Ion channels
Microglial overreaction to atypical neurons may drive autism
In mice and organoids lacking a neuronal protein, microglia prune synapses to excess.
Microglial overreaction to atypical neurons may drive autism
The legacy of William Catterall, ‘father of ion channels’
Catterall, who characterized the structure, function and regulation of sodium and calcium channels crucial for neuronal excitability, died last month at the age of 77.
The legacy of William Catterall, ‘father of ion channels’
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
The protein products of ANK2 and SCN2A interact to regulate dendritic excitability.
Top autism-linked genes join forces to shape synaptic plasticity
Unconventional optogenetics technique spurs long-lasting changes in neuronal activity
Conventional optogenetic manipulations to excite or inhibit neurons stop when the light switches off. A new approach makes the changes last.
Unconventional optogenetics technique spurs long-lasting changes in neuronal activity
Building a better drug
Iama Therapeutics is hoping a new class of molecule will prove successful against an old target in autism.
Mini biopsies point to source of lethal seizures in model mice
Interneurons that fail to propagate electrical signals in mice that model Dravet syndrome may cause the animals, like people with the autism-linked condition, to die suddenly.
Mini biopsies point to source of lethal seizures in model mice
Model mice hint at sodium channel gene’s contribution to autism
Altered electrical activity in the neurons of mice with a mutated copy of SCN2A may explain the animals’ autism-like social behaviors.
Model mice hint at sodium channel gene’s contribution to autism
How mutations in top autism gene could lead to seizures
Deleterious mutations in an autism-associated gene can make neurons hyperexcitable, raising the risk of epileptic seizures.
How mutations in top autism gene could lead to seizures
Analysis links 98 genes to neurodevelopmental conditions
Genetic sequences from nearly 53,000 people with autism, developmental delay or intellectual disability reveal strong ties to 98 genes.
Analysis links 98 genes to neurodevelopmental conditions
Brain organoids reveal neuronal flaws in syndrome tied to autism
Neurons derived from people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome show deficits in calcium signaling and electrical activity, pointing to possible therapeutic targets.
Brain organoids reveal neuronal flaws in syndrome tied to autism
Explore more from The Transmitter
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
It’s past time to stop using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test
The widely used measure of “theory of mind” needs to be re-examined, along with the long-standing claim that autism is linked to a lack of this ability.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Robots boost data consistency in rodent studies reliant on mechanical, optogenetic stimulation
Two new devices take experimenter variation out of the equation, the lead investigators say.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.
Spina bifida; MDMA effects in a mouse model of autism; maternal autoantibodies
Here is a roundup of autism-related news and research spotted around the web for the week of 13 May.