Genes

Two new analyses help to explain why mutations to the chromosomal region 16p11.2 can lead to autism, intellectual disability or language difficulties.

Nearly all genes with moderate to strong ties to autism are expressed in the developing amygdala; a few show altered expression in the amygdalae of autistic people.

The autism gene SHANK3 is crucial for the development and function of muscles and the motor neurons that control them.

Brain structure of autistic people with deletions in the chromosomal region 22q11.2 differs from that of autistic people without the deletions.

A new treatment prevents seizures and improves memory in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, according to a new study.

A new analysis links individual mutations in a gene called PTEN to a person’s odds of having autism, cancer or other conditions.

Dampening overactive brain circuits alleviates social and memory problems in a mouse model of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Mutations in both copies of a gene called ACTL6B lead to autism, epilepsy and intellectual disability.

A trove of DNA sequences from 141,456 people — and counting — offers an unparalleled look at genetic variation.

Brothers and sisters of people with autism are both about two to three times more likely than the general population to have an autistic child themselves.