Gene expression
Recent articles
Four autism subtypes map onto distinct genes, traits
An analysis of more than 5,000 autistic children and their siblings underscores the idea that autism can be understood as multiple conditions with distinct trajectories.

Four autism subtypes map onto distinct genes, traits
An analysis of more than 5,000 autistic children and their siblings underscores the idea that autism can be understood as multiple conditions with distinct trajectories.
Memory study sparks debate over statistical methods
Critics of a 2024 Nature paper suggest the authors failed to address the risk of false-positive findings. The authors argue more rigorous methods can result in missed leads.

Memory study sparks debate over statistical methods
Critics of a 2024 Nature paper suggest the authors failed to address the risk of false-positive findings. The authors argue more rigorous methods can result in missed leads.
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.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Quantifying funding sources across neuroscience labs
We want to hear from you about the sources of funding for your research.

Quantifying funding sources across neuroscience labs
We want to hear from you about the sources of funding for your research.
What kinds of support do early-career researchers need?
Help The Transmitter and Neuromatch bolster the next generation of neuroscientists.

What kinds of support do early-career researchers need?
Help The Transmitter and Neuromatch bolster the next generation of neuroscientists.
Alzheimer’s scientist forced to retract paper during his own replication effort
Gary Dunbar, a neuroscientist at Central Michigan University, was attempting to redo the 2020 paper after a collaborator admitted to using flawed data in the original work.

Alzheimer’s scientist forced to retract paper during his own replication effort
Gary Dunbar, a neuroscientist at Central Michigan University, was attempting to redo the 2020 paper after a collaborator admitted to using flawed data in the original work.