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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: gene networks

August 2015

Software forecasts effects of mysterious mutations

by  /  26 August 2015

A new computer program predicts the effects of mutations in regions of the genome that control gene expression. Researchers can use the tool, called DeepBind, to gauge whether autism-linked mutations might block the genetic landing strips for regulatory proteins.

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Control centers for genes rife with autism-linked DNA blips

by  /  3 August 2015

DNA sequences called enhancers — which boost the expression of genes from within or outside them — are enriched for genetic variants linked to autism, suggests a new study. The finding may help researchers understand how variants outside genes contribute to autism.

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July 2015

Method improves analysis of chemical tags that control genes

by  /  8 July 2015

A new strategy sharpens the analysis of chemical tags on the DNA-protein complexes that regulate gene expression. The method may help researchers decipher how gene expression goes awry in disorders such as autism.

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June 2015

Body clock genes may set pace for sleep issues in autism

by  /  19 June 2015

People with autism are twice as likely to carry alterations in genes that regulate the circadian clock, or the body’s sleep-wake cycle as those without the disorder. The findings may help explain why most children with autism have trouble with sleep.

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Atlas charts gene activity in developing monkey brains

by  /  10 June 2015

Researchers have for the first time mapped gene expression in the rhesus macaque brain from birth through adulthood. The atlas illuminates the expression patterns of genes likely to be important in autism.

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May 2015

Mathematical method may flag potential autism genes

by  /  20 May 2015

A new mathematical method confidently ranks genes based on their likely impact in a disorder. The approach may help researchers home in on important autism genes.

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April 2015

Researchers spell out steps to authenticate cell lines

by  /  22 April 2015

A new method for labeling cell lines and checking their quality could improve the validity of study results.

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Coding trick tracks gene expression in single cells

by  /  15 April 2015

A new technique allows researchers to trace the location and measure expression levels of hundreds of genes in individual cells. The method, described 9 April in Science, could reveal networks of genes with relevance to autism.

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February 2015

Web of autism genes untangles slowly

by  /  20 February 2015

A new study maps the many targets of the autism gene TBR1, but it’s just one small piece of a much bigger picture.

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Kathryn Roeder reviews statistical tools for autism

 /  18 February 2015

Watch the complete replay of Kathryn Roeder’s webinar discussing how powerful statistical tools can yield insight into the genetic risk for autism.

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