The transcriptional activity signature of shelterin complex genes (Trf1 - 2, Tinf2, Tpp1, Pot1a, Pot1b, Terf1ip) and genes regulating telomerase activity (Dkc1, Gar1, Tep1, Terc, Tert), as well as Tnks, differs between female and male rats in the valproate model of autism, depending on the type of tissues. The gene discussed is TERC; the disease is autism.