GWAS
Breaking down the winner’s curse: Lessons from brain-wide association studies
We found an issue with a specific type of brain imaging study and tried to share it with the field. Then the backlash began.
![Illustration of a brain made up of many smaller brains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BWAS-fMRI-1200-1024x692.webp)
Breaking down the winner’s curse: Lessons from brain-wide association studies
We found an issue with a specific type of brain imaging study and tried to share it with the field. Then the backlash began.
Common genetic variants shape the structure of the cortex
A genome-wide association study lays a foundation for deeper investigation of these variants in neurodevelopmental conditions.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1200-final-1.png)
Common genetic variants shape the structure of the cortex
A genome-wide association study lays a foundation for deeper investigation of these variants in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Atlas of gene activity in prenatal brain holds clues to autism
Genes exert their strongest influence on the brain in the first half of gestation — a key window for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
![Research diagram of gene clusters.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-final-1.png)
Atlas of gene activity in prenatal brain holds clues to autism
Genes exert their strongest influence on the brain in the first half of gestation — a key window for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
The future of autism therapies: A conversation with Lilia Iakoucheva and Derek Hong
If a therapy for autism’s core traits makes it to market, it will likely take one of three forms, the researchers say.
![Illustration of a room with DNA sequence wallpaper and three doors leading to abstract new environments.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/844-lede-future-of-autism-treatments.jpg)
The future of autism therapies: A conversation with Lilia Iakoucheva and Derek Hong
If a therapy for autism’s core traits makes it to market, it will likely take one of three forms, the researchers say.
Mapping genetic influences on the infant brain: A chat with Rebecca Knickmeyer
Researchers know little about the ways genetic variants affect development in the infant brain. Knickmeyer, who launched the Organization for Imaging Genomics in Infancy, has spent the past five years trying to close the gap.
![MRI scan of a 2-year-old child.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-infant-genetic-influences-autism-cc.png)
Mapping genetic influences on the infant brain: A chat with Rebecca Knickmeyer
Researchers know little about the ways genetic variants affect development in the infant brain. Knickmeyer, who launched the Organization for Imaging Genomics in Infancy, has spent the past five years trying to close the gap.
Africa’s genomic role: Q&A with Conrad Iyegbe and Niran Okewole
Psychiatric genomics promises to shed light on the genetic basis of autism, but it’s vital to include Africa in this research, Iyegbe and Okewole say.
![A pattern in the style of genetic sequencing forms into the shape of the African continent.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/844-africa-working-group-autism-final.jpg)
Africa’s genomic role: Q&A with Conrad Iyegbe and Niran Okewole
Psychiatric genomics promises to shed light on the genetic basis of autism, but it’s vital to include Africa in this research, Iyegbe and Okewole say.
Autism’s genetic heterogeneity evident in brain connectivity patterns
The results highlight the importance of subgrouping study participants based on their underlying genetics, the researchers say.
![Conceptual illustration of a door leading from one area of the brain to another area of the brain.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/brain-connectivity-patterns-autism-genetic-heterogeneity-844.jpg)
Autism’s genetic heterogeneity evident in brain connectivity patterns
The results highlight the importance of subgrouping study participants based on their underlying genetics, the researchers say.
Mutations disrupting chromatin interactions contribute to autism
The mutations occur spontaneously in noncoding stretches of DNA that control gene expression.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/chromatin-interactions-autism-844.png)
Mutations disrupting chromatin interactions contribute to autism
The mutations occur spontaneously in noncoding stretches of DNA that control gene expression.
Maternal genetics may confound studies of autism’s link to prenatal factors
Women who carry genetic variants tied to autism have an elevated chance of experiencing pregnancy-related events linked to the condition in their children.
![A pregnant woman and another figure are obscured by shadows.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/MoBa-pregnancy-ADHD-depression-autism-844.jpg)
Maternal genetics may confound studies of autism’s link to prenatal factors
Women who carry genetic variants tied to autism have an elevated chance of experiencing pregnancy-related events linked to the condition in their children.
Deletions on chromosome 22 have ripple effects across genome
Deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region alters the expression of numerous autism- and schizophrenia-linked genes, most of which are not contained within the deleted region, a new study suggests.
![Concept illustration of DNA deletion: 2 DNA strands extend horizontally across a burnt orange background. The bottom is intact, while there are gaps in the top strand.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/22q11.2-region-gene-autism-844.jpg)
Deletions on chromosome 22 have ripple effects across genome
Deletion of the 22q11.2 chromosomal region alters the expression of numerous autism- and schizophrenia-linked genes, most of which are not contained within the deleted region, a new study suggests.
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.