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
Tag: autism
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 genetic hot spot for schizophrenia?
People missing a certain segment of chromosome 3 are nearly 17 times more likely to have a schizophrenia diagnosis thanContinue 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
Early intervention yields big benefits for children with autism
Looking more like playtime than therapy, an intervention called the Early Start Denver Model boosted the IQ scores and languageContinue Reading
LRRTM2: A new synaptic partner for neurexin
A synapse-promoting protein called LRRTM2 has been identified as a ligand for neurexin, a protein linked to schizophrenia, autism andContinue Reading
Another neuroligin mutation for autism
A new mutation in the neuroligin-4 (NLGN4) gene has been found in two brothers with autism, further implicating the geneContinue Reading
Imaging study ties brain connection to sociability
Scientists have linked a person’s social ability with the strength of a specific connection between two areas deep within theContinue Reading
Michele Solis 