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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.
Photography by
Richard Drury

The mitochondria candidate: Is the cell’s powerhouse a hidden factor in autism?

by  /  16 August 2023

In November 2021, Spectrum’s Laura Dattaro took a deep dive into the world of ‘mitomaniacs,’ researchers committed to the idea that mitochondria contribute to autism and related conditions such as fragile X syndrome. Since then, the organelles — overlooked in most autism research — have cropped up in several Spectrum news stories. In this collection, we serve up Dattaro’s original story along with coverage linking mitochondria to autism published over the past two years.

Cite this article: https://doi.org/10.53053/SLTD8946

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Stylized illustration combines flat color and 3D forms make up a mitochondria with human heads inside it.

Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism

by  /  22 November 2021

Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.

Pink, blue and purple illustration shows a cell with mitochondria.

Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism

by  /  22 November 2021

People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.

Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.

Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations

by  /  26 June 2023

Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.

lllustration of the junction between two nerve cells.

Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects

by  /  8 December 2022

The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.

Unlocking the mitochondrial genome for autism research

by  /  1 June 2022

The DNA specific to mitochondria is difficult to access, but new methods place its secrets within reach.

Transmission Electron micrograph shows mitochondria colored an aqua blue.

Changes to mitochondrial DNA spur autism-like traits in mice

by  /  17 February 2021

Mice with a mutation in their mitochondrial DNA show altered brain activity, repetitive behaviors and reduced sociability, according to a new study.