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Spectrum: Autism Research News

Tag: SHANK3

June 2016

Working with mice? Question their background

by  /  30 June 2016

A standard mouse strain used by researchers worldwide harbors an unintended mutation that impairs immune cell development — and may confound results.

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Mice missing key autism gene hint at new treatment target

by  /  16 June 2016

A newly created strain of mice lacking SHANK3 closely mimics the effects of the protein’s loss in some people with autism.

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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

New role for autism gene extends treatment possibilities

by  /  11 April 2016

The autism-linked gene SHANK3 is known for its role at neuronal junctions, but it has another function that could serve as a drug target.

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March 2016

Reports of neuron loss in autism may be exaggerated

by  /  17 March 2016

A widely used technique for identifying subtypes of neurons in the brain may be flawed, and may have provided incorrect tallies of a key neuron type in autism.

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Questions for Thomas Bourgeron: In search of ‘second hits’

by  /  1 March 2016

Taking a close look at people who have a mutation in a known autism gene may reveal why these people often have vastly different characteristics.

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February 2016

Mouse study offers promise of reversing autism symptoms

by  /  19 February 2016

Treatments for autism might be effective even after the brain is fully formed.

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January 2016

Electrode-laced plates capture patterns of neural firing

by  /  27 January 2016

Growing neurons on tiny plates studded with miniature electrodes allows researchers to map patterns of neuronal activity within circuits.

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Neighboring mutations in gene may spawn separate conditions

by  /  25 January 2016

Two seemingly similar mutations in the SHANK3 gene have divergent effects on the brain and behavior.

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October 2015

Differences between rodents show limitations of models

by  /  20 October 2015

The same autism-linked mutation can lead to dramatically different behaviors in rats and mice.

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