Autism protein connects neurons
An autism-linked protein called CASPR2 promotes the development of dendrites, the bushy structures atop neurons that receive signals from otherContinue Reading
Category: Spectrum
Stress pathway dysregulated in autism models
Two studies report abnormalities in the system that mediates the body’s response to stress in mouse models of Angelman syndrome andContinue Reading
Autism gene tied to neuronal wiring
An autism-linked protein called IL1RAPL1 helps neurons wire together, according to two studies published in September. These add to theContinue Reading
MeCP2 loss ups signal strength
Neurons lacking MeCP2, the protein deficient in Rett syndrome, have stronger signals than controls do when measured amid the electricalContinue Reading
Locating neuroligin 4
Two recent studies in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences illuminate the workings of neuroligin 4, a protein associatedContinue Reading
Large study pinpoints new genetic risk region for autism
Loss of a sizable region on chromosome 17 dramatically increases risk for autism and schizophrenia, according to a new studyContinue Reading
Cancer protein directs synapse formation
A tumor suppressor best known for its role in colorectal cancer plays a crucial role in forming connections between neurons,Continue Reading
New partners for neurexin
Scientists have discovered that neurexins — proteins linked to autism — bind to a wide variety of molecules at theContinue Reading
Chromosome 7 segment gives clues to social behavior
Individuals who carry an extra copy of the genetic region missing in those with Williams syndrome have language impairments andContinue Reading
Mouse models reveal workings of neuroligin-1
Researchers are tinkering with mouse models to investigate a protein, neuroligin-1, that helps wire neurons together and that has beenContinue Reading
Scientists finger neurexin 1 defects in autism
Several recent studies in people, mice, and honeybees have tied autism to neurexin 1, a protein that helps neurons communicateContinue Reading
Evan Eichler: Following his instincts to autism’s hotspots
Evan Eichler discovered that some parts of the human genome are more prone to mutate than others. Now he isContinue Reading
Michele Solis 