Michele Solis is a freelance writer based in Seattle, Washington.
Michele Solis
Freelance Writer
SFARI
From this contributor
Molecular mechanisms: Autism protein connects neurons
An autism-linked protein called CASPR2 promotes the development of dendrites, the bushy structures atop neurons that receive signals from other neurons, according to a study published 30 October in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Lowering CASPR2 levels leads to sparse dendrites and few synapses, the junctions between neurons.
Molecular mechanisms: Autism protein connects neurons
By
Michele Solis
28 November 2012 | 2 min read
Molecular mechanisms: Stress pathway dysregulated in autism
Two studies report abnormalities in the system that mediates the body’s response to stress in two mouse models of autism-related diseases: Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome. The results were published in the April issue of Human Molecular Genetics.
Molecular mechanisms: Stress pathway dysregulated in autism
By
Michele Solis
27 April 2012 | 2 min read
Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene tied to neuronal wiring
An autism-linked protein helps wire neurons together, according to two studies published in late September.
Molecular mechanisms: Autism gene tied to neuronal wiring
By
Michele Solis
21 October 2011 | 2 min read
Molecular mechanisms: MeCP2 loss ups signal strength
A study using action potentials, the electrical impulses that trigger signaling, shows that neurons lacking MeCP2, the Rett syndrome protein, have stronger neuronal signals compared with controls, according to a study published in the July Journal of Neurophysiology.
Molecular mechanisms: MeCP2 loss ups signal strength
By
Michele Solis
3 August 2011 | 2 min read
Molecular mechanisms: Neuroligin-4 induces synapses in a dish
Neuroligin-4, a protein associated with autism, is located at synapses — the junctions between neurons — that inhibit signals in the brain, according to a study published in February in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The protein can also single-handedly induce neurons derived from human stem cells to form synapses, according to another study in the same issue.
Molecular mechanisms: Neuroligin-4 induces synapses in a dish
By
Michele Solis
23 March 2011 | 2 min read
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Molecular changes after MECP2 loss may drive Rett syndrome traits
Knocking out the gene in adult mice triggered up- and down-regulated expression of myriad genes weeks before there were changes in neuronal function.
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20 March 2025 | 5 min read