies for ASD.