Gene networks
Autism-linked proteins mingle with other molecules in overlapping networks
A massive new set of interaction maps illuminates especially high convergence in protein networks related to autism and shows how mutations could disrupt those networks.
![A diagram of autism-linked genes.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/1200-spectrum-autism-protein-atlas-1024x683.webp)
Autism-linked proteins mingle with other molecules in overlapping networks
A massive new set of interaction maps illuminates especially high convergence in protein networks related to autism and shows how mutations could disrupt those networks.
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
![Illustration of half of a brain on the left and half of a heart on the right](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1200-trends-heart-defects-autism-1.jpg)
Change of heart and mind: Autism’s ties to cardiac defects
Children with congenital heart disease have an increased likelihood of autism. Why?
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-inside-fig-2C-1.png)
Fishing for protein partners nets clues to autism
Connections between 13 autism-linked proteins and their binding partners in excitatory neurons implicate a new molecular pathway.
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.
Two top autism-linked proteins connect to build cell ‘skeleton’
ADNP and SHANK3 proteins may bind together and alter a neuron’s internal scaffold, hinting at a mechanism that, when disrupted, may underlie several forms of autism.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ADNP-SHANK3-autism-844.png)
Two top autism-linked proteins connect to build cell ‘skeleton’
ADNP and SHANK3 proteins may bind together and alter a neuron’s internal scaffold, hinting at a mechanism that, when disrupted, may underlie several forms of autism.
Autism and the complete human genome: Q&A with Evan Eichler
Scientists have at last filled in the missing gaps — an advance likely to inform every aspect of autism genetics research, Eichler says.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Complete-genome-autism-844.jpg)
Autism and the complete human genome: Q&A with Evan Eichler
Scientists have at last filled in the missing gaps — an advance likely to inform every aspect of autism genetics research, Eichler says.
Autism genetics, explained
The more scientists dig into DNA, the more intricate its contribution to autism seems to be. Here, we unravel the complex genetics of autism.
![DNA helix inside the human body](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/GeneticsExplain844.jpg)
Autism genetics, explained
The more scientists dig into DNA, the more intricate its contribution to autism seems to be. Here, we unravel the complex genetics of autism.
Differing gene functions across species may pose problems for autism models
Misaligned gene expression maps suggest that some autism-linked genes play distinct roles in mouse and human brains.
![Oligodendrocyte gene grouping showing network of blue lines connecting the gene names on reddish bubbles.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Fig5-Oligodendrocyt-1.jpg)
Differing gene functions across species may pose problems for autism models
Misaligned gene expression maps suggest that some autism-linked genes play distinct roles in mouse and human brains.
Proteome map identifies more than 90 percent of all human proteins
Researchers expand on the already enormous progress made on the Human Proteome Project
![Global map of 17,800 human proteins.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20201209-HumanProteome-844.jpg)
Proteome map identifies more than 90 percent of all human proteins
Researchers expand on the already enormous progress made on the Human Proteome Project
Integrating molecular data may reveal subgroups of autism
An analysis of four molecular datasets shows a distinct signature, including changes in gene expression and chemical DNA modifications, in some autism brains.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201030-ASDSubtypes-844.jpg)
Integrating molecular data may reveal subgroups of autism
An analysis of four molecular datasets shows a distinct signature, including changes in gene expression and chemical DNA modifications, in some autism brains.
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.
![](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.