Mitochondria
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
![Illustration of mitochondria as a kind of Stonehenge, with the shapes standing upright, casting shadows, against a blue sky.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1200-mitochondria-autism.jpg)
Mitochondria mediate effects of PTEN mutations
Whole-genome sequencing data — which include information about mitochondrial DNA — offer clues to why mutations in the same gene can lead to autism or cancer.
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.
Unlocking the mitochondrial genome for autism research
The DNA specific to mitochondria is difficult to access, but new methods place its secrets within reach.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/mitochondrial-DNA-nuclear-autism-844.jpg)
Unlocking the mitochondrial genome for autism research
The DNA specific to mitochondria is difficult to access, but new methods place its secrets within reach.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria: An energy explanation for autism
People with autism have more mutations than others do in both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA that affects mitochondrial function.
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
![Stylized illustration combines flat color and 3D forms make up a mitochondria with human heads inside it.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/LeadMito844.jpg)
Meet the ‘mitomaniacs’ who say mitochondria matter in autism
Clues that problems with mitochondria contribute to autism have been accumulating for decades. In the past five years, a mutant mouse and a flurry of findings have energized the field.
Dispatches from SfN 2021: Mitochondria, Rett therapy and oxytocin
These short reports from Spectrum journalists highlight some of the autism-related findings that caught our attention at the meeting this past week.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SCN2A-844.jpg)
Dispatches from SfN 2021: Mitochondria, Rett therapy and oxytocin
These short reports from Spectrum journalists highlight some of the autism-related findings that caught our attention at the meeting this past week.
Changes to mitochondrial DNA spur autism-like traits in mice
Mice with a mutation in their mitochondrial DNA show altered brain activity, repetitive behaviors and reduced sociability, according to a new study.
![Transmission Electron micrograph shows mitochondria colored an aqua blue.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/20210211-mitochrondria844.jpg)
Changes to mitochondrial DNA spur autism-like traits in mice
Mice with a mutation in their mitochondrial DNA show altered brain activity, repetitive behaviors and reduced sociability, according to a new study.
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
![White lab mouse sitting in a gloved hand.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20200924-SUDEP-Dravet-844.jpg)
Notable papers in autism research, 2020
Gene therapies and the factors influencing autism traits top Spectrum’s list of the 10 most notable research findings we covered in 2020.
Fragile X syndrome traits may stem from leaky mitochondria
Plugging a leaky mitochondrial membrane may help fragile X neurons to mature and function more efficiently.
![Micrograph of a mitochondria.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/1970/01/20200910-ATPsynthase-844.jpg)
Fragile X syndrome traits may stem from leaky mitochondria
Plugging a leaky mitochondrial membrane may help fragile X neurons to mature and function more efficiently.
Immune cells may underlie anxiety in autistic people
Some cases of anxiety, which often accompanies autism, may stem from a faulty immune system, a new study suggests — but some experts are skeptical.
![Magnified view of mitochondria in mice](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191216-Anxiety844.jpg)
Immune cells may underlie anxiety in autistic people
Some cases of anxiety, which often accompanies autism, may stem from a faulty immune system, a new study suggests — but some experts are skeptical.
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.