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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: mouse models

December 2011

Model empathy

by  /  16 December 2011

Rats possess a surprising sense of empathy, according to research published last week in Science. The findings highlight one more reason why rats, with their complex repertoire of social behavior, may be well suited for autism studies.

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Molecular mechanisms: Protein linked to autism-like behavior

by  /  9 December 2011

HMGN1, a protein that regulates gene expression, leads to social deficits and hyperactivity when expressed at elevated levels in mice, according to a study published 9 December in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. This effect may result from HMGN1 dampening MeCP2 expression, the study suggests.

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Neurons made from stem cells reveal cellular flaws in autism

by  /  8 December 2011

Researchers have uncovered cellular abnormalities in Timothy syndrome by regenerating neurons from individuals with the rare autism-related disorder, according to a study published 27 November in Nature Medicine.

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Genetics: Small DNA region implicated in autism

by  /  6 December 2011

Duplication or deletion of four genes within a large chromosomal region linked to Angelman syndrome and autism could lead to developmental disability or language delay, according to a study published in the October issue of Human Genetics.

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Clinical research: Drug eases compulsions in mouse model

by  /  2 December 2011

A drug that blocks a type of receptor at the junctions between neurons reverses repetitive behaviors in a mouse model of autism, according to a new study.

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Chart explaining healthy neuron synapse function.

Tuberous sclerosis, fragile X may be molecular opposites

by  /  1 December 2011

Some forms of autism are caused by too many proteins at the synapse, the junction between neurons, whereas other forms result from too few, according to a study published 23 November in Nature.

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November 2011

Molecular mechanisms: SHANK2 mutants alter synapses

by  /  30 November 2011

Three mutations in SHANK2, an autism-associated gene, each lead to abnormal synapses, the junctions between neurons, according to a study in Human Molecular Genetics.

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Mouse models point to early troubles in tuberous sclerosis

by  /  28 November 2011

The brain abnormalities characteristic of tuberous sclerosis may begin early in development and involve malfunctioning of neuronal precursors, according to studies of two different mouse models of the disorder published in October.

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Mouse monopoly

by  /  25 November 2011

There are a host of problems with laboratory rodents that scientists rarely talk about, argues a fascinating series of articles in Slate magazine.

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Stem cell lines shed light on autism-related disorders

by  /  23 November 2011

Researchers have derived neurons from stem cells to investigate mutations that lead to Rett and fragile X syndromes.

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