Hippocampal Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neuropathology, Genetic Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Targets

This review examines the hippocampus's role in ASD pathophysiology, highlighting structural and functional abnormalities in this memory and social behavior region that contribute to core autism traits. The authors integrate evidence from neuroimaging, genetics (mutations in Shank3, Syngap1, Fmr1, Nlgn3), and neuroinflammation to position hippocampal dysfunction as a central biomarker and potential therapeutic target for improving ASD outcomes.