Mosaicism
Recent articles
Cortical interneurons derive differently in human brains
Excitatory neurons and some inhibitory neurons in the adult human cortex share parents, challenging the longstanding idea that the two cell types have different origins.

Cortical interneurons derive differently in human brains
Excitatory neurons and some inhibitory neurons in the adult human cortex share parents, challenging the longstanding idea that the two cell types have different origins.
Turner syndrome tied to autism
Most people with the X-linked syndrome have autism traits, and about one-quarter meet diagnostic criteria for the condition.

Turner syndrome tied to autism
Most people with the X-linked syndrome have autism traits, and about one-quarter meet diagnostic criteria for the condition.
Mutations linked to autism may be detectable in men’s sperm
An advanced DNA-sequencing technique has identified gene-damaging mutations, some with ties to autism, in about 1 in 15 men.

Mutations linked to autism may be detectable in men’s sperm
An advanced DNA-sequencing technique has identified gene-damaging mutations, some with ties to autism, in about 1 in 15 men.
Patchwork mutations present a new frontier for autism research
Mosaic mutations, which affect only some of the body’s cells, play a small but meaningful role in autism. Though they are difficult to study, researchers are working to master their complexity.

Patchwork mutations present a new frontier for autism research
Mosaic mutations, which affect only some of the body’s cells, play a small but meaningful role in autism. Though they are difficult to study, researchers are working to master their complexity.
Alternative gene-therapy approaches take aim at Rett syndrome
Methods that selectively increase levels of the Rett protein make for safer and more effective treatment strategies, some researchers say.

Alternative gene-therapy approaches take aim at Rett syndrome
Methods that selectively increase levels of the Rett protein make for safer and more effective treatment strategies, some researchers say.
Molecular switch marks mosaic mutations in mice
A new tool enables researchers to create mosaic mutations in only some cells and then accurately identify which cells are affected.

Molecular switch marks mosaic mutations in mice
A new tool enables researchers to create mosaic mutations in only some cells and then accurately identify which cells are affected.
Two studies highlight role of ‘mosaic’ mutations in autism
Mutations seen in only some of the body's cells often affect gene activity in the brains of people with autism, and can involve large segments of DNA, according to two new studies.

Two studies highlight role of ‘mosaic’ mutations in autism
Mutations seen in only some of the body's cells often affect gene activity in the brains of people with autism, and can involve large segments of DNA, according to two new studies.
Autism, intellectual disability linked to levels of fragile X protein
People with particularly low levels of FMRP, the protein lacking in those with fragile X syndrome, are more likely to also have autism and severe intellectual disability.

Autism, intellectual disability linked to levels of fragile X protein
People with particularly low levels of FMRP, the protein lacking in those with fragile X syndrome, are more likely to also have autism and severe intellectual disability.
Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
A new technique detects rare mutations that occur in only a subset of the body's cells.

Machine learning flags ‘mosaic’ mutations that may contribute to autism
A new technique detects rare mutations that occur in only a subset of the body's cells.
Explore more from The Transmitter
Null and Noteworthy: Neurons tracking sequences don’t fire in order
Instead, neurons encode the position of sequential items in working memory based on when they fire during ongoing brain wave oscillations—a finding that challenges a long-standing theory.

Null and Noteworthy: Neurons tracking sequences don’t fire in order
Instead, neurons encode the position of sequential items in working memory based on when they fire during ongoing brain wave oscillations—a finding that challenges a long-standing theory.
How to teach this paper: ‘Neurotoxic reactive astrocytes are induced by activated microglia,’ by Liddelow et al. (2017)
Shane Liddelow and his collaborators identified the factors that transform astrocytes from their helpful to harmful form. Their work is a great choice if you want to teach students about glial cell types, cell culture, gene expression or protein measurement.

How to teach this paper: ‘Neurotoxic reactive astrocytes are induced by activated microglia,’ by Liddelow et al. (2017)
Shane Liddelow and his collaborators identified the factors that transform astrocytes from their helpful to harmful form. Their work is a great choice if you want to teach students about glial cell types, cell culture, gene expression or protein measurement.
Astrocytes sense neuromodulators to orchestrate neuronal activity and shape behavior
Astrocytes serve as crucial mediators of neuromodulatory processes previously attributed to direct communication between neurons, four new studies show.

Astrocytes sense neuromodulators to orchestrate neuronal activity and shape behavior
Astrocytes serve as crucial mediators of neuromodulatory processes previously attributed to direct communication between neurons, four new studies show.