The role of somatic mosaicism in brain disease

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2020 Dec:65:84-90. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.05.002. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Abstract

In this review we discuss the importance of genetic somatic mosaicism and its impact on brain diseases. We start from introducing the different types of somatic mutations, their frequencies and abundances across development and lifespan. We then describe how weakness in DNA repair mechanisms influences their prevalence. Finally, we address their functional consequences in the brain and review recent research showing their unsuspected importance in several neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Diseases / genetics*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology*
  • DNA Repair
  • Humans
  • Mosaicism*