mGluR5
In deep water with Gül Dölen
A researcher's existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.
![Scientist Gül Dölen smiles while looking towards the window in her lab's office.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gul-Dolen-portrait-autism-844.jpg)
In deep water with Gül Dölen
A researcher's existential crisis led to a scientific breakthrough.
Plethora of protein-making machines in neurons may underlie fragile X
An overabundance of ribosomes drives an imbalance of proteins produced from long and short genetic transcripts in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/protein-making-machines-fragile-x_844.png)
Plethora of protein-making machines in neurons may underlie fragile X
An overabundance of ribosomes drives an imbalance of proteins produced from long and short genetic transcripts in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.
Fragile X theory falters on amygdala test
Activating certain receptors in the amygdala — a treatment that runs counter to a leading theory of what causes the condition — can reverse some traits in rats.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AmygdalarDysfunction-844.jpg)
Fragile X theory falters on amygdala test
Activating certain receptors in the amygdala — a treatment that runs counter to a leading theory of what causes the condition — can reverse some traits in rats.
Elizabeth Berry-Kravis: Running a marathon for fragile X syndrome
Elizabeth Berry-Kravis has spent decades uncovering molecular clues to fragile X syndrome and crafting trials of treatments. Her efforts are paying off.
![Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis stretching during a run.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20210526-BKravis-Lead844.jpg)
Elizabeth Berry-Kravis: Running a marathon for fragile X syndrome
Elizabeth Berry-Kravis has spent decades uncovering molecular clues to fragile X syndrome and crafting trials of treatments. Her efforts are paying off.
Fragile X researcher takes on COVID-19
Cara Westmark has spent the past year building the case that a drug designed for fragile X syndrome might help coronavirus patients, too.
![Hands of researcher in two colors, one hand with Fragile X and the other with COIVD shapes connected by multicolored dots.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/20210202-WestmarkQA-844.jpg)
Fragile X researcher takes on COVID-19
Cara Westmark has spent the past year building the case that a drug designed for fragile X syndrome might help coronavirus patients, too.
A quest for Quincy: Gene therapies come of age for some forms of autism
A gene therapy for Angelman syndrome stands at the forefront of efforts to treat autism-linked conditions that stem from single genes.
![Ralf Schmid, the research director in Neurodevelopmental diseases at the Gene Therapy Program Orphan Disease Center, loads replicated mouse dna into wells in the gel before applying electric current to test the viability of the dna.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201014-GTLablede844-1.jpg)
A quest for Quincy: Gene therapies come of age for some forms of autism
A gene therapy for Angelman syndrome stands at the forefront of efforts to treat autism-linked conditions that stem from single genes.
Mouse study hints at why fragile X drugs fail in trials
Drug after drug has failed in clinical trials for fragile X syndrome. A new study provides an explanation — a decrease in the drugs’ effectiveness over time — and points to a new strategy that could circumvent this problem.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PreTermCSection844.jpg)
Mouse study hints at why fragile X drugs fail in trials
Drug after drug has failed in clinical trials for fragile X syndrome. A new study provides an explanation — a decrease in the drugs’ effectiveness over time — and points to a new strategy that could circumvent this problem.
Fragile X syndrome’s link to autism, explained
Fragile X syndrome is a leading genetic cause of autism. People who have either condition often share certain traits, such as difficulties in social situations.
![Illustration of research mice forming the letter 'X'.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/20181009-FragileX844.jpg)
Fragile X syndrome’s link to autism, explained
Fragile X syndrome is a leading genetic cause of autism. People who have either condition often share certain traits, such as difficulties in social situations.
Newly discovered aspects of fragile X spur next wave of drugs
Many drugs for fragile X syndrome have failed in large clinical trials, but candidates that target new aspects of the condition may fare better.
![Drawing shows scientists moving in different directions in a matrix of molecules and and genetic material.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180920-FragileXtrends844.jpg)
Newly discovered aspects of fragile X spur next wave of drugs
Many drugs for fragile X syndrome have failed in large clinical trials, but candidates that target new aspects of the condition may fare better.
Smart genes; Neanderthal mini-brains; diabetes link and more
Autism and intelligence share genetic variants, researchers grow Neanderthal mini-brains and see overlap with autism, and maternal diabetes is an autism risk factor.
Smart genes; Neanderthal mini-brains; diabetes link and more
Autism and intelligence share genetic variants, researchers grow Neanderthal mini-brains and see overlap with autism, and maternal diabetes is an autism risk factor.
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.