22q13
Organoids identify potential therapies, circuit flaws for autism-linked syndromes
Brain cell clusters serve as drug screens and reveal connectivity differences for autism-linked conditions, two new models show.
![Image of organoids modeling CDKL5 deficiency disorder.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-sfn22-organoids.png)
Organoids identify potential therapies, circuit flaws for autism-linked syndromes
Brain cell clusters serve as drug screens and reveal connectivity differences for autism-linked conditions, two new models show.
Autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuit to change social behavior
Therapies that target the circuit could boost social activity, new findings suggest.
Autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuit to change social behavior
Therapies that target the circuit could boost social activity, new findings suggest.
DNA tags in placenta point to possible autism-linked gene
The gene, dubbed NHIP, is in a chromosomal region that shows unusually low levels of DNA methylation in placentas from women who gave birth to autistic children.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/844_placental.jpg)
DNA tags in placenta point to possible autism-linked gene
The gene, dubbed NHIP, is in a chromosomal region that shows unusually low levels of DNA methylation in placentas from women who gave birth to autistic children.
New family group pursues treatments for autism-linked syndrome
After a decade of working with the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, Geraldine Bliss has co-founded a new organization to develop therapies for the condition.
![Portrait of Geraldine Bliss and her son Charles](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20191119-BlissCharlesfinal844.jpg)
New family group pursues treatments for autism-linked syndrome
After a decade of working with the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation, Geraldine Bliss has co-founded a new organization to develop therapies for the condition.
Mutations in autism gene may trigger milder effects than does its loss
People with mutations in SHANK3 have milder features than do those missing a chunk of DNA that includes the gene.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/phelanmcdermid844.jpg)
Mutations in autism gene may trigger milder effects than does its loss
People with mutations in SHANK3 have milder features than do those missing a chunk of DNA that includes the gene.
Wi-Fi flap; obsessive-compulsive link; brain catalog and more
Two researchers balk at talk that Wi-Fi and autism are linked, changes in an autism risk gene are tied to obsessive-compulsive traits in three species, and scientists plan to conduct a census of all of the brain’s cell types.
Wi-Fi flap; obsessive-compulsive link; brain catalog and more
Two researchers balk at talk that Wi-Fi and autism are linked, changes in an autism risk gene are tied to obsessive-compulsive traits in three species, and scientists plan to conduct a census of all of the brain’s cell types.
Family groups play key role in advancing autism research
Families need more support from researchers in order for their heroic efforts to be optimally effective.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/SandersVP1120.jpg)
Family groups play key role in advancing autism research
Families need more support from researchers in order for their heroic efforts to be optimally effective.
Rare form of autism shows unique pattern of regression
More than 40 percent of children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome lose skills they once had, beginning, on average, at age 6.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/20170524RegressionPMS-844cc.jpg)
Rare form of autism shows unique pattern of regression
More than 40 percent of children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome lose skills they once had, beginning, on average, at age 6.
New role for autism gene extends treatment possibilities
The autism-linked gene SHANK3 is known for its role at neuronal junctions, but it has another function that could serve as a drug target.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/shank3-844.jpg)
New role for autism gene extends treatment possibilities
The autism-linked gene SHANK3 is known for its role at neuronal junctions, but it has another function that could serve as a drug target.
Clinical research: Autism-related syndrome changes with age
Many characteristics of Phelan-McDermid syndrome — an autism-linked disorder arising from abnormalities at the tip of chromosome 22q13 — change as individuals age.
![Illustration of a chromosome.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/107598.webp)
Clinical research: Autism-related syndrome changes with age
Many characteristics of Phelan-McDermid syndrome — an autism-linked disorder arising from abnormalities at the tip of chromosome 22q13 — change as individuals age.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.