Angelman syndrome
Recent articles
UBE3A’s link to synaptic pruning bolstered by fly study
Increasing or reducing the levels of the UBE3A gene, which is associated with autism and autism-related syndromes, results in altered patterns of synaptic pruning — a process that snips away brain cell connections.
![Research image of presynapses on sensory neurons in fruit flies.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-UBE3A-autism-synaptic-pruning-fly-study.png)
UBE3A’s link to synaptic pruning bolstered by fly study
Increasing or reducing the levels of the UBE3A gene, which is associated with autism and autism-related syndromes, results in altered patterns of synaptic pruning — a process that snips away brain cell connections.
Trials test utility of EEG biomarkers for autism-related conditions
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter dives into an electroencephalography biomarker that could track the efficacy of treatments for dup15q and Angelman syndromes, among other drug development news.
![Illustration of a sheet of red and white pills, with the red pills arranged in the form of a question mark.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/844-going-on-trial-autism-drugs-02.jpg)
Trials test utility of EEG biomarkers for autism-related conditions
This month’s Going on Trial newsletter dives into an electroencephalography biomarker that could track the efficacy of treatments for dup15q and Angelman syndromes, among other drug development news.
Is excess brain fluid an early marker of autism?
Brain scans of hundreds of infants suggest that up to 80 percent of those with autism have unusual amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers are studying how this might contribute to the condition.
![A grid of four brain scans showing excess cerebrospinal fluid.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1200-CSF-trends-autism-lede-final.png)
Is excess brain fluid an early marker of autism?
Brain scans of hundreds of infants suggest that up to 80 percent of those with autism have unusual amounts of cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers are studying how this might contribute to the condition.
‘Gain-of-function’ mutation spawns autism traits
The mutation increases the activity of an autism-linked protein and leads to social difficulties and other behavioral differences in mice.
![Research image of interneurons in the outer layer of a human brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-6c-UBE3A-autism.png)
‘Gain-of-function’ mutation spawns autism traits
The mutation increases the activity of an autism-linked protein and leads to social difficulties and other behavioral differences in mice.
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.
![Illustration of hybrid objects: part light bulb, part lab vial, some in blue and some in red to signify null and replicated results.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/lights_03-scaled.jpg)
Prenatal exposures; Angelman trial suspension; autistic adult well-being
This month’s issue of the Null and Noteworthy newsletter breaks down some negative results involving prenatal exposures, an experimental treatment for Angelman syndrome, and the role that age at autism diagnosis plays in subsequent outcomes, and more.
Spotted around the web: Synthetic embryos; Angelman gene therapy
Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 26 June.
Spotted around the web: Synthetic embryos; Angelman gene therapy
Here is a roundup of news and research for the week of 26 June.
The future of autism therapies: A conversation with Lilia Iakoucheva and Derek Hong
If a therapy for autism’s core traits makes it to market, it will likely take one of three forms, the researchers say.
![Illustration of a room with DNA sequence wallpaper and three doors leading to abstract new environments.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-future-of-autism-treatments.jpg)
The future of autism therapies: A conversation with Lilia Iakoucheva and Derek Hong
If a therapy for autism’s core traits makes it to market, it will likely take one of three forms, the researchers say.
RNA therapy restores gene function in monkeys modeling Angelman syndrome
The result raises hopes for an ongoing clinical trial in people — and offers fresh insight into the biology of imprinting and the UBE3A antisense transcript.
![Long-tailed macaque in the canopy of a fruiting strangler fig tree, surrounded by ripening figs. Gunung Palung National Park, Borneo.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-rna-therapy-angelman-gene-function-monkeys-autism.jpg)
RNA therapy restores gene function in monkeys modeling Angelman syndrome
The result raises hopes for an ongoing clinical trial in people — and offers fresh insight into the biology of imprinting and the UBE3A antisense transcript.
Single gene insufficient to account for dup15q, Angelman traits
UBE3A, a key gene associated with both autism-linked conditions, can explain most — but not all — of the syndromes’ atypical neuronal properties.
Single gene insufficient to account for dup15q, Angelman traits
UBE3A, a key gene associated with both autism-linked conditions, can explain most — but not all — of the syndromes’ atypical neuronal properties.
Adult Angelman mice get some benefit from boosting UBE3A gene expression
The treatment eases the animals’ sleep troubles, suggesting it has clinically meaningful effects beyond what was thought to be a critical window in early life.
Adult Angelman mice get some benefit from boosting UBE3A gene expression
The treatment eases the animals’ sleep troubles, suggesting it has clinically meaningful effects beyond what was thought to be a critical window in early life.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Cracking the code of the extracellular matrix
Despite evidence for a role in plasticity and other crucial functions, many neuroscientists still view these proteins as “brain goop.” The field needs technical advances and a shift in scientific thinking to move beyond this outdated perspective.
![Colorful illustration of a latticework of proteins.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ECM-Molofsky-neuroscience-1200-1024x692.png)
Cracking the code of the extracellular matrix
Despite evidence for a role in plasticity and other crucial functions, many neuroscientists still view these proteins as “brain goop.” The field needs technical advances and a shift in scientific thinking to move beyond this outdated perspective.
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.
![A repeated DNA strand extends farther from the left side of the image with each iteration.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1200-hungintons-disease-repeats-cell-death-neuroscience-1024x683.png)
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.
X marks the spot in search for autism variants
Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.
![Research image highlighting different brain regions.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1200-transmitter-neuroscience-DDX53-genetic-variants-1024x683.png)
X marks the spot in search for autism variants
Genetic variants on the X chromosome, including those in the gene DDX53, contribute to autism’s gender imbalance, two new studies suggest.