Gene expression
Recent articles
Learning in living mice defies classic synaptic plasticity rule
Donald Hebb’s theory—memorably summarized as “cells that fire together, wire together”—does not explain the shifting hippocampal connections in mice learning to navigate a virtual environment, according to a new study.

Learning in living mice defies classic synaptic plasticity rule
Donald Hebb’s theory—memorably summarized as “cells that fire together, wire together”—does not explain the shifting hippocampal connections in mice learning to navigate a virtual environment, according to a new study.
Unexpected astrocyte gene flips image of brain’s ‘stalwart sentinels’
The genetic marker upends the accepted orientation of non-star-like astrocytes in the glia limitans superficialis.

Unexpected astrocyte gene flips image of brain’s ‘stalwart sentinels’
The genetic marker upends the accepted orientation of non-star-like astrocytes in the glia limitans superficialis.
New tool may help untangle downstream effects of autism-linked genes
The statistical approach helps scientists better control for both measured and unmeasured confounders in gene-expression data, revealing causal relationships between autism-linked genetic variants and downstream cellular effects, such as impaired neuron development.

New tool may help untangle downstream effects of autism-linked genes
The statistical approach helps scientists better control for both measured and unmeasured confounders in gene-expression data, revealing causal relationships between autism-linked genetic variants and downstream cellular effects, such as impaired neuron development.
Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.

Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
Sequencing study spotlights tight web of genes tied to autism
The findings, shared in a preprint, help to illuminate how a large and heterogeneous group of genes could be involved in autism.

Sequencing study spotlights tight web of genes tied to autism
The findings, shared in a preprint, help to illuminate how a large and heterogeneous group of genes could be involved in autism.
Cell ‘fingerprints’ identify distinct cortical networks
These networks align with different assemblages of cells, a finding that could reveal how cellular diversity influences brain function, according to a new study.

Cell ‘fingerprints’ identify distinct cortical networks
These networks align with different assemblages of cells, a finding that could reveal how cellular diversity influences brain function, according to a new study.
Protein aggregates gum up ‘master regulator’ of autism-linked genes
The regulator, CPEB4, typically controls protein production for hundreds of autism-linked genes, but an alternative version of it found in autistic people forms irreversible clumps and malfunctions.

Protein aggregates gum up ‘master regulator’ of autism-linked genes
The regulator, CPEB4, typically controls protein production for hundreds of autism-linked genes, but an alternative version of it found in autistic people forms irreversible clumps and malfunctions.
Huntington’s disease gene variants past a certain size poison select cells
The findings—providing “the next step in the whole pathway”—help explain the disease’s late onset and offer hope that it has an extended therapeutic window.

Huntington’s disease gene variants past a certain size poison select cells
The findings—providing “the next step in the whole pathway”—help explain the disease’s late onset and offer hope that it has an extended therapeutic window.
Brain gene expression syncs between bonded prairie voles
The overlapping activity in the animals’ nucleus accumbens may underpin pair bonding, a new preprint suggests.

Brain gene expression syncs between bonded prairie voles
The overlapping activity in the animals’ nucleus accumbens may underpin pair bonding, a new preprint suggests.
START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.

START method assembles brain’s wiring diagram by cell type
The new technique mapped the interactions of about 50 kinds of inhibitory neurons in the mouse visual cortex in finer detail than previous approaches.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Psychedelics meta-analysis retracted after authors request ‘significant changes’
While working on a similar analysis last year, an independent researcher spotted inconsistencies in the now-retracted paper.

Psychedelics meta-analysis retracted after authors request ‘significant changes’
While working on a similar analysis last year, an independent researcher spotted inconsistencies in the now-retracted paper.
Some dopamine neurons signal default behaviors to reinforce habits
Movement-sensing neurons that target the striatum influence a mouse’s choice of action by favoring routine.

Some dopamine neurons signal default behaviors to reinforce habits
Movement-sensing neurons that target the striatum influence a mouse’s choice of action by favoring routine.
‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That,’ an excerpt
In her new book, published today, neuroscientist Nicole Rust takes us on her personal quest to spell out the brain research community's "Grand Plan."

‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That,’ an excerpt
In her new book, published today, neuroscientist Nicole Rust takes us on her personal quest to spell out the brain research community's "Grand Plan."