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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: MECP2

November 2016

New treatment for Rett syndrome targets cerebrospinal fluid

by  /  15 November 2016

Lowering the levels of OTX2, a protein found in the fluid that bathes the brain, prevents many abnormal behaviors in mouse models of Rett syndrome.

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September 2016

Brain’s immune cells may only play bit part in Rett syndrome

by  /  21 September 2016

Contrary to some previous reports, microglia may not play a central role in initiating Rett syndrome.

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Loss, doubling of Rett gene produce similar brain glitch

by  /  15 September 2016

Mice with either too little or too much MeCP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, show similar malfunctions in a learning and memory circuit.

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July 2016

Two types of neurons play key roles in Rett syndrome

by  /  27 July 2016

Manipulating MeCP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, has revealed two neuron types as crucial contributors to the condition.

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Gene-editing tool locates proteins inside brain cells

by  /  8 July 2016

The popular gene-editing tool CRISPR can tag proteins in the brain, illuminating the whereabouts of autism candidates.

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June 2016

Breathing issues in Rett stem from distinct neural circuits

by  /  24 June 2016

Each of the various breathing difficulties seen in people with Rett syndrome may arise from a distinct circuit in the brainstem.

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Autism’s social problems may stem from sense of touch

by  /  9 June 2016

The anxiety and trouble with social skills seen in people with autism may originate outside of the brain, in neurons that govern touch.

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April 2016
Week of AprilApr
18th
2016

Brain station; monkey business; duplication dilemma

by  /  22 April 2016

Researchers are proposing an ‘international brain station’ to share data between labs, China is becoming the destination for primate research, and 1 in 25 papers contains inappropriately copied images.

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Rett syndrome gene may play key role in adult brain

by  /  6 April 2016

MeCP2, a gene associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Rett syndrome and autism, has an unexpectedly essential role in mature brains.

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January 2016
Week of JanuaryJan
25th
2016

Misjudging monkeys; consoling voles; canine connection

by  /  29 January 2016

Headlines about “autistic monkeys” are missing the point, prairie voles show empathy, and dogs could offer clues to psychiatric conditions in people.

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