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Spectrum: Autism Research News

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Genes

Rare or common, inherited or spontaneous, mutations form the core of autism risk.

October 2019
linked hands in a pattern intertwined with DNA showing some broken parts, symbolizing mutations

Rett syndrome’s link to autism, explained

by  /  21 October 2019

Studies of Rett syndrome hint at genes, cells and brain circuits that may be involved in autism — and may pave the way to treatments for both conditions.

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Angelman syndrome’s silent gene points way forward for autism therapies

by  /  21 October 2019

Advances in research and help from families have brought scientists to the brink of an effective therapy for Angelman syndrome.

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Two dark brown research mice

Mice with autism mutation reflect social difficulties seen in people

by  /  21 October 2019

A new autism mouse model carries the same mutation in a gene called ADNP that is seen in autistic people.

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Maternal infection may accelerate expression of autism genes

by  /  21 October 2019

Exposure to infection in utero may speed up the expression of many genes linked to autism — and hasten changes in brain anatomy.

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DNA

Rapid assay flags autism mutations in regions that flank genes

by  /  21 October 2019

Researchers have identified mutations within regulatory regions that are likely to contribute to autism, using a speedy system of DNA ‘barcodes.’

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Neurons in a mouse brain are highlighted green and yellow

Autism gene’s loss hampers neurons’ trek through developing brain

by  /  21 October 2019

Deleting an autism gene called TRIO derails neurons’ journey to their destination.

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Unusual gait marks mice with mutations related to autism

by  /  20 October 2019

Mouse models of two genetic conditions related to autism show abnormalities in their movement patterns.

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CRISPR therapy may reverse autism mutation’s effects well past infancy

by  /  20 October 2019

Injecting the gene-editing tool CRISPR into the brains of mice may reverse the effects of an autism mutation at any age.

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Transplanted neurons rescue social behavior but not brain circuits

by  /  20 October 2019

Injecting cells called interneurons into the brains of a mouse model of autism restores typical social behavior. But the reason for this effect is a puzzle.

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Breaks in long genes may underpin some forms of autism

by  /  20 October 2019

Neurons derived from autistic people with enlarged brains show extensive damage to long genes.

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