Research overview
Overview
Aggressive Behaviour and Autism Spectrum Disorder – Focusing on the Genetic Landscape
Author-name discrepancy in the source: the author block uses “Antoneta Dacia Petroaie”; the citation and correspondence use “Patroaie”. Oprea and Balmus contributed equally as first authors.
Journal: BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience · Volume 17, Issue 3 · Pages 487–503
Publication: September 2026 · Submitted: 24 April 2026 · Accepted: 21 June 2026
Many pathways.
A complex behaviour.
Explore how genetic variation, environmental influences and epigenetic regulation interact with neural systems associated with aggressive behaviour in autism.
Neural regulation · Behavioural diversity
Multiple biological pathwaysNo single gene explains the behavioural landscape.
Context shapes responsesGenetic and environmental influences interact.
Associations need interpretationNarrative review; findings require careful translation.
From molecular variation to behavioural responses
Changes in gene function and regulation can affect neurotransmission, stress responses and social behaviour. These processes overlap and do not form a universal causal sequence.
Explore the biological pathways
Different models. Different perspectives.
Biological associations are context dependent. Human observations and experimental models answer different research questions.
Explore the connections
DRD4, SLC6A3 and SLC6A4 are associated with monoaminergic signalling and behavioural outcomes. Gly56Ala is a SLC6A4 variant, not a separate gene. Associations remain specific to their evidence context.
Key genes, distinct biological roles
Select a gene family to explore its biological role and the behavioural associations investigated in autism research.
Gene associations describe research findings and do not predict an individual's behaviour.
Gene activity responds to biological context.
Environmental influences can alter gene expression and interact with oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotransmitter systems.
Controlled exposure models
Valproic acid exposure in zebrafish is used to investigate changes in molecular regulation, anxiety-like behaviour and social interaction.
Zebrafish as a research model
Genetic conservation and measurable behaviours support the study of mechanisms. Outcomes depend on developmental stage, experimental protocol and the targeted pathway.
Connect genes, environment and behaviour.
Understand variation across models and individuals.
Integrating molecular measurements with consistent behavioural assessments can improve comparison and clarify which mechanisms deserve further investigation.
Make studies more comparable
Standardise behavioural protocols and document species, genetic background, exposure conditions and developmental stage.
Combine biological layers
Investigate genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences together, alongside neural and behavioural outcomes.
Test causal relationships
Distinguish associations from causal mechanisms and evaluate how findings translate from experimental systems to human diversity.