CHD8

Research image of two fluorescent-stained organoids.

CRISPR gives autism-linked genes a boost, rescues functioning

A modified form of the gene-editing tool increases the expression of CHD8 and SCN2A, showing potential for autism therapies.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
23 May 2024 | 5 min read
Research image of zebrafish forebrains.

Autism-related genes converge on microglia and dopamine in zebrafish

The findings add to the growing evidence that genes with disparate functions can play similar roles in brain development.

By Peter Hess
12 May 2023 | 4 min read
Illustration of neurons.
Spectrum Microphone

Chromatin remodeling tied to altered splicing in autism model

Exposing neurons to valproic acid, a well-known environmental risk factor for autism, disrupts their ability to generate different proteins from the same gene.

By Giorgia Guglielmi
7 February 2023 | 5 min read
A white mouse, brown mouse and black mouse stand inside a wooden circle against a blue background.
Spectrum Microphone

CHD8 mutation in 33 mouse strains yields range of traits

The findings put genetic background forward to help explain autism’s heterogeneity.

By Peter Hess
3 February 2023 | 5 min read
Three-dimensional structure of cells in the cerebellum.

Flexible genomic architecture undergoes major redesigns during cerebellum development

A new atlas reveals how the structural shake-ups within a cell’s genome differ by cell type and brain region over time.

By Angie Voyles Askham
13 November 2022 | 4 min read
An illustration of two scientists carrying a larger-than-life DNA strand on their shoulders.

Community Newsletter: Autism gene lists, genetic diversity in mouse models, an autism biomarker

This week, we’re bringing you some labors of love: a thread lamenting the autism field’s focus on gene lists, a study introducing genetic diversity in mouse models, and long-awaited results from a biomarker study.

By Michael Fergenson
4 September 2022 | 5 min read
Several strands of DNA with different openings at different points to show different functions for the same gene at different points in time
Spectrum Microphone

‘Double duty’ autism-linked genes upend conventional characterizations

What these genes do and how they affect autism depends on when in development they’re studied, despite what classic ‘gene ontology’ analyses say.

By Angie Voyles Askham
23 August 2022 | 8 min read
Ultrasound in black and white shows a pattern.

Heart anomalies abound in mouse models of autism

Of nine genetic models examined in a new study, all had some incidence of cardiac abnormalities. But the problems varied widely depending on the affected genes.

By Laura Dattaro
23 May 2022 | 4 min read
organoids in early stages of development.

Organoids show how mutations in top autism gene may lead to brain overgrowth in people

The loss of CHD8, a top autism gene, speeds up the production of certain neurons and leads to overgrowth in spheres of cultured brain cells.

By Peter Hess
19 April 2022 | 3 min read

Three autism-linked genes converge on tweaks to cells’ timing

Mutations in all three accelerate the maturation of inhibitory neurons, which could upset the brain’s balance of excitation and inhibition early in development.

By Angie Voyles Askham
2 February 2022 | 4 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