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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.

November 2018

Rett marmoset model made with CRISPR has its debut

by  /  5 November 2018

Scientists used the gene-editing tool CRISPR to create two marmosets lacking MECP2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome.

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Tiny lad mouse on a gloved hand.

New mouse model shows brain effects of autism gene

by  /  4 November 2018

Mice lacking one copy of a gene linked to autism are small and show striking changes in the number and quality of their cries.

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October 2018

Massive sequencing project identifies new genetic syndromes

by  /  23 October 2018

The largest-ever set of sequences from people with developmental delay has revealed 43 new genetic diagnoses.

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Brain cells under magnification glow red, purple and blue.

Mini-brains may pin down key genes in large mutations

by  /  22 October 2018

Clusters of brain cells — so-called ‘mini-brains’ grown in the lab — may help researchers understand how large stretches of duplicated or deleted DNA affect the brain.

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A digital drawing shows two groups of people forming large arrows, see from above.

Mutation types tied to autism converge on shared set of genes

by  /  18 October 2018

Genes linked to autism in sequencing studies tend be located in long stretches of DNA that are duplicated or missing in some people with developmental conditions.

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A boy toddler learns to walk with an adult holding his hands.

Some ‘autism genes’ show stronger ties to related conditions

by  /  17 October 2018

The largest autism sequencing study to date implicates 99 genes in the condition — but nearly half have a tighter link to intellectual disability or developmental delay.

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An illustration shows a mosaic-like view of viruses delivering genes to the brain.

Angelman syndrome: Bellwether for genetic therapy in autism

by ,  /  16 October 2018

It is not a matter of whether there will be clinical trials of genetic therapy for Angelman syndrome, but when.

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Two children picking mushrooms in a field.

Genetics plays outsized role in autism, large study shows

by  /  15 October 2018

Autism is more heritable than anorexia, alcohol dependence, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to an analysis of data from nearly 4.5 million people.

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Rapid method connects DNA shape to gene activity in cells

by  /  12 October 2018

A new technique reveals the active genes and the regions that regulate them in thousands of single cells at once.

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Juan Pablo Quintero, Sara Quintero, Soledad Quintero, Rosario Quintero, Yeison Quintero, pose for a group portrait in Ricaurte, Valle del Cauca, on July 28, 2018.

Unlocking the secrets of fragile X in Colombia

by  /  10 October 2018

A remote Colombian town is home to the world’s largest cluster of people with fragile X syndrome. Scientists are learning from them — and trying to help.

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