CNTNAP2
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
![Research video of a zebrafish larva (zoomed in on the gut) being given glucose.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/844-peripheral-nervous-system-deep-dive-autism-hp-size.gif)
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.
![lllustration of the junction between two nerve cells.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/844-final.jpg)
Multi-omics study captures CNTNAP2’s far-ranging effects
The in-depth approach shows mutations in the autism-linked gene disrupt neuronal growth and communication, as well as mitochondrial gene expression.
Mouse models help sniff out olfactory differences in autism
A range of presentations at Neuroscience 2022 tie atypical social behavior to trouble discriminating between odors in the animals.
![A white mouse sits on a nest against a blue background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-mouse-models-autism-olfactory-differences.jpg)
Mouse models help sniff out olfactory differences in autism
A range of presentations at Neuroscience 2022 tie atypical social behavior to trouble discriminating between odors in the animals.
Oxytocin alters brain activity to boost sociability in mice missing autism gene
Infusions of the hormone oxytocin may make mice that model autism more social by normalizing their brain activity patterns.
![Scans of mouse brain slices showing differences in oxytocin levels](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CNTNAP-oxytocin-844.jpg)
Oxytocin alters brain activity to boost sociability in mice missing autism gene
Infusions of the hormone oxytocin may make mice that model autism more social by normalizing their brain activity patterns.
What studying worms, flies and fish says about autism
Researchers are increasingly turning to simple animals to learn about autism biology and find leads for new drugs.
![A lighthearted, colorful, chaotic lab scene with fruit flies flying in formation, worms peeking out of piles of dirt and zebrafish spilling out of beakers.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/AnimalModelLede844.jpg)
What studying worms, flies and fish says about autism
Researchers are increasingly turning to simple animals to learn about autism biology and find leads for new drugs.
GABA agonist rescues auditory hypersensitivity in rats missing autism-linked gene CNTNAP2
The investigational drug arbaclofen may right an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory signaling in the animals’ brains.
![brainstem of rats in red, green and blue highlight higher levels of GABA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GABAb-844.jpg)
GABA agonist rescues auditory hypersensitivity in rats missing autism-linked gene CNTNAP2
The investigational drug arbaclofen may right an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory signaling in the animals’ brains.
Cerebellum alterations crop up in mice missing autism gene
Deleting the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2 from mice leads to distinct cellular and electrical changes in the cerebellum, according to two unpublished studies presented virtually today at the 2021 Society for Neuroscience Global Connectome.
![Neurons in cerebella of mice with fewer branches and spines.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CNTNAP2-844.jpg)
Cerebellum alterations crop up in mice missing autism gene
Deleting the autism-linked gene CNTNAP2 from mice leads to distinct cellular and electrical changes in the cerebellum, according to two unpublished studies presented virtually today at the 2021 Society for Neuroscience Global Connectome.
‘MoSeq’ identifies drug-specific behaviors in autism mouse model
A tool that relies on video cameras and machine learning can identify mice that have mutations in a top autism gene by their behaviors. It also detects how a widely used autism drug affects their movements.
‘MoSeq’ identifies drug-specific behaviors in autism mouse model
A tool that relies on video cameras and machine learning can identify mice that have mutations in a top autism gene by their behaviors. It also detects how a widely used autism drug affects their movements.
Nighttime light affects sleep, repetitive behaviors in autism mouse model
Mice missing an autism gene groom themselves more than usual and have altered circadian rhythms after nighttime exposure to light.
![White mouse grooming.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201002-Cntnap2Mouse844.jpg)
Nighttime light affects sleep, repetitive behaviors in autism mouse model
Mice missing an autism gene groom themselves more than usual and have altered circadian rhythms after nighttime exposure to light.
Drug improves social behaviors, oxytocin signaling in autism mouse model
Mice missing the autism gene NLGN3 have altered social behaviors and brain responses to the hormone oxytocin, both of which improve after treatment with a drug that helps regulate protein production.
![Two mice side-by-side.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200903-Oxytocin844.jpg)
Drug improves social behaviors, oxytocin signaling in autism mouse model
Mice missing the autism gene NLGN3 have altered social behaviors and brain responses to the hormone oxytocin, both of which improve after treatment with a drug that helps regulate protein production.
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.