ADNP

A research image of autism-linked genes.

Autism-linked perturbations converge on cell skeleton and RNA-binding proteins

The findings solidify the idea that autism-linked mutations affect brain activity by way of several key shared mechanisms.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
29 February 2024 | 4 min read
A hand reaches from above to add a pill to a stack that is resting against the x-axis of a graph.

Going on Trial: Arbaclofen reboot; cell implants; psilocybin microdoses

Going on Trial rounds up new developments in autism-related drug trials. This month we’re revisiting decade-old data from a trial of arbaclofen for fragile X syndrome and looking into a new implant-based approach to quelling seizures, among other treatment strategies.

By Peter Hess
25 January 2023 | 6 min read

Two top autism-linked proteins connect to build cell ‘skeleton’

ADNP and SHANK3 proteins may bind together and alter a neuron’s internal scaffold, hinting at a mechanism that, when disrupted, may underlie several forms of autism.

By Chloe Williams
9 June 2022 | 5 min read
Normal mouse brain (left) vs brain in mouse lacking POGZ gene (right)

Top autism-linked gene boosts DNA accessibility during development

Loss of the POGZ gene in mice makes certain genes inaccessible and prevents their expression.

By Angie Voyles Askham
10 January 2022 | 4 min read
Photo: A scientist wearing a green shirt and white gloves holds two black laboratory mice. The viewer is looking over the scientist's shoulder at their cupped hands holding the mice.
Spectrum Microphone

Sex bias emerges in new mouse model with autism-linked mutation

Compared with a previous mouse strain, a new model better reflects some of the difficulties that people with a rare autism-related syndrome experience, and may help identify biomarkers of the syndrome.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
3 November 2021 | 5 min read
Colorful, playful illustrated scene of ewborns on a conveyor belt moving past researchers holding a long, long list.
Spectrum Microphone

The push to screen newborns for rare autism-linked genetic conditions

As treatments for some autism-linked genetic conditions inch closer to the clinic, researchers are talking more urgently about screening all newborns for such conditions.

By Laura Dattaro
28 July 2021 | 9 min read
Illustration shows yellow landscape with blue sections and a lot of trains on paths with kids on the trains, going different directions.
Spectrum Microphone

Mapping the futures of autistic children

Researchers can roughly project what autistic children's lives will look like years down the road. But how good is their crystal ball — and what are its benefits?

By Elizabeth Svoboda
14 July 2021 | 22 min listen
Spectrum Microphone

Mutations in frogs point to autism genes’ shared role in neurogenesis

Mutations in any of 10 autism-linked genes in frogs lead to the same overabundance of brain cells that develop into neurons; the sex hormone estrogen lowers this excess.

By Laura Dattaro
10 February 2021 | 6 min read

Two top autism genes may have a mechanism in common

Mutations in two genes linked to autism and intellectual disability boost the immune response and cause synapse dysfunction.

By Angie Voyles Askham
13 January 2021 | 3 min read
Two dark brown research mice

Mice with autism mutation reflect social difficulties seen in people

A new autism mouse model carries the same mutation in a gene called ADNP that is seen in autistic people.

By Alla Katsnelson
21 October 2019 | 3 min read

Explore more from The Transmitter

Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.

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.

By Laura Dattaro
26 July 2024 | 7 min read
Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.

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.

By Cathleen O’Grady
25 July 2024 | 8 min read

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.

By Angie Voyles Askham
24 July 2024 | 6 min read