![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/benjamin-philpot.jpg)
Benjamin Philpot
Professor of neuroscience
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
From this contributor
Angelman syndrome: Bellwether for genetic therapy in autism
It is not a matter of whether there will be clinical trials of genetic therapy for Angelman syndrome, but when.
![An illustration shows a mosaic-like view of viruses delivering genes to the brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181016-Philpot844-cc.jpg)
Angelman syndrome: Bellwether for genetic therapy in autism
Insights for autism from Angelman syndrome
Deletions or duplications of the UBE3A gene lead to both Angelman syndrome and some cases of autism, respectively. Studying the effects of altered gene dosage in this region will provide insights into brain defects and suggest targets for therapies for both disorders, says expert Benjamin Philpot.
![Neurons](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Neurons844.jpg)
Insights for autism from Angelman syndrome
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![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
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![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
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