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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Spotted around the web: Histone modifications, neurodegenerative processes, Black in Neuro Week

by  /  22 July 2022

WEEK OF
July 18th

Research roundup  

  • Histone modifications play a key role in the differentiation of neurons and other brain cells during development, and are implicated in neurodevelopmental conditions, according to a review. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy 
  • Autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia share similar white-matter-tract patterns. Molecular Psychiatry 
  • The chances of having autism are linked to levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-methoxytryptophol in cord blood, according to a prospective study. Translational Psychiatry 
  • The autism-linked gene DYRK1A modulates axonal transport of amyloid precursor protein — implicated in Alzheimer’s disease — in a study using human-derived neurons. Journal of Neuroscience 
  • Mice missing the Parkinson’s-disease-linked gene PRKN show autism-like neuronal and behavioral traits. Spectrum explored a variety of connections between autism and neurodegenerative diseases in 2021. iScience

    Parkinson’s crossover: Mice missing the PRKN gene appear to model aspects of autism.

  • Rare gene variants in autistic people often encode synaptic proteins, according to a whole-exome sequencing study in Japan. Translational Psychiatry 
  • Specialized interneurons in the hippocampus — called neurogliaform cells — appear to briefly interrupt neuronal synchrony in the brain and may be involved in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Science 
  • Acadia Pharmaceuticals has filed a new drug application for trofinetide, which improved the core traits of Rett syndrome in girls and young women in a phase 3 clinical trial. Spectrum reported on the trial results in January. Business Wire 
  • Stem cells from people with myotonic dystrophy have altered transcription of genes in the MECP2 pathway, which is implicated in Rett syndrome. Science Translational Medicine 
  • Young people with autism don’t lack emotional empathy — they experience it differently than young people without autism. Autism 

Science and society 

  • A Canadian therapist is accused of performing and charging for autism assessments that he was not qualified to do. CBC 
  • A new policy in France aims to require Ph.D. recipients to take a research integrity oath. Science 
  • Black in Neuro Week, scheduled for 25 to 31 July, includes a variety of topical discussions for members. Black in Neuro 
  • The overturning of Roe v. Wade affects neurologists, who regularly prescribe medications not safe for use in pregnancy. JAMA Neurology 

Cite this article: https://doi.org/10.53053/QQHQ7333


TAGS:   autism