Astrocytes
‘SNAP’ dance of astrocytes and neurons falls out of step with age, disease
The findings add to growing evidence that astrocytes are star players in cognition.
![A research image showing astrocytes and neurons](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Genes-neuroscience-1200-1024x692.webp)
‘SNAP’ dance of astrocytes and neurons falls out of step with age, disease
The findings add to growing evidence that astrocytes are star players in cognition.
Dispute erupts over role of sticky proteins in astrocytes
But multiple independent researchers say they are not convinced by its results, which fail to confirm high-profile findings from 2017.
![Image of excitatory synapses in mouse brains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-neuroligins-lede.png)
Dispute erupts over role of sticky proteins in astrocytes
But multiple independent researchers say they are not convinced by its results, which fail to confirm high-profile findings from 2017.
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
![Research image of gene-edited mouse liver cells compared to controls.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-final-mice-prime-editing-autism.png)
Latest ‘prime-editing’ tools tackle delivery, safety issues
The gene-editing advances make it easier to target specific tissues in mice and detect off-target effects.
Astrocytes fuel erratic firing in fragile X neurons
A shift in astrocyte secretions may explain the atypical firing patterns of neurons derived from people with fragile X syndrome.
![Research image of neurons and astrocytes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/844-astrocytes-final.jpg)
Astrocytes fuel erratic firing in fragile X neurons
A shift in astrocyte secretions may explain the atypical firing patterns of neurons derived from people with fragile X syndrome.
Beyond the bench: At school with Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
Spectrum caught up with the University of California, Davis professor about her passion for volunteering in underserved schools, birding and fossil-hunting.
![Autism researcher Veronica Martinez Cereno holds a brain in her lab.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cerdeno-Autism-brain-cc-844.jpg)
Beyond the bench: At school with Verónica Martínez Cerdeño
Spectrum caught up with the University of California, Davis professor about her passion for volunteering in underserved schools, birding and fossil-hunting.
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.
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
![Single astrocyte on black background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Astrocytes-fragileX-autism-844.jpg)
Mouse studies cast astrocytes as stars of sensory perception
Data from two separate research teams suggest the cells are key to sensory hypersensitivity in fragile X syndrome.
How star cells’ secretions may stunt neurons: Q&A with Nicola Allen
Non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes secrete proteins that seem to hamper the growth of neurons in people with autism-related syndromes. These proteins could be new drug targets, Allen says.
![six images of astrocytes](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/astrocytes-autism-neurodevelopmental-syndromes-lede-844.png)
How star cells’ secretions may stunt neurons: Q&A with Nicola Allen
Non-neuronal brain cells called astrocytes secrete proteins that seem to hamper the growth of neurons in people with autism-related syndromes. These proteins could be new drug targets, Allen says.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Glial cells star in autism-linked gene expression analysis
Many genes linked to autism are switched on in the brain's glia, cells that help neurons develop and synapses form.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/uddin-844.jpg)
Glial cells star in autism-linked gene expression analysis
Many genes linked to autism are switched on in the brain's glia, cells that help neurons develop and synapses form.
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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.