MECP2
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
Whereas some mice display hypersensitivity to touch only as adults, others respond that way from birth.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/1200-spinal-touch-1024x683.webp)
Autism-linked genes shape touch processing through different mechanisms, at different times
Whereas some mice display hypersensitivity to touch only as adults, others respond that way from birth.
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
![Research video of a zebrafish larva (zoomed in on the gut) being given glucose.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/844-peripheral-nervous-system-deep-dive-autism-hp-size.gif)
On the periphery: Thinking ‘outside the brain’ offers new ideas about autism
Neuronal alterations outside the brain may help to explain a host of the condition’s characteristic traits, including sensory changes, gut problems and motor differences.
FDA approval of trofinetide may spur further drug development for Rett
The drug, welcomed by patients, might be just the first of many.
![Drop of liquid medicine with air bubbles is dripping from a pipette on a light pink background.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/844-trofinetide-lede.jpg)
FDA approval of trofinetide may spur further drug development for Rett
The drug, welcomed by patients, might be just the first of many.
Debut drug for Rett syndrome at edge of approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to make an approval decision on the first-ever drug for girls and women with Rett syndrome by 12 March.
![Illustration of a gloved hand reaching down to place a pill bottle on a pedestal.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/844-enterprise-rett.jpg)
Debut drug for Rett syndrome at edge of approval
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to make an approval decision on the first-ever drug for girls and women with Rett syndrome by 12 March.
Going on Trial: Orphan drugs; CBD; bumetanide
This month’s newsletter takes a close look at the orphan drug program in the United States, several cannabis-based therapies and a secondary analysis of bumetanide, among other new developments in autism-related drug trials.
![Illustration of a sheet of red and white pills, with the red pills arranged in the form of a question mark.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/844-going-on-trial-autism-drugs-02.jpg)
Going on Trial: Orphan drugs; CBD; bumetanide
This month’s newsletter takes a close look at the orphan drug program in the United States, several cannabis-based therapies and a secondary analysis of bumetanide, among other new developments in autism-related drug trials.
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
![Research image of cell bodies of rett-like neurons, some of which were treated with epigenome editors.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/844-final.png)
Epigenome edits unmute MECP2 in Rett-like neurons
The approach removes methyl tags from the gene and shields it from other silencing factors without changing the gene itself, raising hopes for a new treatment.
RNA rewrite improves breathing, survival in Rett mice
The technique involves editing the cellular instructions to make MECP2 protein and partially restores its levels in the brainstem.
![Set of 6 scans shows mice recovering MECP2 protein in their brainstem after being treated with RNA-editing viruses.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/RNA-editing-autism-rett-syndrome-844.png)
RNA rewrite improves breathing, survival in Rett mice
The technique involves editing the cellular instructions to make MECP2 protein and partially restores its levels in the brainstem.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Portrait of a research field: astrocytes in autism
Long cast in supporting roles in the brain, astrocytes are now emerging as primary players in certain characteristics of autism and related conditions.
Faulty inhibition foils long-term memory in Rett mice
The animals recall fear more readily if a set of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus is switched on.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RettCircuit844.jpg)
Faulty inhibition foils long-term memory in Rett mice
The animals recall fear more readily if a set of inhibitory neurons in the hippocampus is switched on.
Macaques’ social skills tied to variation in autism-linked genes
Genetics strongly influences some aspects of the monkey’s social behavior, including tendencies to solicit grooming and sit or play alone.
![A family of Macaques aat the Yerkes National Primate Research Center Field Station, Lawrenceville, Georgia.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Macaques844.jpg)
Macaques’ social skills tied to variation in autism-linked genes
Genetics strongly influences some aspects of the monkey’s social behavior, including tendencies to solicit grooming and sit or play alone.
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.
![](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.