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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: ion channels

December 2023
Research image of microglia in mice.

Microglial overreaction to atypical neurons may drive autism

by  /  7 December 2023

In mice and organoids lacking a neuronal protein, microglia prune synapses to excess.

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January 2023
Figure shows cultured human kidney cells and cultured rat cortical neurons responding to light exposure.

Unconventional optogenetics technique spurs long-lasting changes in neuronal activity

by  /  9 January 2023

Conventional optogenetic manipulations to excite or inhibit neurons stop when the light switches off. A new approach makes the changes last.

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October 2022
Laura Cancedda in Iama's lab.

Building a better drug

by  /  6 October 2022

Iama Therapeutics is hoping a new class of molecule will prove successful against an old target in autism.

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April 2022

Mini biopsies point to source of lethal seizures in model mice

by  /  26 April 2022

Interneurons that fail to propagate electrical signals in mice that model Dravet syndrome may cause the animals, like people with the autism-linked condition, to die suddenly.

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August 2021
Micrograph showing missing sodium ion channels in cerebral cortex of mice with two mutated copies of SCN2A gene.

Model mice hint at sodium channel gene’s contribution to autism

by  /  27 August 2021

Altered electrical activity in the neurons of mice with a mutated copy of SCN2A may explain the animals’ autism-like social behaviors.

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Images shows a pyramidal neuron.

How mutations in top autism gene could lead to seizures

by  /  5 August 2021

Deleterious mutations in an autism-associated gene can make neurons hyperexcitable, raising the risk of epileptic seizures.

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December 2020
Paper DNA with one torn base to signify a point mutation.

Analysis links 98 genes to neurodevelopmental conditions

by  /  10 December 2020

Genetic sequences from nearly 53,000 people with autism, developmental delay or intellectual disability reveal strong ties to 98 genes.

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October 2020
neurons in green.

Brain organoids reveal neuronal flaws in syndrome tied to autism

by  /  12 October 2020

Neurons derived from people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome show deficits in calcium signaling and electrical activity, pointing to possible therapeutic targets.

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May 2020

Ultra-sensitive protein activates neurons in response to external light

by  /  27 May 2020

A new, minimally invasive technique allows researchers to activate neurons in the brains of mice and monkeys by using a light source located outside of the head.

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January 2020
neurons firing in black and white

Brain organoids may shed light on seizures in Angelman syndrome

by  /  22 January 2020

The mutation that causes Angelman syndrome makes neurons hyperexcitable, which may explain the frequent seizures that most people with the syndrome have.

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